Maryknoll residents Wayne and Anne Van Vliet are hoping for success with their new business, Comply Test and Tag Service.By Sarah Schwager
A MARYKNOLL man is trying to get back on his feet after a car accident three years ago left him unable to work.
Wayne Van Vliet, 40, worked as an electrician, but because of the injuries will never work in the trade again.
Wayne’s wife, Anne, said he still had some problems such as headaches and neck and back problems.
“He’s as good as he’s going to get,” she said.
The couple has recently set up a business called Comply Test and Tag Service to test electrical appliances in businesses to ensure they comply with Australian Occupational Health and Safety (OH and S) standards.
“We had to do something – that’s why we set up the business,” Anne said.
“It’s a bit less physical.”
Wayne was under Transport Accident Commission (TAC) payments for the first 18 months after the accident, and the couple has since lived off income protection.
“We took it out when we had our first child but we still go backwards every month,” Anne said.
She said they decided to set up the appliance test and tag business because of Wayne’s experience in the area.
“It’s something that’s a growing area because of the OH and S Act,” she said.
“A lot more businesses are getting tested now.”
Anne said after the TAC payments stopped, Wayne had to do most of his treatments at home to help rebuild his muscles.
“I do a lot of massage to help him with his headaches and so on,” she said.
Anne said she and Wayne had met in the fire brigade, which had been an important part of his life.
Wayne was a member of the Berwick Country Fire Authority for 20 years and helped fight fires including the Upper Beaconsfield fires on Ash Wednesday and the bushfires in Bright.
“The car accident put a stop to that,” Anne said.
She said the couple wanted to get on with life with their two daughters, Leonie, six, and Tara, three.
“I hope the business will take off and get him back on his feet one day,” she said.
