How Ocean Grove man leapt from marine biology to social work

Ocean Grove’s Zac Lewis was motivated by a message from his mum when he made the career leap from marine biology into social work.

Ocean Grove's Zac Lewis made a career leap from marine biology into social work. Picture: Mark Wilson

Ocean Grove’s Zac Lewis was motivated by a message from his mother when he made the career leap from marine biology into social work about seven years ago.

“My mum never finished her education at high school and she always used to tell me later in life that there were so many things she wanted to do, but not finishing her education held her back,” he said.

Mr Lewis said he enjoyed his work as a researcher at the Queenscliff Marine Research Station but found a new passion working with the people in his community.

“To achieve good environmental outcomes, you need to engage with the community,” he said.

“I started to enjoy working with different community groups and realised I loved the community aspect more than the scientific work.”

Now, Mr Lewis is the chief executive at Western Chances, an organisation which offers financial assistance and support to young people in Melbourne’s west, helping them reach their potential.

He said the organisation was about to expand into Greater Geelong with plans for a three year pilot program to commence at the start of term one in 2024.

“There are real socio-economic challenges in Geelong,” Mr Lewis said.

“There are real pockets of entrenched disadvantage in Geelong’s north and in Newcomb and Whittington.

“But out of that, there are so many talented young people.

“All they need is a bit of support and nurturing and they can go on to do great things.”

Ocean Grove's Zac Lewis is the chief executive of Western Chances. Picture: Mark Wilson

Mr Lewis recently worked with a woman who was one of three sisters in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

She had wanted to become a paramedic, but had given up on her dream as she could not afford the study costs.

“We supported her with a scholarship,” Mr Lewis said.

“She told us she had stopped dreaming big but getting that scholarship was a realisation that the community supports and believes in her.

“She is now studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine.

“It just shows you the power of belief.”

On Tuesday, Mr Lewis was announced as one of 10 scholars to receive $50,000 as part of Westpac’s Social Change Fellowship.

The program invests in individuals who are tackling some of Australia’s most challenging social issues.

Mr Lewis said the opportunity was a “game changer”.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and learn to be a better leader,” he said.

Originally published as How Ocean Grove man leapt from marine biology to social work