Boss rallies for Rob
Community dips in to help out hard worker
THE Geelong community is rallying behind a muchrespected “battler” who lost everything in a Highton fire last week.
Rob Vanbeek’s home was destroyed by the fire, suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault.
Mr Vanbeek’s wife, Astrid, and his son, Travis, were asleep when the fire started.
Grovedale NewsXpress Newsagency owner Josie McCann said Mr Vanbeek was a self-described battler who worked two jobs to support his family. He starts work at the newsagency distribution centre at 1am each day and is the wheels behind the delivery of papers like the Geelong Advertiser to household lawns. After finishing at 5am he goes to his day job.
Mrs McCann said the newsagency workers were shocked to hear of Mr Vanbeek’s loss and had set up a fundraiser to help put the family back on their feet.
“He’s a quiet, unassuming guy — he never has an unkind word to say about anyone and he doesn’t grizzle,” she said.
“We are glad everyone is OK and that no one was hurt. We just want to do all we can to help him out.”
The Roslyn Rd blaze started about 9am on Thursday. It took 16 firefighters 20 minutes to contain the blaze, and some time to control another blaze started by a ruptured gas mains.
“Rob is one of those unseen people who is essential to the business,” Mrs McCann said.
“He is the reason people get the Addy on the front lawn. He works until 5am most mornings and then works a second job.”
Mrs McCann, husband Kevin and other employees have set up a collection at the newsagency — all money raised will be donated to Mr Vanbeek and his family.
“He’s been a very good and loyal employee,” Mrs McCann said.
“Everyone knows that so the donation box has been well received.”
If you would like to help the Vanbeeks, call Mrs McCann on 5243 1480.