Written by Russ Benning
I’d like to start this article, as I did last month, with a recent reflection of mine.
During an interesting conversation with an Argentinian traveller, she explained that she had come to Australia for a visit then through global circumstance in 2020 was ‘forced’ to stay here, then fell in love and chose to stay.
They call us the lucky county and it’s not hard to see why. From wide open spaces with room to breathe, to stunning, varied landscapes, we have some of, if not, the most beautiful places on earth to explore.
This lead me to reflect on the types of people this country produces. The concept of ‘help out your mates’ is quite the Aussie trait. I’d say this is demonstrated even more-so in our older generations.
One such individual is a man I want to introduce you to today.
I bet most of you have already seen him in action. A man of many characters, his most recognisable one being Pirate Pete, usually spotted outside the Pirates Cave store in Torquay. If so, you would likely have seen the light and joy he brings to all that cross his path. Especially favoured by the children he entertains and gives gifts of sweets and shaped balloons.
His name is Ian Dinte, and I had the pleasure of hearing his story, beyond the literal mask.
At the ripe young age of 77, Ian is happily retired and the acts in this article are what keeps him busy, and possibly so enthusiastically young at heart. Arriving in the region over twelve years ago, his wife declared upon driving down Boat Harbour Drive, “This is it. This is our new home.” And so it was.
As I arrived to his home, I noted the stack of nick-nacks on the nature strip with a big FREE sign attached. I would later learn that this is a small part of his ever flowing assortment of goodies that flow into and out of Ian’s possession.
I spot an elder gentleman in the car-port motioning me in to park. I’m not even out of my car before the introductions begin. The pleasantries are brief and following very closely by my instructions.
“Right, come in here.”
Ian leads me to various rooms and proudly shows off his numerous awards for volunteering from various organisations.
“Now come out here and shut that door and open this door.”
Any notions I had of leading this interaction are quickly put to rest. Once again, I’m in the presence of a man who is very much used to running the show (literally).
I was not shocked to learn that he is also very well acquainted with last months legend, Bronco. I’ve noted there to be a linking character trait from one guest to the next and I think the similarities are quite obvious with this pair. Both absolute characters, both super generous, both highly recognisable in our community.
“Come and sit down, have a look at this.”
Yes sir!
The warm fuzzies visit me as he flicks through folders of clippings and photographs from decades of doing his thing.
Several articles from both Hervey Bay and Maryborough newspapers refer to him as the ‘Character Man’, which is fitting because I tell you – this guy is a character, man!
Jovially, he narrates the flicking of pictures and articles for my understanding. I ask a question about other characters and learn quickly that this part of the meeting is not the Q and A!
“Yeah, I’ll get to that. That’s why I said, I’ll give you an insight, I’ll get to that haha.” His laugh more of a chuckle, is both warm and cheeky.
His way of telling stories and sharing his gifts continued to catch me off guard—the way you might expect from a good show or a prominent street performer. I think I fell into every, well humoured, trap he set for me. I found it almost impossible not to get caught up in the levity of his ‘performance’. I can see how anyone in his presence is drawn into his frame. I loved how everyone is a person to Ian, no matter who or what they are.
As we’re flicking through his treasure trove of articles and photographs he starts labelling the characters he performs.
“Ninja, Bob the Builder, clown, chimney sweep, Pirate Pete…”
The list went on.
I could see in his body language that he gets a real kick out the work he does.
“I just love people and I like to help out wherever I can.”
Listening beyond his words I hear how the law of attraction really serves him. His generosity and default state of giving, returns to him in many ways. He shares one story about being given a truck to do whatever he likes with.
Whatever he likes, turned out to be helping people once again.
“Ian, here’s a truck, do what you want with it. I was helping people move, move things for them, when they didn’t have a vehicle to do it themselves.”
A major part of what he is up to revolves around the disability community. From fundraising for air conditioning and iPads, to spending time and adding cheer to their lives, he shares that helping them anyway he can is his true passion.
During our time together I said the word ‘disabled’ and he swiftly and passionately corrected me.
“They’re not disabled, they just have special needs.”
Upon probing this stance, he shared a much deeper look at the way he views all humans. He dislikes the term ‘disabled’ as it is reductive to who they truly are.
A real champion of the local special needs community, Ian prides himself on treating them all the same way.
“If you go with a special needs person out in public, you see how many people come and say hello.
Not many, if any. I go right up to them to say hello! Take their hands and talk to them. Just like normal.”
He goes on to tell a story about one girl in particular.
“She can’t talk, she can’t do anything for herself, but we learned to communicate through expression and feeling.”
They created a special bond and now her carers will take her to him to spend time. I expect she is not the only one either.
We continue to go back and forth and I learn more about him as a person and hear more and more stories of his selfless deeds over the years. His express declaration not required for me to see and feel his passion for myself.
I see that the pride he gets from showing off his endless clippings and awards are not to be conflated with a need for recognition or gratification. He’s giving me the information to understand his world better, not to get a pat on the back.
He would do this regardless of the outcome. To him, it’s so obvious.
“Why wouldn’t I? I’m retired, no mortgage, I have the time and I love it.”
This is the type of everyday Australian I’m proud and grateful to say are part of our people. Obviously I’m geographically biased, but it seems the Fraser Coast is a veritable magnet for such quality human beings.
To contact Ian, or to hire him and one or many of his characters, email him at dintes@live.com.au.
