Grandparents inspired Robbo to be the best version of himself

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BRETT “Robbo” Robinson has an amazing story of his own journey from the red hills around Cobar to the Australian Institute of Sport, contract offers from NRL clubs the Broncos and Roosters, to a burgeoning career coaching and mentoring Australian Paralympic athletes.

Robbo’s journey has been inspired by his late grandparents, Ian and Margaret Setree, who died in tragic circumstances in his hometown three years ago.

Brett says he can never remember a moment when his grandparents were not around as he grew up running around the mining town that seemed to elevate sport and mateship above everything.

“My grandparents were two of the most influential and inspirational humans in my life. They weren’t just my grandparents, they were my best friends, my idols, my mentors. They were just amazing people.”

Brett “Robbo” Robinson is pictured with Dubbo Sportsperson of the Year Simone Grounds and her son at the Queen’s Baton Relay in Dubbo on January 30. Simone confessed to being Brett’s “No.1 podcast fan”! Above: Family album photos of Robbo with his much-loved Nan and Pop.

When Ian and Margaret were killed, it shook the entire Cobar community and tore the Robinson family to pieces.

“It was devastating for everyone. I’m just thankful for all the support we received. I had some really good life coaching at the time and I’ve learned how to shift my mindset and use that adversity to my advantage,” the ever-positive Robbo shared.

“My grandparents were in everything I did. They took me to school, to the pool, they were trackside when I ran in athletics carnivals at Ward Oval, and in the stand when I played for the Cobar Roosters.

“These two people and my parents, Wendy and Ross, are why I am who I am today.”

Brett was in Dubbo recently to carry the Queen’s Baton in the western leg of the relay and then headed west to his roots, joined by his Swedish fiance Mari Olsson, to conduct a seminar for local miners.

Robbo’s podcast is now listened to across the world and was ranked number one on the itunes New and Noteworthy section. It is a result of which Robbo is immensely proud.

“It actually grew from Nan and Pop’s death. I meditate daily and part of my mantra is enhancing and optimising their legacy that is associated with how they were as people.

“They were massive community members and I am building a community all around the world through my podcasts, through my online programs and workshops, seminars and the like because I understand the power of community for everyone and that’s part of maximising my grandparents’ legacy,” Brett’s voice filled with affection.

Robbo says working with paralympic athletes his whole life has led him to understand there is a mindset shift that has to happen when tragedies occur in people’s lives.

“We can’t get hung up and caught in the victim mentality because that doesn’t allow us to move forward. You have to recognise that this is reality and as much as it sucks, it is part of our journey so let’s use the experience to learn, grow and develop and be the best version of ourselves from those experiences,” is how Robbo summarised the attitudes of those with whom he works.

“If you talk to any of the paralympic athletes, either at the top of their game or even climbing the ladder, many have faced a lot of challenges from their early days. If they were born with disabilities they have often experienced misunderstanding and bullying. Those who have lost limbs or become quadriplegics or paraplegics as a result of accidents or illness share similar stories.

“The beauty is they create a clear vision of where they want to go, set their goals and do everything in their power to be the best athletes and the best people in the world.”

Brett Robinson has learned a lot from that kind of mindset shift, through coaching and teaching it for such a long time.

“These are life skills. That’s why I take it into the lives of everyone, not just elite athletes,” he added.

Robbo cites western region and Olympic/paralympic Gold Medallists Kurt Fearnley and Ben Austin, who are both Mental Health Ambassadors, as being “inspirational in everything they do in their lives”.

The well-credentialed high-performance coach and therapist, who began his journey in Cobar and now travels the world, is reflective.

“It is not where I thought I would be when I was a youngster, but I absolutely Iove where I am at the moment and looking forward to the next 50 years of my life.”

Robbo is aiming to conduct some workshops/seminars in Dubbo and surrounds over the next few months, relating to Mental Strength Training and “becoming the best version of yourself”.

If you would like to be a part of the workshops, indicate your interest through these pages or contact Brett direct at brett@intentional.com. au or check out the podcast, yourlifeofimpact.com