The torment inside Jimmy Paterson

Jimmy Paterson has been in the fight of his life for 12 years now.

Whether it’s passing his front yard full of metal scraps and collections of the past 12 years stacked high, or watching him fly down the Rail Trail on his modified pushbikes, it’s hard not to notice James “Jimmy” Paterson.

Jimmy’s life has been one of torment (with authorities and his own mental condition), allowing few precious moments of happiness or joy since a brain injury and other circumstances which derailed his life.

This is a man slipping through the cracks of the system: sleeping rough and living day to day as he fights for the injustices he says have been imposed on him regarding his home and the path forward.

Frustrated, angry, but still with the brightest blue eyes you’ve ever seen and a cheeky smile, Jimmy never gives up, and doesn’t seek anyone’s pity. Not for a second, and he never will.

Here’s part of Jimmy’s story told to his neighbour and friend.

Q: What is your name, and how old are you?
A: My name is James Paterson. I’m 70 years old.

Q: How long have you lived in Korumburra?
A: About 18 years.

Q: What brought you here?
A: My mum. I had nowhere else to go.

Q: What’s it like living here?
A: It’s tough. If I didn’t have the Food Banks or help from places like the Salvation Army, I wouldn’t survive. They provide food and clothing, but I don’t need much clothing—I’ve got enough junk now.

Q: How long have you been living like this, without power or running water?
A: Since 2012. A mix of circumstances brought me here, and I’m just coping as best I can.

Q: How do you keep going daily?
A: I have to find something to do to occupy my mind. I try to stay active, even though it’s a constant cycle. Without my pushbike, I’d be stuck.

Q: What challenges do you face in your home?
A: My house is damaged from flooding. The foundations are sinking, and the cracks make it unlivable. I’ve contacted South Gippsland Water, but they just pass me around. I’ve handed it over to a solicitor now.

Q: Have you had issues with insurance claims?
A: Yes, the insurers were supposed to rebuild my house, but they wouldn’t replace the contents, so I refused. They couldn’t process my claim due to amalgamation issues with another company, and it’s become a mess trying to work it out. I’m claiming $125,000 for flood damage and it’s been going on for years.

Q: Do you feel connected to the community here?
A: I’m not connected to it so much. I wouldn’t have come back if I’d known it would be like this, the struggles I’ve had to face. It’s no-ones fault here, it’s just that I cope better on my own.

Q: Do you have relationships or friendships?
A: No. I’ve distanced myself from people. I just tell them I don’t want anything to do with them.

Q: Do you suffer from a brain injury or a mental health issue?
A: I have a schizoid disorder, which affects my emotions and moods. That’s partly why my relationship (with his partner) ended — she said I was too mean and that I couldn’t let go of the past.

Q: How do you cope with this life?
A: You have to fight to survive, even when it feels like you can’t.

Q: Do you have any advice for others?
A: Stay connected to your family. Look after them while you have them.

Q: What do you hope for?
A: I’d like the authorities, like VCAT, to experience the same living conditions they’ve imposed on me. All the years of fighting for justice and it feels like a battle that never ends. I’d just like to right thing to eventually be done and allow me to live a bit more comfortably.

Q: Do you feel strong?
A: People tell me I’m strong, but I don’t feel that way. I just do what I have to do to get by.

Q: How do you feel about your past?
A: It’s hard to let go of the things that have happened, but they stay with me no matter what.

Q: What do you do to stay connected to your memories?
A: I visit the cemetery to put flowers on my mum’s grave and see the graves of people I grew up with.

Q: How long can you keep living like this?
A: As long as it takes. I’m not one for giving up, and these matters are important to me. So I’ll keep pushing as hard as I can to get things right in my life. It’s one day at a time.