For more than a decade, David has called his Home in Place home in Newcastle his own. For him, it is a place that provides stability, routine and connection, supporting the things that keep him going.
He has lived in his current home for 11 years. Before that, he lived next door with his late wife, Robin, after they married in 2010. Between the two homes, David says he has been part of the Home in Place community for around 15 years.
What makes his home especially meaningful is its history. David helped build the houses himself.
“These were the first steel-framed houses to go up in Newcastle,” he says. “The company I was with, we built the frames and did the fit-outs. So yeah, I’m living in something I actually built.”
David came to Australia from the United Kingdom in 1968. Before migrating, he completed mandatory service in the British Army, where he spent time stationed in places including Aden, Malaysia, and Germany.
“I thought I’d be smart and sign on for four years,” he says. “It was worth an extra five pounds a month back then.”
Originally planning a short stay in Australia, David and his family decided to settle permanently after he was offered work. He has lived in Australia ever since.
Over the years, David has worked across a range of industries, including construction, engineering, and hospitality. After sustaining injuries that ended his time in physical labour, he retrained as a structural engineer.
“I wanted to be retrained,” he says. “I love mathematics. I said, I don’t want to dig holes, I want to do structural.”
Alongside his working life, music has always been part of David’s story. He began singing as a child in school and church choirs and later performed regularly around Newcastle.
“I’ve always enjoyed singing,” David says. “I used to do a lot of Sinatra; My Way, New York, New York, That’s Life.”
He spent years running karaoke nights and performing at venues across the city, including the Empire Hotel. More recently, he returned to the stage for the first time in years.
“It felt good,” he says. “I don’t go in it for the prize. I do it because I enjoy doing it.”
David says music, like cooking, is something he loves because it brings joy to others.
“With cooking and singing, it makes other people happy as well,” he says. “That’s what matters.”
After the passing of his wife, Robin, David went through a very difficult period. He says reconnecting with his church helped him find stability again.
“I came back to my senses and went back to church,” he says. “Routine helps. You’ve got to manage yourself and look after yourself.”
Today, David travels regularly to Sydney to volunteer as a temple worker, a role that gives structure to his weeks and keeps him connected. His home in Newcastle plays an important role in making this routine possible. Due to health conditions, David is no longer able to drive, and he says his location is ideal.
“It’s ideal for me,” he says. “I’m close to things I need, and I can manage without driving.”
David also shares his home with his pets, including dogs and a cockatiel who has been part of the family for decades.
As he looks ahead, David says he doesn’t need much.
“As long as I’ve got enough to pay my rent, pay my electricity, feed the dogs and myself. I’m happy,” he says. “I don’t need anything else.”
