Tell us a bit about your early years.
My parents died when I was three, and I grew up in a home. During World War II, the Americans took over the building and sent me to a farm in a bush somewhere – I don’t know where. At 16, I could no longer stay there, and became a plumber. I would take the pipes and tools on a train with me until I could afford a car.
When did you move to Wyndham?
Five years ago. I lived on the other side of the bay at Blairgowrie. When my second wife passed away, I moved here to live with my son, who has lived in Hoppers Crossing for 25 years. Four months ago, I moved to Mercy Place in Werribee.
How is Werribee different to Blairgowrie?
They’re different chapters of my life, but there’s a hell of a difference.
Here it’s a lot more socially viable. There’s always something to do, there are a lot more choices.
When did you retire from work?
When I was 60. I was a plumber and gas fitter. I did all sorts of work, like renovations on people’s homes. But I still keep busy, I always want something to do.
What are some of the things that keep you busy today?
I go to the Werribee Men’s Shed a bit. I help people do jobs; I’m pretty skilled in most trades. We help people who bring stuff down that they can’t repair themselves. I like assisting people. I also went down to the Hoppers Bowls Club, but now play bowls here [at Mercy Place]. There was a blind bloke there who I helped teach to bowl, showing him techniques and stuff. He picked it up pretty quickly. I was amazed.
I’m also in the Werribee Singers and have been for four and a half years. We sing at the plaza and at other retirement homes. There’s a group of 16 of us; it brings a lot of happiness to everyone.
When I first came here, I’d go out on the boat with Peter at Werribee South, and go fishing too.
Family must be important to you.
Yes, I have five children, 14 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. We get together on my birthday every year [January 1] for a lunch or a dinner. It’s a bit of a reunion. The [extended] family is all over the place!
Is Werribee now home?
Yes. It’s where my family is, which is all that matters.
