MATEKEEPERS

There is no doubt that ROC will help save rural lives, but to do this we NEED YOUR HELP!

Meet A MateKeeper

Gavin Mather

​What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Honest, Genuine and Bald.
What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?
I work most days. My work revolves around people. All different. All experiencing different days and different lives. I find it fascinating. 
I’m currently working on getting physically healthier. A recent visit to the skin doctor lead to about 30 sun spots being sprayed with the cold spray. So heaps of ugly skin to heal. I then had a vasectomy. I won’t give you any details about how that needs to heal. Also I’m doing Dry July for cancer related charities. That will help in my quest to get back to a healthier weight. My dad was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at my age.
I’m a single dad who is about to undertake a career change. Also I’ve made life even more complicated by adding a long distance relationship. Interesting times.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?
If there is still daylight I like to get some fresh air. That can be a walk with my son, hit some golf balls, ride my bike, the gym if I can get motivated, or sometimes tennis. 
I often ring my best mate. He has a knack of making me laugh. It’s good to have someone in your circle that you know well, and vice-versa, and you genuinely care about each other’s lives. I’m very grateful for it. 
What would you most likely be doing on the weekend?
I work both days every weekend. I like to watch the footy and do around the house chores. But if an opportunity to spend time with family and friends comes up, priorities quickly change. I like to get my son out of the house too. Some one-on-one time is important for both of us.
What book are you reading now?
I wish I was a reader. Those people are in a much better place who can block out the real world for a while and amerce themselves in a story. Thankfully, my son has that superpower.
What’s your favourite place to go for a holiday?
Not coming from a particularly wealthy background, overseas or resort style holidays have been absent from my life. Most of my holidays have involved visiting family. Lying around and getting sunburnt sounds like hard work. But I’d give it a go.
One thing people don’t know about me.
I’ve lived in many places in my life. I’ve experienced both city and country. But I regard Hay in western NSW as my hometown. Lots of good memories. Some life-long friendships.
What’s the best advice you were ever given and who was it from?
“You don’t know what people are going through or have been through.” Advice given by my dad.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Believe in yourself. And don’t worry so much about what others are thinking and saying about you. Because most of the time their focus is elsewhere, usually on their own lives. Also, try not to make so many decisions based purely on emotions. Ignoring intuition is not smart. Ask the tough questions.
What do you do to turn your day around?
Try to do something thoughtful or kind. Make a genuine effort to take ownership of any mistakes I’ve made. Get fresh air and sunshine. Work out a way to see my girlfriend smile or laugh. That always makes me happy.
A tool I use to defrag my mind is to write or type what’s on my mind. I write a paragraph on every new topic. It takes about ten minutes all up. Sometimes it uncovers what’s been on my subconscious mind. Sometimes it just helps to clarify or simplify everyday problems. Patterns emerge if you do it often enough. Anyway, it works for me. Mind you, it’s no substitute for professional help if you need it.
But for life changing, overwhelming, traumatising life stuff, I ring my dad. No judgements are made. He usually supports my decisions. And even though he feels my pain deeply, he provides important snippets of wisdom.
He has Parkinson’s Disease and is ageing quickly. I will miss that warmth and wisdom when he’s gone.