Student In The Spotlight - Gilly Thwaites

Farrer student Gilly Thwaites when home and available, assists in the delivery of meals and more importantly has conversations with some very special members of his local community. This is a private initiative of Gilly's family to assist those that have tirelessly given to the community and can no longer, through age and health, provide their special skills.

Sandy is an aged care nurse who developed Parkinson's disease and now requires care herself. She loves a good yarn and still has a sharp wit, enjoying Gilly’s take on modern music, society, fashion and vocabulary. On this particular day the family sung to Sandy an out of tune “Happy Birthday” song.

Raja Simpson is an Octogenarian that has formally retired as the “Town Clown” after 50 years of entertaining shows, functions and street fares, shearing and station work. Gilly and Raja have more in common than they believe, and both will depart after a lively and irreverent conversation laughing.

Gilly willingly volunteers his time towards this cause as he has personally witnessed these special people giving their time and energy to a community.