They say the road to recovery can be rocky...and that’s never been more true than it is for Rob Cook.
Rob was left a quadriplegic two years ago, after a helicopter accident on his family’s cattle station, Suplejack. One of Australia’s most isolated properties, Suplejack lays 730km north-west of Alice Springs, along the edge of the Tanami Desert and the Northern Territory border.
Determined not to let his physical abilities and isolation stop him from making a positive contribution to the world, Rob’s embarking on the journey of a lifetime, to broaden his horizons and expand his knowledge of the agricultural industry. Given Suplejack runs shorthorn cattle with Santa and Brahman infusion to cater for the live export market, he’s well suited to doing so.
Rob’s been named to received the 2011 Nuffield Farming Scholarship, supported by the Northern Territory Department of Resources and ANZ Agribusiness. Each year, Nuffield sends 18 bright Aussie farmers overseas, to study a broad range of agricultural practices around the world. “We look at everything from peanuts to palm trees, you name it,” Rob says. “And part of the process is to have a worthwhile study topic, and for me, that’s the beef industry. More specifically, what innovations other producers are using worldwide, which we can bring back to Australia.”
The scholarship’s designed to take up to 16 weeks of overseas travel. In March next year, he’ll head to New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, the US, Canada and France as part of a six week global focus program. “The six weeks gives us a fairly broad range of agriculture in general, and we’ll be able to pick up little tips along the way for our own industries. From there, we nominate which countries we want to go back to for our personal study,” he says.
It’s the chance of a lifetime, but it poses a whole new set of challenges for the 29-year-old father of two, and former Australian Bull Riding Champion. Rob needs three full time carers to go with him: his wife Sarah, his sister Loretta and her partner Jake. “I need two carers with me all the time, because I have a lot of trouble with things like sliding forwards in my wheelchair, and to shift me around is basically a two man job.
“And then Sarah does all my overnight care. She does everything for me, literally since we left the rehab centre a bit over 12 months ago.”
Always up for a challenge, Sarah, Loretta and Jake will be heading overseas with Rob.
“Whether we like it or lump it, that first six weeks is a full program and you can’t bail out half way,” he says.
“But when it comes to the ten weeks we’ll just split it up into two weeks over and then two weeks back again.”
But his carers, extra travel and medical considerations mean a whole swag of additional costs. Rob’s doctors say he’s facing upwards of $250,000 to fund the trip. “For me with the disability it means extra insurance, luggage, transport, accommodation and pretty much every aspect of living needs to be specialised,” he says.
“But if there’s an opportunity to learn while you’re over there, then you may as well spend a few bob and come back smarter, rather than doing a half hearted job.”
One man, one wheelchair, one aim
To help raise money, Rob’s planning to drive his wheelchair through 730km of dirt, flies and scorching heat across the heart of Australia’s Outback. The equivalent of driving from Sydney to Melbourne, the Tanami Track runs through remote desert from Suplejack Station to Alice Springs... and Rob’s hoping to head off in May next year. His motorised wheelchair averages six km an hour. At 36km at day, with a few days rest and recuperation at the half way mark, he’s hoping to tackle the track in 24 days.
Sarah and Rob purchased a gooseneck trailer to use as accommodation during the trek at the start of this year, and have been overwhelmed by the support of family and friends helping out with modifications. “It has just been incredible, some of the guys who are dropping tools and missing work to help us out.
“We’ve pretty much got the gooseneck how we want it, and the only thing we’ve got left to do, and I’m hoping to get some form of sponsorship for, is solar panels. If I can lace the roof with solar panels, I’ll be able to keep at least one of my chairs charged, so I’ve got a fresh ‘horse’ at halfway time.”
And anyone’s welcome to join him on the trek... at any time. Rob says they’re hoping to throw a party as they cross the half way mark. “It’ll be an opportunity for sponsors to come out and get to know us before we get into Alice Springs,” he says.
But those who can’t make the journey will be able to follow Rob’s progress via the web. He’s hoping to have a website up and running, so people can keep up to date with where he is, listen to audio and view photos and video footage.
Having driven the track by car for the last 15 years, he knows he’s in for a rough ride.
“Oh mate,” he laughs, “there’s going to be wheels fall off, I’ll probably stack it and there’s a very real chance I’ll end up running into trouble, but I think it’s worthwhile.”
Rob says there’re two main reasons for the adventure: to show commitment to his scholarship; and to raise awareness about people from rural areas who’ve been seriously injured in farm accidents. “There’re a lot of guys out there who are doing it pretty tough. Some of them get over it, but others either get pushed off the farm, or walk off because they can no longer do their job. And that’s the situation I would have been in if my father and brother didn’t pick up the slack,” he says.
“It’s an opportunity to lift the bar and let people know that even though you’re sitting down, you’re still the same person.”
While he hopes his Nuffield Scholarship will arm him with the right theoretical tools to continue working within the cattle industry, Rob’s also planning to keep an eye on technology within the disability world overseas. “When I get back I hope to be able to have a message to share with farmers right across the board. I hope to be able to go around and meet some of these guys that are doing their best, but haven’t had the opportunity to get outside and see what else is out there.
“It’d be good to be able to find the technology for ‘Old Farmer Brown’ to keep his sheep, as opposed to getting rid of them because of his injury.”
Given Rob’s motto is, ‘If life gives you lemons, make lemonade’ it will be worth ‘watching this space’ to see what Rob makes of his future endeavours.
About the Nuffield Scholarship:
Nuffield Australia awards Scholarships each year to farmers in Australia. The objective is to increase practical farming knowledge and management skills and techniques generally. These scholarships give Australian citizens the opportunity to study farming practices in New Zealand, Europe, Asia and the Americas and those countries best suited to the Scholar. They will also promote a closer understanding between farmers in the countries visited.
Upon returning to Australia it is expected that Scholars will be able to actively spread the knowledge and understanding they have gained among their fellow farmers and others.
Nuffield Farming Scholarships give a unique opportunity to stand back from your day-to-day occupation, and to study a subject of interest to you. You do not need academic qualifications, but you will need to persuade the Selectors that you have the qualities to make the best use of an opportunity that is only given to a few.
* If you would like to contact Rob to discuss possible sponsorship, or just to show your support to his mission, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
