Being nominated for Community Citizen of the Year and receiving a Certificate of Appreciation was not an ending for Thornlie resident, Brett Robert, rather it was fuel to keep going.
The recognition came after four years of active community work through his grassroots initiative, ‘Let’s Be Frank’, supporting people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges and recovery struggles across Perth.
While Brett did not take home the title, he said the nomination itself had a big impact.
“This nomination obviously helps me with traction and bringing the community together to help those that really need it the most, and expanding my reach,” he said. “Even though I didn’t win, it was an incredible honour to stand side-by-side with the best in the community.”
For Brett, whose work is unpaid and largely self-funded, the recognition offered validation for an effort that often happens without visibility.
“It’s lit a fire within myself that I don’t think anyone can extinguish,” he said.
“I never thought in a million years that I’d ever be up for an award such as that.”
Brett’s understanding of life on the margins comes from personal experience.
He has lived on the streets, battled addiction, and rebuilt his life; experiences he says influences how he supports others today.
“I wouldn’t have the ideas and drive I have without the history I’ve had on the streets myself for years,” he said.
He believes leaving people without support only escalates their struggle.
“If they keep leaving them on the street, it affects their mental health,” he said.
“I know what it’s like. I’ve been there.”
While Brett’s work has helped many, it also comes with a cost.
He balances full-time work with running ‘Let’s Be Frank’, while managing his own health and mental wellbeing.
“Trying to do this whilst working full time is tasking, both mentally and physically,” he said.
“Especially when I’m still struggling with my own mental health issues.”
He added that the pressure is not his alone.
“I’m lucky enough to have a loving, helpful wife who has been my rock throughout all of this,” he said.
“Without her, I would crumble.”
Brett said the strain faced by grassroots advocates is often invisible.
“We are watching people destroy themselves to try and help those who have no help,” he said.
“It’s got to the point now where I’m financially struggling, and I feel as if I’m not far off needing my own help.”
One of Brett’s biggest challenges is the lack of basic infrastructure.
Without a van or storage space, he relies on his personal car and home to collect, sort and distribute donations; often limiting how many people he can help in a single outing.
“I fill my car with supplies, and within 15 minutes it’s gone,” he said.
“By the time I go back to reload, those people have been moved on.”
He said a van would make a huge difference.
“Being able to help people right there and then, instead of driving back and forth, would change everything,” he said.
Brett is currently crowdfunding to purchase a van so he can reach more people and respond faster when help is needed.
Despite the challenges, Brett said the community has been the backbone of ‘Let’s Be Frank’.
“I am a community-funded organisation,” he said.
“Without the community, I would be nothing.”
He said donations of supplies, time and financial support keep the work going.
“Close to 100 individuals have donated either supplies or to my GoFundMe,” he said.
“You are what keeps me motivated.”
He also acknowledged other local advocates and organisations working alongside him.
“There are so many people out there doing the best they can out of their own pocket,” he said.
“We are working together, and that’s what gives me hope.”
While the nomination brought encouragement, Brett said the need in the community continues to grow.
“It’s getting worse by the day,” he said.
“Families are now outweighing addicts on the street, and that blows my mind.”
The recognition for Brett is not about status, it’s about momentum.
“This year should be my biggest yet,” he said.
“I never thought this is where my life would have taken me, but I’m the happiest I’ve been, despite my setbacks.”
Those wanting to support Brett’s work can contribute through his GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/e72fb9d34, which is helping fund a van and support ongoing community projects through ‘Let’s Be Frank’.
“This is a group effort,” he said.
“And I know Frank would be proud.”
