Meet Alex Lockwood, a Gellibrand client who loves comic book heroes and his job at The Boathouse restaurant.
When I met Gellibrand client Alex Lockwood at his Medfield share house, he told me he’d made sure to change into his best clothes for our interview. He put the kettle on for a cup of coffee and it wasn’t long before our conversation turned to Alex’s love of Melbourne’s annual Comic Con event, at which fans dress as their favourite superheroes.
“Do you want to see my photo album?” Alex asked and soon it was on the table for me to look through. “I go every year,” he said, adding that for this year’s event in June he’d be dressing up as the superhero, Shazam. In the pages of the album there were many photos of Alex dressed as different comic book and movie legends.
“I’m Batman there and, look, I’m Spider-Man,” he said, pointing at photos. “Then I’m Iron Man and Captain America.”
Alex said that, as well as Comic Con, he’s enjoyed going to other superhero events like the Batman musical and a Marvel Universe show at Marvel Stadium.
“There were all these cool motorbikes at that one,” Alex said, showing me the pictures.
It’s fair to say that comic book and movie superheroes are Alex’s biggest interest and hobby. His bedroom is full of posters, while his bedroom door is also decorated with his heroes. But Alex doesn’t spend every waking hour reading comics or watching movies.
“I work at The Boathouse restaurant,” said Alex, discussing his role there collecting glasses and helping in the kitchen. “It was where Gary Mehigan [former Master Chef judge] was the head chef. My shift starts at 12 and finishes at 3pm. My support worker Peter comes and helps me get ready for work. I’ve had the job there a long time.”
Alex said he used to work more days per week, but he’s just employed on Mondays now. “It’s quiet there in winter but I want to learn how to pour the beers.”
Alex said he is working hard on being more independent, especially managing his emotions. He added that he’s also aware that he repeats himself sometimes in conversation and that he’s working on that, too. He has plenty of time for conversation, involved as he is in regular day programs. Alex also likes to go bowling and spend time at Altona Sports Club – he’s a man who seems willing to give plenty of things a try.
“I sandpapered that chair,” he said, pointing to the piece of furniture outside his glass sliding door. “And I had sunflowers out there. But they died because I gave them too much water.”
I told Alex that he’s not the first to have made a gardening mistake. “Sometimes I forget stuff, but I try not to!” he said.
Alex said he’s always been happy with the support he’s had at Gellibrand and he added that the site’s new manager, Abel, worked hard to keep a “good vibe” around the house.
“Can I just tell you one thing?” Alex asked before I left. “I want to stay at this house with Gellibrand forever.”
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