For more than a decade, Rob has been sharing his love of music with visitors to the Stansbury Seaside Markets while raising funds for causes close to his heart. After experiencing melanoma himself, Rob chose to support the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation, turning his busking performances into an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness. As he approaches his 85th year, Rob continues to donate his time, talent and generosity to help create a future with better outcomes for people affected by melanoma.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started busking?
I started busking at the Stansbury Seaside Markets about 10 or 12 years ago and over that period I have fine-tuned the list of charities that I busk for. I support charities that are not top heavy with huge CEO pay packets, and where the money raised hits the target and those who benefit people in rural communities.
What do you enjoy most about performing for the public?
I am not sure that I always enjoy busking, but I am only giving my time. The weather plays a huge part in market attendance and because the dates are fixed there is not much that can change that.
“I support charities that are not top heavy with huge CEO pay packets, [like AMRF] and where the money raised hits the target.”
What inspired you to donate your busking earnings to the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation? Have people shared their own melanoma experiences with you while you’ve been performing?
I guess that having part of an ear removed because of melanoma made me aware of the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation. I do hear a lot of stories from people that I have never met, and they are grateful that melanoma research is happening and will benefit many people in the future.
What impact do you hope your fundraising will have on the future of melanoma research?
The decision to busk is a personal one. I know that I am not the greatest musician in the world, but it is satisfying when the visitors and sometimes the vendors tell me that they appreciate the music. Sometimes people dance to the music, sometimes the little ones are fascinated by the music and when Mum or Dad give them some coins to drop into the hat, I offer a “high five” and that gets a good reaction.
“It is nice to know that not only do the public appreciate what you are doing but they are aware of the charity and its purpose.”
When you see someone stop, listen to your music, and drop a coin into your case, what goes through your mind knowing that small act of generosity is helping fund melanoma research?
It is nice to know that not only do the public appreciate what you are doing but they are aware of the charity and its purpose. That is why the promotional material is so important. Even if people do not donate, it is making them aware that there is an organization that is there to help. I have a 900 x 600 double sided billboard that I use to introduce myself, promote who I am busking for, and state that all funds raised go to the charity listed and appeal for their help.
What does the future hold for you?
I am not sure what the future holds for buskers, because the “cashless society” is having an impact on my takings, on average about $100 per less per appearance than 12 months ago. I am investigating the use of QR code or similar but not sure where that is leading. I will be 85 by the time the next market season comes around, but hope to continue as long as it is worth the effort.
