What Community Really Looks Like

At Gullivers, the word community isn’t something we use lightly. It’s something we live every day — through shared work, shared meals, shared responsibility, and shared joy. Roberto is a wonderful example of what that really looks like.

Home, Belonging, and Family

Roberto lives within our co-housing community. This isn’t just where he lives — it’s where he belongs. He is a godparent to one of the children in the community, a role he takes enormous pride in, and he spends time with his godson and neighbourhood friends on trips away, building memories and relationships that extend far beyond the working day.

When you ask Roberto who he is, he doesn’t hesitate.

“I’m a Farmer and Chef”

And he means both.

Life on the Farm

On the farm, Roberto is hands-on with maintenance work, helping keep things running smoothly, and he plays an active role in our annual fundraisers — always ready to muck in, help out, and be part of the buzz of the day. He identifies strongly with farm life: being outdoors, working with purpose, and contributing to something bigger than himself.

Where the Love of Food Comes From

The chef part of Roberto’s identity runs deep.

Roberto’s father owned an Italian restaurant. His dad worked front of house — entertaining guests, talking, laughing, making people feel welcome — while the chef in the kitchen brought the food to life. Roberto loves this story. He talks about it with pride and warmth, and it has shaped who he wants to be.

Cooking connects Roberto to his family, his heritage, and his sense of self.

Finding Confidence in the Kitchen

Busy kitchen environments haven’t always been easy for Roberto. The noise, the pace, the pressure — they can bring anxiety. But with the right support, the right people, and a team that truly understands him, things have changed.

We’ve adapted the environment, worked at Roberto’s pace, and focused on what he can do — not what he can’t.

Now, Roberto cooks the bacon for our bacon rolls.

And if you ask him about it, he’ll tell you himself, proudly and with a huge smile:

“I Cook All Bacon Rolls”

That sentence says more than we ever could.

It’s confidence. Ownership. Achievement. Joy.

A Friendly Face Front of House

You’ll also see Roberto front of house from time to time. Please do say hello — he may be a little shy, but he will always give you a smile.

Why This Matters

Roberto loves what he does. He loves being part of the farm, part of the kitchen, part of the community. He loves contributing, being recognised, and knowing that his role matters.

At Gullivers, this is what meaningful work looks like. This is what inclusion looks like. And this is what community feels like when it’s done right — people supporting one another, growing together, and celebrating the everyday moments that make life full.

We’re incredibly proud of Roberto — not just for what he does, but for who he is.