Yarnin’ Energy competition winner Robert Spratt (L) and ICAN Thrive’s Elizabeth Carr (R)
When Robert Spratt entered ICAN’s Yarnin’ Energy competition, he never expected to walk away with the $1,000 prize. But on Tuesday, May 13th, that’s exactly what happened, bringing relief and a powerful message on energy awareness to his community.
“I felt happy and stress-free,” Robert said. “That took some stress off me to pay my electricity and household bills I was getting, because you need electricity today. If you’ve no electricity, there’s nothing in the house for you.”
Robert, a proud Lama Lama and Orcala man from Coen, was introduced to ICAN during his Certificate III in Small Business training through Steps. He says ICAN’s financial literacy sessions were a welcome addition to the program. “They came in and did a presentation about money and saving… I said it would be a good idea, mainly for us Indigenous members in the training, to come and talk about saving.”
$1000 bill relief for a family in need
The $1,000 prize not only provided financial relief but also highlighted the everyday strategies Robert uses to manage his energy bills, such as turning off lights, unplugging appliances at night, and using ropes to dry clothes instead of a power-hungry dryer. “You don’t use hot water all the time for washing your laundry,” he explained. “And when it rains, I just hang the line ropes up in the carport for it to dry.”
Reflecting on life in Coen versus Cairns, Robert shared the practical differences in energy use and cooking. “Back where I’m from in Coen, we can have a fireplace outside – if the power’s off, just go outside and cook,” he said. “But in the city, you can’t. You’ve got to buy something to cook on, you’ve got to buy the wood. There are more rules in the city, you need to keep up to date on your electricity all the time.”
Caring for his partner, who recently had a stroke, and raising a two-year-old girl, Robert is passionate about creating a safe, stable household and passing that knowledge on. “You’ve got to teach your kids safety around power… always check your power cords, make sure there’s no cuts. Kids will play with cords – they could get electrocuted.”
A message for others
He also had a message for younger generations: “It’s not only for your mum and dad or your grandparents to pay all the bills. You have to contribute too… Every time you’re using your phone on the power point, your electricity is going higher.”
Robert’s message to the community is clear: “All my people out there, Indigenous people—come along and have a go. There’s a lot of help at ICAN. Yep – they’ll help you with gas, with your hot water, and electricity.”
ICAN congratulates Robert on his win and thanks him for using his story to empower others to take control of their energy use, and their futures.
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