Every so often we’ll have an in-depth chat with one of our exceptional staff members, so you can get to know them a little better. This month in celebration of National Volunteer Week, we get to know one of our wonderful volunteers, Deb Roberts.
How long have you been involved as a volunteer with FRC?
Two years and two months.
What do you like most about being a volunteer?
The personal touch when I see and talk to each resident.
If you had to describe Finley Regional Care in four words, what would you say?
Great place to work.
What has exceeded your expectations or surprised you the most being involved here?
The respect I receive from all I meet.
Tell us one thing about you people might not know.
I am married with four grown men.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Knitting, reading and learning to crochet.
What’s your favourite quote or saying?
“It is what it is.”
Where did you grow up?
Glen Waverley, then an outer suburb of Melbourne.
Where else have you lived?
Cann River, South Gippsland and Pyramid Hill.
What three traits define you?
Strength, happiness and politeness.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
To be more understanding with the world.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Buy my own home.
Favourite movie?
Bone Collector.
Best vacation you had?
Only vacation without kids – a South Pacific Cruise.
Do you have / had a nickname? What is it?
No.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
Melissa McCartney in a comedy.
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
Peace on Earth.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chinese, yum!
If you were an animal what would you be?
A tiger.
If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Water, sun-tan lotion and a sleeping bag.
Least favourite food?
Turnips.
Motto or personal mantra?
If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I did hairdressing when I left school, married in my mid 20s, played women’s basketball and softball, and have three grandchildren.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.
I dislike gardening, really dislike it.
Top two life highlights?
Qualifying as a hairdresser and my recent birthday at FRC – absolutely fab!
What did you want to be when growing up?
Airliner hostess – but I’m too short.
What do you always want to try and never did?
Heaps of things, including going overseas and travelling around our country.
What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?
The internet.
What is an ability you wish you had?
A singing voice.
What is on your bucket list?
Nothing – I’ll know when it happens, no plans.
What is the best concert you attended?
The Queen of Music, Miss Franklin.
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life?
Been challenged but not overcome yet.
What is the most important thing you have learned in your life?
Treat everybody as you would like to be treated, you will be surprised.
What is the one thing you cannot resist?
Chocolate.
What is the one thing, you can’t live without?
A comfy bed.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Stingray.
What are the two worst things you did as a kid?
Eating charcoal and growing up.
What is your favourite sport?
Basketball (men’s) and the Olympics.
What is your greatest fear?
Spiders.
What is your hidden talent?
Beautician work.
What is your personal philosophy?
Respect all.
What phobias do you have?
None.
What tv show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love?
Million Dollar Man.
What was your favourite book, toy, or outfit as a child?
Enid Blyton’s ‘The Faraway Tree’ and J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’.
What would you have wanted to be famous for?
Helping the needy of any country.
You’re happiest when?
When I’m at FRC and with family.
