Breaking the Cycle

Cape York Partnership exists to break the cycle of disadvantage and welfare dependency, to support individuals and their families to strive for better lives for themselves and their children. While data is important when pursuing an evidence-based approach, the personal journeys shared by Cape York Indigenous people are invaluable, as they reveal real-life struggles, the courage, and the triumphs along the uncharted road to reform.

“Don’t touch.”

As a single Dad to two young, energetic boys with extra needs, you could easily assume it’s a phrase not too far from Hadlee Gibson’s lips. But it’s not about them at all, it’s a sign to put brakes on himself.

“Don’t touch” is the name of his customised bank account. He’s determined to get set up for his boys, with “a house of their own eventually”. His 10-year-old boy Darryl in Year 4 has an extremely rare immune disorder, with virtually zero defence against disease. He has daily steroid injections and is closely monitored by doctors, not only deeply concerned for his daily condition but also documenting for science. And there’s seven-year-old Cephus, in Year 2, who is on the Autism spectrum, which brings unique challenges.

“My vision is just mainly for my boys, to be safe, I want them to be secure, you know like that’s all, to have a home. Knowing that one day when I leave this earth I’ll know that they are ok. Not that I’m going to clock out any time soon!”

Well not now at least, but wind back that clock two years and it was ticking loudly on Hadlee’s health.

“I had that type of life with drugs and alcohol involved. But I broke the habit for health reasons. I also wanted something better. I found the drinking overrated. It [the grog] is your best friend on the night but it takes all your money and is no friend to you the next day. I was suffering from depression, anxiety, and heart palpitations.” Making change meant breaking away from old habits and Hadlee has made dramatic changes to his life.

“I work at Apunipima as a transport driver, picking up clients to take them to the doctor if they don’t have a licence. It is a job I can fit around the boys’ school times. I am also lucky to have the support of my mother and brothers. My mother, Karen, is a beautiful person, always got time, always worrying about the other person. It’s lovely to have her around.

“At the end of the day it’s me and my boys and I’ve got to be there for the them so I have a lot of planning to do for the future for them. The O-Hub in Mossman Gorge plays a part in helping me to strategise my next moves—to benefit the boys and I.

“I’m still learning around my finances – it’s a long process to save up, but MPower has helped with strategies like putting the money aside.

“It’s not like I’m spending unwisely, but I do spend too much on food, or I gotta get this, I gotta get that. In my first pay [with the new bus driving job] I got a washing machine, and I just bought a TV and I’m looking to buy another dryer. I’m getting used to putting money aside. If I had a habit [addiction] I would miss the money, but putting money aside has become natural.

“I bought a big freezer for the family to stock up on meat, and bread and things. Me and Matthew (brother) we always talk, ‘bro we should go up and order (bulk) meat packs’ to save.

“I find SET [Student Education Trust] beneficial. I know it’s taken care of their [school] books, all the headache stuff, I mean essential stuff—I know there’s a system there that can take care of those type of things. I wasn’t even familiar with it until Karis (MPower Consultant) said, ‘Bro you should get on SET’. Me being a bloke just said yeah no worries sign me up—as long as it’s benefitting the boys that’s all I care about, then I’m happy.

“I’d love to save to take the boys to the Gold Coast—take them to Movie World. My next little goal though is to buy a truck so I can take the boys out camping. I need a truck, you’d think I’d fallen from the beanstalk, I’m a pretty giant of a man, so yeah I’d like to get a truck suitable for me.”

With his giant of a heart, Hadlee Gibson is shaping the best future he can for himself and the boys. He now needs to give himself credit for turning his life around. Like many parents he feels like he’s ‘not doing enough’ for his boys. The Mossman Gorge O-Hub salutes this champion for stepping up for his children and the great tip to customise the bank account. We all need a “Don’t touch” this money bank account!