Six months ago, Vincent Doyle was watering his much-loved garden at his home in north-west Queensland. Now, he sits in his wheelchair, unable to move, watching the grass die.
The 37-year-old Mount Isa local is dealing with the physical and mental challenges of a sudden and rapidly deteriorating condition of motor neurone disease (MND).
"I can't use my hands, I have my partner to feed me. It's like I'm a little baby again," he says.
"I used to love to be out in my garden, watering my lawn. Now all I can do is sit here."
With no indication of how much time he had left, Mr Doyle created a bucket list.
At the top of the list was a family trip to the lake.
But severe mobility issues meant his wishes sat idle for some time.
"I'm so bored. Every day I wake up and I think, 'What am I going to do? How long do I have?' The doctor told me there's no cure, and that frightened me.
After an ABC Facebook post alerted the community to Mr Doyle's situation, residents rushed to his aid.
With the help of his family, local disability support group Cootharinga, and his determined partner Majorie, Mr Doyle finally made it out to the lake.
As he sat at the water's edge, eyes aglow with the setting sun and Marjorie's arms wrapped around him, Mr Doyle smiled for the first time in a long time.
"My body was jumping. I was really happy I got to come out.
"It was pretty good, being able to see that for the last time. But I'm a bit sad too."
Local photographer Renee Carson was there to capture the special moment and help Mr Doyle fulfill bucket list number two — family photographs for loved ones to remember him by.
"It was a real privilege to tag along and take some photos of Vincent with his family," she said.
"Photography helps, especially with mob. It's a chance to celebrate our cultural roots out on country and embrace our appearance and surroundings."
Fiona Hill, manager at Cootharinga Mount Isa, said it was a privilege to make one of Mr Doyle's last wishes come true.
She said people living with disability often faced barriers to fulfilling their spiritual and emotional needs.
"This afternoon is important for many reasons. A person with a disability should never be restricted from opportunities," she said.
"Vincent is a traditional owner of this country and this trip helps him renew his special connection to country," she said.
Unfortunately, a low battery in his wheelchair and depleting oxygen levels meant Mr Doyle's trip was cut short.
"I wish I could sit out here longer. It makes me sad that I have to go," he said.
But the 37-year-old had hope for the future.
Since it garnered local interest, news of Mr Doyle's condition spread to the other side of the country with people from Western Australia offering to auction off significant items to donate cash.
"We really appreciate the time and generosity from the people in this community in helping Vincent achieve his goals," Ms Doyle said.
"It's lovely to know that there are genuine people here in this community."
