Defying age and adversity in the Kimberley
WEST AUSTRALIAN ‘OUTBACK WARRIOR’ BARBARA WALKER’S UNYIELDING DETERMINATION AND DEEP LOVE FOR NATURE WHILE SHE SINGLE-HANDEDLY MANAGES A REMOTE 20,000-HECTARE PRIVATE WILDLIFE RESERVE IS SHOWCASED IN EPISODE TWO OF AGELESS.
The 70-year-old tells her story of taking the helm of Roy’s Retreat, nestled in the remote town of Kununurra in the Kimberley, following the passing 16 years ago of her late husband and seasoned bushman, Roy.
Barbara shares her demanding daily routine on the sprawling property during the episode.
“I still climb my trees to prune them using a big chainsaw and other machines. I may not be fast anymore but that does not matter — the job can still be done,” she said.
Originally hailing from Switzerland, Barbara found her true home in the Australian outback alongside Roy. Together for 30 years, they shared a vision that ensured Roy’s Retreat thrived.
Barbara said she hopes her display of hard work and perseverance demonstrated through AGELESS shines a spotlight on the possibilities for our ageing population.
“I have had to overcome many obstacles in my life, taking physical risks just to achieve my dreams,” she said.
“They say this is how heroes are made. All my life I have had adventures and look forward to many more – that’s what keeps me young.
“The wrinkles and saggy skin do not worry me, as I only have a little mirror, and the less I look into it, the fewer problems I have.”
Barbara said to be ageless comes down to what you do with your mind and attitude.
“If you think, ‘I am 70 years old and can’t do things anymore’, then you are old. To be ageless has a lot to do with your lifestyle,” she said.
“I believe the universe put me here to complete a mission. You must overcome fear and visualise that you have the strength to do anything.
“Age is only a number on a page of a book, so enjoy every day of your life, even if it is quite hard at times.”
Barbara said she wished to extend her outlook on life to the younger generations in hope the legacy of Roy’s Retreat would continue for years to come.
“I collaborate with national and international volunteer student groups, who assist me in land care initiatives to ensure the legacy Roy and I built will endure for years to come, even after I am no longer here,” she said.
AGELESS features stories from 11 everyday Australians, challenging stereotypes and inspiring others to rethink what it means to grow older while showing a zest for life and thirst for new experiences at any age.
To watch Barbara’s episode, which aired at the end of March, catch it on the GemLife website at GemLife.com.au/ageless or stream it on 9Now.