The Community Says Farewell

Friends, cyclists and community members came together at Café Essence in Bendigo to wish Rob and Bron Nelson well for the next chapter in their lives. Rob and Bron’s involvement in the Bendigo community over the past 11 years has been significant, in particular with cycling in the TT Riders group and various roles in the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail community group for Rob, and singing in Women of Note for Bron.

Rob had also volunteered as a Youth Advocate in Bendigo, and as such was called upon at any time of the day or night to sit in on Police interviews with young people who didn’t otherwise have adult representation. With Bron and Rob’s daughter and her family living in Broome WA, a decision was made to sell their Lockwood property and relocate to Broome thereby bringing the family closer together, especially with their only granddaughter.

Part of the farewell function included a special poem written and read by Geoffrey Graham (link to the poem) as well as presenting Rob and Bron with a locally made gift manufactured partly from railway dog spikes. Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail president Colin Scott reflected on the Nelson couple’s time in Bendigo, including recent health challenges that Rob has endured. On behalf of those present and the Friends group, Colin wished them both all the best for the future, safe traveling and stated that they will be missed by all their friends in the Bendigo area.