Theo Newbegin, 67, starts his day hammering out a morning of roofing, a trade he has worked since age 17. In the afternoon he drives a forklift at the SPC cannery, loading palettes of peaches and pears. His wife, Jenny, 65, also works full-time as a medical receptionist. Newbegin says he feels no different from his 40s, despite an occasional sore knee, and that his reflexes still outpace younger workers. He attributes his work ethic to his father, who worked until 75.
Newbegin's four motorbikes are his main indulgence. He takes pride in repairing old hardwood rafters, work he says modern materials cannot match. Amid a tradie shortage, his skills remain in constant demand.
The article, part of the October 17 edition of Good Weekend, explores a Catch-22 facing some Baby Boomers: those who keep working may be criticised for not making way for younger workers, while those who retire can struggle with loneliness and financial insecurity. Newbegin appears driven by purpose rather than necessity, but the feature suggests many older Australians face tougher choices between working longer and affording retirement.