At 77, Robert is still finding new purpose after a life defined by responsibility, compassion and action. A proud Novocastrian, he’s adjusting to life with Parkinson’s disease while reflecting on where he’s been and what still lies ahead.
“I used to do extreme stuff, riding over logs, jumping things and all that. I’m seventy-seven and I’d be still doing it, only for Parkinson’s,” he says. “I just loved the thrill of it all.”
Before his diagnosis, Robert was heavily involved in community causes. He once rode 900 kilometres from Newcastle to Brisbane over nine days to raise money for breast cancer research, collecting more than $41,000 with a small group of fellow riders.
“Some days it poured rain, but you got up and rode. You did it for the people sharing their stories every night,” he recalls.
A lifetime of stepping up for others has shaped Robert’s view of the world. At just 17 years of age, he took on the role of head of the household when his father died, looking after his younger sister and brother, even putting his brother through university.
Robert has also volunteered in search and rescue. He recalls one life-saving moment like it was yesterday.
“I was trained for it, I had the accreditation. There was this bloke caught in the surge of the water. My mate put the rope around me. I dived in and got him out,” he says. “That one made headlines!”
While working as a bus driver, Robert often helped people quietly, without fuss.
“I used to see people get on really struggling. I never told anybody, but I’d give them some money,” he says. “One night a woman got on with a baby, said she was living on the street. I gave her twenty dollars and told her to go get a meal and have a safe seat. If you’re in a position to help other people, do it. That’s how I look at it.”
That principle stayed with him when his own situation took a turn. After almost fifty years of working, retirement didn’t go as expected.
“All of a sudden I found myself in a bad place. I was determined to climb my way back out,” he says. “Then I found Home in Place.”
Moving into his new home gave him a chance to reset.
“I’ve always been independent, always had to do things for myself. When I got here I thought, right, this is my little house now and I’m going to work to keep it really nice. Not because I own it, but to show respect and gratitude for getting it.”
Robert found support through Michael, a staff member from Home in Place who helped him access care and build a new routine.
“Michael gave me hope and direction to get something done. I owe so much to people like him. I’ll never forget the respect and appreciation for what he did for me.”
Even now, Robert stays busy.
“I get out, go to the shops or meet up with bike riders. I’m always doing something. You’re not gonna fall into a hole,” he says.
Although he hasn’t been back on the bike yet, he’s setting up a spare room as a reading and writing space.
“I like reading. I’ve written a lot of short stories. I may not be able to ride like I used to, but I’ve still got a story to tell.”
Looking back, Robert feels grateful.
“I’ve had a good life. I’ve always given to others. And when I needed help, it came. What goes around comes around. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
