Macleay Borger laughs as he plays basketball with the boys at a regional high school in NSW.
The students cheered him on, standing by Mr. Borg as he circled the field.
Mr. Borger, 34, became visually impaired after being blinded in a work-related accident nearly 10 years ago.
He is a student mentor, using his experience to guide and inspire others.
“It’s so rewarding, being able to come here and chat with the boys and learn about all their different stories, their different backgrounds,” Mr Borg said.
“I’m really looking forward to it and being able to pass on the little bit of wisdom that I have.”
Blind in a Work Accident
Mr Borger, from Port Macquarie on the NSW mid-north coast, was working at a pub in June 2013 when he made a mistake cleaning a beer line.
As a result, the alkaline solution used in the process was sprayed into his face and eyes.
“I was 24 years old, working, playing sports, having fun,” Mr Borg said.
“It was a routine beer line cleaning but I went the wrong way and forgot to depressurize our used kegs… My face and eyes were badly burned by the chemicals.”
“You don’t think a small mistake is going to be catastrophic.
“It’s crazy to think about how important your vision is and how much it can change your life when you lose it.”
physical and mental recovery
Mr Borger spent eight months in a Sydney hospital where he underwent 13 operations.
He recovered, but mental and physical challenges persisted, and in late 2020 he was contacted with a Port Macquarie Lifeline staff member.
He was told about the TAFE NSW Mental Health Peer Work course, which aims for students to support others by applying their lived experience with mental illness and recovery.
“I made the decision that I’m going to do it,” Mr Borg said.
After completing the course, Mr Borger was hired this year as a student tutor at McKillop College in Port Macquarie, while also assisting with teaching at adjoining St Peter’s Primary School.
“Being able to return to work has been good for my recovery and my mental health,” Mr Borg said.
“It’s really great to be able to work with younger kids and it’s fun without the filter.”
Warren Lorger, of Mackillop College, said Mr Borger had developed strong relationships with a group of Year 8 boys.
“Macleay brought his own school experience and the adversity he encountered,” he said.
“They were able to feel comfortable with him and talk to them about the challenges they had.
“Boys also feel a responsibility to take care of Mac [Mr Borger] Getting him where he needs to be and seeing them work together as a small team has been fantastic. “
St Peter’s Primary School principal Geoff Leary said Mr Borger was a great role model.
“It’s a great opportunity for our kids to better understand different abilities and appreciate how you can be very, very positive in a very challenging environment,” he said.
The family walks hand in hand
Mr Borg and his wife Emily had only been together for about six months when he lost his sight.
Emily was 21 at the time.
The relationship lasted and they are now married with “three beautiful children”, the youngest of whom is just eight months old.
Ms. Borger said being “the eyes of the family” was a learning curve and she was inspired to watch her husband overcome challenges.
“I am amazed by him every day and see how resilient he is,” she said.
“I’m really proud of him and we’re all so lucky to have him.”
Mr Borg said he was “lucky” to have his wife.
“Emily is happy to be together and to maintain this relationship,” he said.
“We’re able to do things like a normal family with a little twist.”
