At 55, Shane ‘Scooter’ King is living proof that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself — and have fun doing it.
Known affectionately as “Scooter” by friends and colleagues, he’s a theatre nurse, a stage performer, a triathlete, and someone who lives life to the fullest with a laugh, a purpose, and a passion for people.
Originally from a tiny town in New Zealand — the kind of place where everyone knew when you sneezed — Shane moved to Hervey Bay in 1995 at age 25.
He became an Aussie citizen a few years later and soon realised that working the night shift at a 24-hour servo wasn’t his calling.
So, he wrote a list of possible careers, from the wild to the worthwhile. When he scribbled the word "nurse," something clicked.
The path wasn’t easy.
Shane hadn’t studied for a decade, but he went back to complete adult Year 12, then university in Toowoomba.
A chance phone call from a wrong number — a nurse — inspired him further.
Her positivity sealed the deal. During his studies, Shane worked nights at a servo, even experiencing violence, which only pushed him harder toward his new future.
Out of thirty TAFE students doing year 12, only three passed. Shane was one of them.
Now, 23 years into nursing, he’s a theatre nurse at the Hervey Bay Hospital, a role he clearly adores.
“Theatre nursing lets me be part of helping someone heal. Every case is different, from fixing bones to delivering babies. I especially love caesareans — they’re about new beginnings, not just repairs.”
Shane thrives on teamwork and constant learning.
“We’re never alone in the theatre — three nurses work together.
I love bouncing off the team, the challenge of multiple specialties, and the chance to make a difference every day.”
But there’s another stage, Shane calls home — the theatre kind.
Drawn in unexpectedly by local performers, he was handed the lead role of Robin Hood in a dinner theatre production.
“They told me it was a small part. I ended up playing the lead and had to sing — something I swore I couldn’t do. But they taught me, and I loved it.”
He performed for four years with Stage Rats and has been with ZPAC Theatre for over a decade.
Comedy is his favourite genre, especially his role in Inspector Drake. “People would come up after shows saying, ‘I needed that laugh.’ That’s the best reward.”
While Shane has no biological children, his nurturing nature has earned him the honorary title of ‘Dad’ from theatre kids and colleagues alike.
He shares life with his wonderful partner, Melinda, and her three daughters. “Meeting Melinda has changed my life. She’s really opened up my world.”
He’s also a proud son. His parents, now in their 80s, recently visited from New Zealand — a full-circle moment for the once-wandering Kiwi who needed space to grow.
When Shane was going through a particularly difficult time, friends roped him into triathlons.
What started with a painful run has become over ten years of competing in the Hervey Bay 100.
He’s now found a love for the gym and swims with the Saturday Sippers — a social group that ends each ocean swim with a beer and a chat.
What’s next? Another Inspector Drake show is on the cards.
Shane and Melinda also hope to travel to England to visit friends, and Shane would like to revisit Spain, where he once swam in San Sebastián.
“I appreciate all I have, the good and the bad. I make my own fun and live every moment. That’s my philosophy.”
he says, “Life is good. I’ve got supportive friends and family who tell me what I need to hear, not just what I want.”
By Kim Parnell
From What’s On Fraser Coast Magazine
