Retiree finds new passion

“Retirement is not the end of the road. It’s an opportunity to try something new,” he said.

Mr Starritt grew up in north-west Mooroopna. He loved tennis and enjoyed playing football, like most other country boys of his time.

In 1967, he won the best-and-fairest medal for the Tatura Football Club. The following year, he was the team’s vice-captain.

Sport ran through his body like blood in one’s veins. However, after dedicating 36 years as a committed employee to the GOTAFE William Orr Campus on Wanganui Rd in Shepparton, it was time to retire, and his time on the footy field and tennis court had ended, too.

“I loved my job. We had great camaraderie — it was lots of fun,” Mr Starritt said.

“We would do the Herald Sun super quiz every Monday at lunchtime, and you had to be quick to get a seat.

“I didn’t want to leave, but it was time.”

Mr Starritt’s retirement kicked off in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cautious alongside his wife of 51 years, Ann, like many, they stayed home. But amid the days inside the same four walls, an idea came to his mind.

“I’ve always loved collecting old posters, mostly from America,” Mr Starritt said.

“I used to go to garage sales, op shops and markets to see what I can find, but now we have the internet.

“It’s like a click of a finger. Once you know how to use it, there is no stopping you.

“So, I started collecting again, and when everything opened up, I started op-shopping for frames.”

The collection has gotten so big that Mr Starritt is now trying to figure out what to do with it.

It consists of framed posters of old films, cigar packaging, Wild West Buffalo Bill pieces, colourful advertising and a unique collection of Annie Oakley pictures.

Oakley was a famous markswoman known for her sharpshooting. She travelled with her husband across the United States and abroad, showing off her skills with a rifle.

She became a star in a male-dominated sport and is legendary worldwide.

“Annie’s story is incredible,” Mr Starritt said.

“Collecting has given me an insight into some fascinating American and local history.

“It’s been a hobby that has kept me excited.

“And seeing the collection come together has been quite rewarding.”

As Mr Starritt contemplated what to do with the frames piling up in his garage, I suggested that displaying them somewhere before he sold them would be a great idea.

“Oh, I don’t know if anyone around here would like to do that,” he said.

“Maybe, or maybe I will just sell them.

“I am not sure at the moment. I hope someone might see your article and be inspired to keep busy, even if it’s not in a sporting or active way.

“A remote interest can turn into something tremendous — retirement can be full of experiences just waiting to happen.

“Find something you like, take it up and go for it.”