Robert Stark: Cromer granddad named NSW Grandparent of the Year
Ruby, aged 9, reckons her granddad is the ‘best in the whole world’. A northern beaches’ man is ‘top of the pops’, named NSW Grandparent of the Year.
Manly
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Robert Stark is not only a busy community volunteer on the northern beaches, but is the full-time carer for his beautiful nine-year-old granddaughter Ruby.
That’s why the retired police officer from Cromer has just been named the NSW Grandparent of the Year for 2020.
Mr Stark, who was a police dog handler, has been looking after Ruby since she was six months old.
The “overwhelmed” granddad, and Ruby, travelled to NSW Parliament House in the city on Thursday for a special thank you lunch organised by the State Government and to pick up his award.
Speaking afterwards Mr Stark said being Ruby’s grandfather has been a massively rewarding experience.
“It is very rewarding because Ruby is a lovely young lady,” he said. “She’s always been very good.”
Mr Stark not only looks after her at home, but makes sure she gets to her soccer training and matches with the Collaroy Cromer Strikers Football Club as well as her Nippers training at Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club.
He also helps out with soccer training with the Strikers and assists with Nippers’ activities in the summer.
The retiree also volunteers doing some admin work at Ruby’s school, Cromer Public.
“Throughout my life I have always strongly believed in giving back to the community so being recognised in this way is a great honour,” Mr Stark said.
“What is most rewarding is to see the joy on her face when she does something … really good.”
Ruby reckons her granddad is not only the best grandparent ion the state. but “the best grandad in the world because he takes me to all my after school events”.
“He is the most kind, caring, helpful, kind granddad in the world and he loves me so much.
“I love him to the moon and back.”
Acting Senior Minister Geoff Lee and Member for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard congratulated Mr Stark at Parliament House.
“The NSW Grandparent of the Year Award recognises and celebrates the amazing contribution grandparents make to their families and our society,” Mr Lee said.
“Grandparents like Robert Stark help make communities stronger with their energy and commitment and I am so happy to present him with this year’s top prize.”
Mr Hazzard said he was proud to have Mr Stark crowned Grandparent of the Year.
“His attitude to his community and his love and care for his granddaughter is so inspiring and he’s such a worthy winner.”
Grandparents Day will be celebrated across NSW on Sunday
“Whether you call them granny or gramps, nan or pop, Grandparents Day is a great opportunity to remind them how much they are appreciated,” Mr Lee said.
As part of the Award, Mr Stark won a Nokia smartphone with a six month 5G plan courtesy of Pennytel and a $1000 Mitre 10 voucher courtesy of Metcash.