Brett was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2019 and underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment in Melbourne.
He had his voice box removed and now breathes through a hole in his throat.
He said he recovered from the ordeal thanks to the support of his wife and two step-children.
‘‘Going through all the treatment is physically and mentally draining and it would have been close to impossible to do it alone,’’ Brett said.
‘‘I got the all clear last year which was a time of celebration for our family and a time for me to appreciate how much they mean to me.
‘‘My wife Naomi has taken a lot out of her life to support me. For several weeks we were in Melbourne while I was getting treatment and she was working from the hotel while looking after me.
‘‘It’s been a challenging road, but we’ve found the positives in it and come out stronger on the other side.’’
But while Brett speaks highly of his family, Naomi is quick to point out how much she and her kids have been supported by him.
‘‘He came into our lives nearly 11 years ago and has been there through the tough times with me and my kids,’’ she said.
‘‘He has stood beside us when my youngest was suffering from mental illness, which has not been an easy journey.
‘‘He didn’t argue with me when I wanted to buy a house for my eldest daughter so she would have somewhere to live.
‘‘He also accepted and welcomed the network of my daughters’ friends who we call our own.
‘‘Even after everything, he still loves and adores my girls and their kids. I couldn’t ask for a better father figure.’’