His family has organised a fundraiser and auction to help Ron and his wife Wendy with medical and living expenses. The event will be held at the Parkes Railway Diggers Bowling Club at 12pm on Sunday, April 23. 

Items for auction include a family pass to Dreamworld with a Tiger Island experience, a signed Cowboys football, a signed Adam Goodes training jumper, footy boots signed by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Mr Ron as his students call him has worked Forbes North Public and Parkes schools as a Learning Support Officer and Wiradjuri Language teacher.

Ron’s sister, Jenny Carrodus, said it is a very sad and difficult time for Ron and Wendy.

“The have had to suddenly stop all their dreams of growing old together, starting their own Cultural Business and their plans to travel,” she said. 

“Ron’s illness is terminal, there is no cure. His oncologist advised him to start chemotherapy in the hope of reducing the size and slowing down the growth of the cancer to give him a better life expectancy.”

Jenny said Ron started chemo on March 16, and has already had a couple of setbacks. 

“He is a fighter though, he has faith in the Lord and remains very positive about his illness,” she said. 

“We can all take a leaf out of Ron’s book. He truly is an amazingly strong and humble man.”

Ron has conducted many Welcome to Country Ceremonies in Parkes, Forbes and Orange with Aboriginal and non-aboriginal organisations and opened significant community events including NAIDOC Celebrations.

Ron played his Didgeridoo at the Orange ANZAC Dawn and Midday Services last year and he will again this year.

“Ron is proud of his Aboriginal heritage, his country and of his people especially the elders for which he has the utmost respect,” Jenny said.