The next time you think of Mikarie Place, picture a carpark buzzing with bicycles, big hats, music, and smiling faces.
Things were different when Colin first joined Sylvanvale more than 20 years ago. Back then, Mikarie Place was a day program centre with just four office staff and plenty of room to spare.
“It’s just six months. Give it a crack,” Colin’s boss told him. That six months turned into a rewarding two-decade career.
On day one, Cappy stood at the top of the driveway; ready to greet Colin and marking the start of a 20-year friendship.
“It’s like having another son,” Colin said. “We’ve spent eight hours a day, five days a week together, and had some crazy times.”
“He never actually calls me Colin. I started as ‘Boss 2’, but got promoted to ‘Boss’ after a few years.”
Cappy became Colin’s shadow, following him everywhere. Many people know Cappy as a passionate musician, and Colin’s favourite memories are the spontaneous jam sessions during lunch breaks after Cappy insisted he needed to “practice”. Out came the bass drum, and more recently, the guitar.
In the early days, when Mikarie Place was still a day program centre, Colin would pick up around 20 people in a bus before starting his regular duties with Cappy, maintaining the ageing building. By 2:30pm, he’d wrap up and drive everyone home.
“Sylvanvale has changed so much over the years,” Colin said. “I remember people riding bikes around what’s now the carpark. That’s why the handrails are there—everyone would stand behind them as the buses dropped people off and did a u-turn before parking.”
From humble beginnings at Mikarie Place in the Sutherland Shire, Sylvanvale has grown to operate over 50 Supported Independent Living homes, day programs, clinical services and more. What Colin has loved most is witnessing Sylvanvale’s transformation. Whether things worked or didn’t, he admired the ‘give it a crack’ attitude that has driven its journey — evolving into the diverse and impactful organisation it is today.
But what Colin will miss most is Mikarie Place itself, and the people he’s shared the journey with—Cappy, Tammy, Leanne, and many others. And of course, Vinnie, a great mate and colleague who worked alongside Colin and shared many laughs and stories over the years.
After 20 years at Sylvanvale and 51 years of work in total, you’d think Colin would be ready to hang up the high-vis and kick off the steel caps. Not quite.
“I’m not one to sit still. And of course, as soon as my family heard I’d have free time, the list of things only I’m qualified to do came out.”
What he’s really looking forward to is spending more time with family, like watching his grandchild start high school, going to sports carnivals, and simply being present.
There’ll be some travel too. And if anyone in the family wants to get behind the wheel, you know that they’ll need serious skills and a lot of instruction.
