An 89-year-old Seventh-day Adventist from a small township in north-eastern Victoria, Australia, featured in a special photographic series celebrating the International Day of Older Persons 2023.
Kevin Goldsworthy, a long-time stockman from Walwa, was among 29 Australians chosen to feature in “Our Precious Things”, a project initiated by Australian Community Media (ACM), a regional publishing company. According to ACM, the project was designed “to capture the wisdom and experience of Australia’s unsung regional elders”.
In addition to posing for portraits, the participants were asked to select a cherished item to be photographed with. For Mr Goldsworthy, it was his Bible. “It has been my guide through life,” he told The Border Mail newspaper. “It offers hope for a brighter future, a world where Christ’s return will usher in a new beginning.”
Born in 1934 in a bark hut on the outskirts of Beechworth, Victoria, Mr Goldsworthy has spent his entire life working on the land. He began riding horses at the age of four, mastered the art of breaking in horses by the age of 10 and became a professional horse breaker by the age of 14. He left home at 17.
“All I ever wanted was to be a stockman, to get a horse, stock whip and a lasso, and catch brumbies,” he told The Border Mail.
Mr Goldsworthy’s work took him across Australia, sharing the love of Jesus wherever he went. For 45 years, he sheared sheep. He also opened riding schools, taught horse-breaking techniques and has even won buck-jumping competitions. Remarkably, he continued to break in horses well into his 80s and he remains actively involved in farming duties. Until recently, he worked six days a week at Towong Hill Station, where he dedicated 19 years of service.
Throughout his travels, Mr Goldsworthy connected with many Adventists, attending local church services and serving as an elder. Recently, he married Cecilia, whom he met at Corryong church. Both have four children, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Regarding the media attention, Mr Goldsworthy shared with Adventist Record that this was not his first time appearing in a newspaper.
“As a matter of fact, I was on the front page of [Melbourne newspaper] The Age some time ago [sitting] on a horse in the river,” he said.
Throughout his many adventures, he has prioritised his connection with God.
“At the age of seven I decided I needed a Saviour and I reckon the Bible is the best way,” he said. “I’ve carted it with me all over Australia. I’ve read it every day when I can.”
