The power of positivity

“Every day above the ground is a good day,” laughs Kevin Nikkleson. And he should know! As a youngster, he plummeted 80 feet down an open mine shaft in the Grampians, breaking his back and spending an unimaginable 15 hours waiting to be rescued.

Kevin was taken to a hospital in Melbourne where he contracted polio. Seven years later, at the age of 16, he emerged from his ward in callipers and crutches and with an iron-will to make something of his life.

Because Kevin was in hospital for so many years he missed a lot of school and taught himself how to read and write. He used his wits, intellect and strength to become a skilled fitter and turner and was part of the team that made the Big Mole that bored out the tunnels for the railway lines under Melbourne.

“To be honest, I really shouldn’t be around,” Kevin admits. “But life is precious! I always say you can sit in the corner and feel sorry for yourself or you can get on with things and live a happy life. That’s what I’ve always done. I’m determined to make the most of every day.”

It’s the Victorian Seniors Festival from 1-31 October and this year’s theme is ‘Connect. Create. Celebrate.’

Which is what Kevin and his wife, Nerida, do every day since retiring in Mansfield.

Kevin, who is a die-hard Mansfield Football Club supporter, never misses a match. He used to volunteer providing remedial therapy to players before the match, like rubbing tight muscles or taping up ankles, and they are so appreciative of his support over the last 35 years that they’ve made him an honorary member.

He’s a member of the Mansfield Bowls Club and plays twice a week, as well as in events of the weekend. “It’s a lot of fun,” says Kevin. “The club members are all great!”

Kevin also loves woodwork, and spends many happy hours tinkering away in the garage and making bird feeders and bird boxes that he gives away to friends.

Kevin, who uses a wheelchair following a recent spinal operation, receives a Government-funded home care package through Uniting AgeWell. Working with the organisation’s Hume Home Care team, he had a ramp installed and their bathroom specially adapted. He also has visits from a nurse and domestic help around the home. The team also helps Kevin access the public pool in Benalla and he says the hydrotherapy is working wonders.

“I didn’t let the accident or polio change who I am, and I’m certainly not going to let my growing older change anything either,” he says firmly. “I tell the home care team, this is the situation I’m in, just make it work for me.’ I plan on growing older, the way I want to.”