Gardener’s love of hiking motivates return to work
Adele Ritchie was just two weeks into a new role as a gardener with Indigo Shire Council in Beechworth, north-east Victoria, when she suffered a serious injury at work.
While working alone on a hot day, Adele suffered a heavy fall onto hard ground. Despite being in pain, she managed to get back into the truck and call the depot for help.
At hospital, scans confirmed a fractured femur and Adele underwent surgery the next day to insert a metal plate and screw.
Recovery was slow and challenging, involving months on crutches, intensive physiotherapy, and the frustration of losing independence, particularly not being able to drive. “I thought I’d be back to work in a month, but it took a lot longer. My love of hiking kept me motivated,” Adele says.
Adele returned to work on light duties just 10 weeks after her injury. She proactively identified meaningful tasks, including office-based work and training others in a new computer system. “I wanted to contribute, even if I couldn’t be in the garden straight away,” she says.
Her gradual return included a mix of office and outdoor work, slowly increasing hours and physical activity. Within six months, she was back doing full gardening duties. Support from her colleagues, family, GP, physiotherapist, and EML, helped Adele recover both physically and mentally.
Adele said of her EML case manager and mobile case manager: “They have been wonderful, checking up on me to see I’m OK. They knew the process and arranged for me to go to a hydro pool for recovery. They were excellent.”
Despite setbacks — including a minor slip at work — Adele remained focused.
“She approached her recovery with such positivity,” said Mel, her EML case manager. “Adele didn’t see the injury as a setback, but as a challenge to overcome. She worked hard to return to work and to life.”
Adele encourages others to take charge of their return to work: “Be proactive and suggest tasks that match your skills. Employers should also find meaningful ways for injured staff to contribute.”
Now back at work, Adele says: “I enjoy gardening and being outdoors, and my colleagues were so happy to have me back.”
Adele has been named a finalist in the 2025 WorkSafe Awards, for Worker Return to Work Excellence.
“Being a finalist validates the mental and physical effort it took to recover,” she says. “I hope my journey inspires others who have workplace injuries to keep overcoming barriers so they can get back to work and the leisure activities they enjoy.”
We wish Adele the best of luck at the Awards celebration event on 26 February 2026.
