Robert's Story

Robert 'Bob' Williams dedicated his life to caring for community animals.

Robert was a single pensioner who simply couldn’t stand the thought of animals suffering. No matter what animal he encountered, he would always offer love and compassion and assisted with saving Australian wildlife, neglected livestock, local birds and homeless animals.

When over 30 cats were dumped in his yard by a local hoarder, Robert went without food and essentials to make sure these poor cats had adequate food, water and shelter. He opened his home to allow the most vulnerable cats and kittens a safe place to recover.

We encountered Robert when we noticed a lot of kittens and cats getting run over by traffic outside his home. It was a busy road and we were concerned that it was a hoarding situation. We approached Robert and he explained he was caring for the cat colony as best he could, but couldn’t afford any vet work or to desex the cat colony. It was apparent that Robert had been spending his pension to help these cats and neglecting his own health.

For the next 2 years we helped Robert by bringing him food, clothing, trapping and rehoming the cats living in his yard and providing essential care to his owned cats. As he was quite isolated, we checked on him daily and helped him run errands such as weekly shopping trips, pharmacy visits and going to the post office so he could pay his bills (as Robert didn’t feel comfortable using modern technology). When his health started failing, we gifted Robert a senior-friendly “big button” mobile phone - much to his dismay.

Sadly, Robert passed away from colorectal cancer on Christmas Day (25/12/22) after a short illness. With no one left to manage his affairs, we organised his cremation and ensured that his last wishes were honoured - that all the cats in his care would have somewhere safe to go.

Robert’s story highlights the impact that one person can have and the need for more assistance for vulnerable and low income households in our community.