Uncle Norm was born at Noccundra Station in Queensland, a place he would return to later in life to reconnect with his beginnings. “I went back and saw my name on the birthing tree,” he said. It stands by the Wilson River, not far from where his father once worked as a stockman, something Norm only discovered many years later.
Norm is part of the Stolen Generation and grew up without knowing his parents. “I was the eldest of six,” he said. “I never got to meet my mum or dad.” As a young boy, he was placed in a boys’ home before being taken in by a foster family and raised on a property.
At 14, Norm set out on his own. “I went looking for where I came from,” he said. That journey saw him catch a train from Bourke to Sydney, where he slept at the station for about a week before finding help and eventually making his way to Melbourne. He worked in a wool mill, then joined Jimmy Sharman’s travelling boxing troupe. “I was young and happy,” he said. “It was a good way to keep fit and see Australia.”
It was during this time that Norm met his late wife, Maureen. “She saw me box at the Echuca show,” he said. They stayed in touch while he travelled, writing letters to each other, and married before he left for National Service. Norm served in the Vietnam War and later settled in Echuca, where they built a life together and raised a family.
Today, Norm is a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather, and a deeply respected member of his community. He continues to travel, contribute to Native Title work, support the Koori Court, and spend time on Country with young men, sharing knowledge and culture. “Being connected to community and culture is very important to me,” he said.
Norm’s connection with Care Connect began through caring for Maureen. “Her package supported us both,” he said. After she passed away, he continued receiving support to help him stay independent at home.
“They’ve been good to me,” he said. “I get on well with my care workers. I’ve never had a bad experience. They’ve always been supportive and caring.” He also values the connection with his care managers. “It’s nice to meet them too,” he said. “Not just talk on the phone.”
Support with cleaning and gardening helps keep things manageable at home, but it is his allied health support that has made a real difference to his quality of life.
“My remedial massage helps me keep going,” Norm said. “With my slipped disc and osteoarthritis, the doctor said I wouldn’t be able to play golf.” Instead, Norm is still out on the course and thriving. “I’ve got myself down to a four handicap,” he said proudly.
Staying active is central to how Norm lives his life. “If I’m not moving, I feel like I will go downhill,” he said. “I have to push myself. Golf, lawn bowls, getting out on Country, that’s what keeps me motivated.”
Norm says his experience with Care Connect has always been positive and honest. “They explain things properly,” he said. “There are things they can’t do anymore because of the rules, but anything they can do, they will help if possible.”
Recently, when he needed help replacing his mobile phone, which he relies on for community work and staying connected, his care manager explored different options. While it could not be funded through his package, the extra effort helped Norm find support through other community connections. “They pointed me in the right direction,” he said.
For Norm, life today is about enjoying the freedom to make his own choices. “When I was growing up, it was very hard. We were segregated,” he said. “These days I can go and play bowls, play golf anywhere, have lunch at the pub. I can do the things I want to do.”
When asked if he would recommend Care Connect, Norm is clear. “Yes, I would,” he said. “They’ve done everything they can to help me. The workers and care managers are really good.”
Norm’s story is one of strength, independence and staying connected to what matters most, with the right support helping him continue to live life his way.