LIFE for the Robertson family of Bega is never dull.
With six children there is always something happening, whether it is school, sport, social or health related.
The most recent addition, Johnathon, arrived three weeks ago and is Jenny and Angus’s first son.
Sisters Jessica, 9, Kimberley, 7, Hayley, 6, Alicia, 4 and Tamara 2 (and their parents) are all adjusting to having a new baby in the family and are excitedly preparing for their favourite time of year, Christmas.
This year Christmas at the Robertsons will be very special.
As part of the Federal Government’s $10.4 billion package to strengthen the national economy and support households they will receive $5000 in total - $1000 for each child (excluding Johna-thon, as he was born after the cut-off date).
Another $1000 will be provided as the Rober-tsons also receive carer allowance for Jessica, who was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was two.
“This payment will make Christmas a lot easier for us,” Mrs Robertson said.
“But at the same time we will be really sensible and put a lot of it away for those ‘when you need it times’.
“It also gives us that peace of mind, that there’s some financial security.”
With eight in the family and just one full-time income to survive on, the budget is tight.
Mr Robertson is a machine operator at the Bega Cheese factory and works night shift.
“There’s always something that needs fixing or breaks and needs replacing, like a washing machine was our last big purchase and with a family the size of ours these things need to be bought straight away, so the money will be useful for those type of emergencies,” Mr Robertson said.
“You’ve got to be ready for things like this happening,” Mrs Robertson added.
Mr Robertson said although the family does it tough on one wage, “it’s not worth sending the kids to child care so Jenny can work too”.
“And where can you get a job with the hours of 10am to 2pm, they’re hard to find.”
“Having two parents working doesn’t mean you get in front,” Mrs Robertson said.
“We’re the same as any other family, we have the same bills, rental payments to make, but because we have six children our living expenses are high.”
Jessica, Kimberley and Hayley are all school age so various items for school such as shoes, uniforms, school bags are often on the shopping list.
“This money will help with next year’s uniforms and other school expenses,” Mr Robertson said.
Both Jenny and Angus hope those families who receive the Government payment this month will consider using it wisely.
“I’ve heard about other families who are going to use their money frivolously.
“Why would they throw it away when it is so hard to come by,” Mr Robertson said.
“We struggle through each week,” Mrs Robert-son said.
“This is extra money we weren’t expecting. So we now have something to fall back on.
“We hope more families will do the same, maybe leave it sitting in a really good back account gaining interest,” Mrs Robertson said.
Travel is considered a luxury and is an activity a family of eight can do only with some serious saving.
“We saved for more than a year to holiday for six weeks in Queensland earlier this year, and we did it for under $8,000.
“So we’re not planning any big holidays with this money. That holiday has to last us for a couple of years.
“When Johnathon gets older we’ll think about saving for another trip then,” Mrs Robertson said.
“Our holiday at Christ-mas is camping at Grandma’s in Tathra,” Mr Robertson said, “we put a tent up in the backyard and stay there.”
A large family means there are obvious sacrifices for the parents, which are made with few complaints.
“I’ve had to give up sport, but I’m happy to do that for my kids,” Mrs Robertson said.
“I’m still playing cricket though,” Mr Robertson quickly stated, “without it I’d go nuts.
“But I don’t do as much fishing as I would like. Sometimes I’ll get to take the kids with me when I do go.”
Are there any regrets?
“No,” Mrs Robertson said.
“I love the big family and I am lost without them when they are not with me.”
When Jenny and Angus first met and decided to start a family they both agreed on six children.
“When the first one came along, it scared the hell out of me,” Mr Robertson said.
“At 19 it was a big lifestyle change to get used to.”
But, said Mrs Robert-son as baby Johnathon rests contentedly in his mother’s arms, “the most important thing is we’re happy ... so long as we’ve got a roof over our heads and the kid’s have food to eat - that’s all that matters.”