In Exmouth, a town 1,250km north of Perth, Niki is observed carrying her 30-year-old son, Jimmy, who weighs 45kg. Jimmy, at 30, appears significantly younger due to panhypopituitarism, a rare hormonal disorder affecting fewer than one in 100,000 Australians annually. This condition has resulted in blindness, inability to walk or speak, and severe intellectual disability, halting his development.
Niki and Jimmy have been traveling Australia in a 78 series Toyota Troop Carrier, their home since December 2024. Their journey has covered nearly a complete lap of the country.
Their travels have included destinations like South Australia's Kilsby sinkhole, where Niki engaged in freediving, reaching 20 meters on a single breath. Jimmy waited above, cared for by other divers, providing Niki with personal time. Niki, 47, stated that life on the road is a reset, driven by a desire to simplify life post-Covid.
Niki's care responsibilities are constant. She carries Jimmy along various terrains and manages all his daily routines, focusing on his abilities rather than his disabilities.
Jimmy was born in April 1995, two weeks early. Tests confirmed blindness, and Niki committed to providing him with the best life possible. Her relationship with Jimmy's father ended shortly after. Niki stated that Jimmy's laughter helped her during a difficult period in her life.
For decades, Jimmy attended special school while Niki balanced work and solo parenting. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has provided significant support, allowing Niki to focus on full-time care and occasionally find qualified support workers during their travels.
Niki finds personal release in freediving during small windows of time. In clear lagoons, Jimmy remains nearby in a beach tent, enjoying the environment. He sometimes joins Niki for swims, showing enjoyment in the water. Niki expressed that Jimmy deserves a fulfilling life.
Niki avoids describing Jimmy's disabilities in detail, prioritizing his agency. She noted issues with a recent vehicle refit requiring future repairs in Perth. She stated that her dependence on Jimmy is mutual, finding strength from his resilience.
Despite challenges, they experience joy in their travels; Jimmy enjoys the vehicle and music. Niki acknowledged that this lifestyle is becoming physically harder as she ages, with sore knees impacting walks. She anticipates the eventual need for a wheelchair for Jimmy and plans to seek out more secluded locations, accepting the risks of isolation. Niki believes Jimmy is happy in their shared life.
They are now heading south to avoid the upcoming cyclone season, continuing their journey together.