Big Brother star Reggie Bird has suffered another job rejection after being turned down for a retail assistant position at an Aldi supermarket on the Gold Coast. The knockback comes only weeks after the 52-year-old reality television star failed to secure a job at sandwich chain Subway.
The beloved television personality recently shared a screenshot on social media of the rejection letter she received from Aldi. "Hi Regina, Thank you for applying for the position of retail assistant with Aldi. In this instance, we are writing to let you know that we have decided not to progress with your application," the letter read.
Reggie, who is legally blind following a diagnosis with a rare degenerative eye disease, expressed her frustration in the caption after being turned away from another entry-level job. "Bugger... I would have been a great checkout chick. I'm great talking to people," she wrote.
Followers flooded the comments section with advice and encouragement. "Go down the path of applying for jobs with the disability program. Wonderful people at the disability agency," one follower suggested. Another user commented, "Have you tried job agencies who help people with disabilities find employment? Might be a better pathway." A third person wrote, "Can't say you don't try Reggie, hopefully you'll find something."
Subway Rejection and Financial Struggles
The Aldi rejection follows a knockback just weeks earlier from Subway, where Reggie applied to be a sandwich maker. The popular sandwich chain employs thousands of people across Australia, but Reggie was quick to share her disappointment online. "Bugger... I can't even get a job making sandwiches," she wrote.
Despite winning Big Brother twice, taking home $250,000 in total prize money across her 2003 and 2022 victories, Reggie has faced financial difficulties over the years. She made history as the first contestant to win the reality competition twice, but struggles to maintain employment.
In December 2024, the mother of two opened up about her ongoing struggles during an interview on the Mental As Anyone podcast with host Jonathan Moran. "I sort of feel like a failure," Reggie admitted, explaining her confusion over why employers refuse to offer her a chance.
Living with Vision Impairment and Usher Syndrome
During the podcast appearance, Reggie questioned why companies hesitate to hire her. "I'm starting to think, why doesn't anyone want to give me a job? I want to work and that starts to make you feel like... no one wants you," she said. She emphasized that her condition does not prevent her from working, adding, "I could answer phones. I'm good at talking to people."
Reggie is affected by Usher syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that impacts both vision and hearing. Severe vision loss has left her with extreme limitations. "I'm limited to what I can do because my eyes are so stuffed. I've now got nine degrees of pinhole vision, no peripheral vision and no night vision left," she explained.
Describing the daily reality of her eyesight, Reggie added, "I only just see what's in front of me. It's like looking through a straw - that's how I explain it to people."
