Meet the newest kid on the block

“Everyone loves a baby,” says new mum Kylie as she bounces Hamilton Reach’s youngest resident, 15-week-old Rome, on her knee.

It’s the warm smiles from her neighbours in the lift and on her walks along the river while Rome chats away in his pram that have helped to nurture special feelings of community.

And while Kylie and her partner Robert have called Riverlight Apartments home for the past two years, as FIFO workers they haven’t always been able to fully enjoy the continuous connection to home that Kylie is now revelling in.

The professional tyre fitter – who operates specialised machinery to expertly fit four-tonne tyres to mining vehicles in Moranbah – is now learning the ropes of motherhood.

“I’ve worked in the mines for many years now and being a FIFO worker can make it hard to meet people,” says Kylie. 

“So Robert and I were very lucky to find each other and experience parenthood for the first time together.

“Rome arrived four weeks early, he was so tiny. It’s hard to believe he’s starting to teethe now. I’m really loving this age. I’m looking forward to all of it.”

With Robert now back working FIFO in the mines, he keeps in touch with his young family with regular video calls throughout the day. 

Living at Riverlight makes the juggle easier for Kylie. The connection to people, parklands and the river, the ease of access from her car to her apartment and her favourite 
spots for lunch.

“We’ve always loved the Breakfast Creek Hotel, I even had my baby shower there and we know the staff well,” said Kylie.

“Now when we go there with Rome, Sue – who has worked there for more than 20 years – is the first to take him for a cuddle while we have lunch. It’s really lovely.

“At home, everyone always says hello when I’m out exploring the parks and river walks with Rome.

“While I’ve joined a local mother’s group, I’d also really love to connect with some other mums in Hamilton Reach.”

If you spot Kylie and baby Rome in the community, pop over and say hi! They would love to meet you.