A Beloved Local Celebrity

Born as Desmond Bergin and affectionately called Baba Desi, the remarkable ‘Belgrave Wizard’ is a cherished figure in the hilly Belgrave community in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Besides “Baba Desi,” he’s also known as “The Wizard,” “The Pirate,” “The Healer,” and more. Aged in his mid-nineties, Baba Desi's vibrant personality and long life have made him a local icon.

Baba Desi is a regular at Belgrave cafes and was once known for his determined daily walks, including a regular 10-kilometre trek from Belgrave to Emerald. However, in recent years, friends noticed that Desi was starting to slow down. His friend Pauline grew concerned that his regular solo walks into the Belgrave town centre might soon prove unsafe.

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A Community That Cares

Keen to help a friend in need, Pauline turned to social media. Her request for community members to drive Desi between his home and Belgrave Village was met with overwhelming support. A dedicated group of community members now ensures Desi gets to town and returns home safely every day.

Pauline was also worried about Desi’s welfare at home, as he lives alone. So, Pauline organised for home care support for Desi. She also organised for Desi to get a MePACS home alarm.

“He was very well known in the community. But when he came home, he was on his own. I just thought, well, if he hurts himself, he doesn't even have a phone to call out or call 000. It wasn't a good situation at all. His MePACS alarm is another layer of security that we've put in place for peace of mind,” she explains.

Pauline, familiar with MePACS through her work as a nurse and having seen the benefits firsthand with her mother-in-law’s alarm, happily advocates for the service.

“MePACS has good standing in the community. It's well known and reliable. It’s tried and true,” she adds.

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A Reliable Safety Net

Baba Desi himself can attest to the importance of having help available 24/7. One day, while sitting in his kitchen, he suddenly felt faint and pressed the button on his alarm pendant. In a matter of moments, he was connected to a MePACS emergency response operator, who swiftly arranged for an ambulance and kept Pauline informed throughout the incident.

In addition to his home alarm system, Desi benefits from daily check-in calls with MePACS. He is very diligent about his daily calls. His friends and loved ones appreciate the security that his personal alarm offers.

“They always say, ‘Make sure you wear your alarm.’ I would recommend MePACS to anyone. I feel safe, and it’s something I can rely on,” he reflects.

A Life Well Lived

Baba Desi was born in Wangaratta, Victoria, and has enjoyed a long and varied life. He cherishes childhood memories of horses — his father was a trainer for racehorses and greyhounds, and Desi loved riding in gymkhanas and shows.

A standout moment of his adult life was modelling for top Australian fashion photographer Athol Shmith:

“He trained me to do a fashion parade for the Queen, with female models. After that, everybody wanted me to model for them.”

Desi’s eclectic career includes roles such as a floor manager at the upscale Georges department store and a small part as an extra in the 1959 film On the Beach, starring Gregory Peck.

Yet, above all, he sees himself as a “humanist.” A lifelong advocate for those in need, he once ran for the Senate and worked closely with Father Bob Maguire to aid the disadvantaged and homeless.

His extensive history as a protester—spanning more than 40 years including involvement in the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) and the groundbreaking Green Bans movement of the 1970s—remains a source of great pride.

“I'm a humanist. I like to help people. By protesting, whatever. To me, we all should stand together. Because these days we need to stand together,” Desi explains.

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Secrets to Positive Ageing

According to Baba Desi, creativity is the key to a long and joyful life. With a deep passion for craftsmanship, he collects wood from the forest and transforms it into unique, magical staffs. Although he cannot recall the exact number he has created over the years, he estimates that it likely numbers in the high hundreds, if not thousands, with at least one hundred showcased in his home.

“With a staff, you can walk through the forest anywhere and meditate. You feel great about yourself,” he notes.

Known for his innate sense of style, Desi embraces colourful garb — a gift from his dressmaker mother that still defines his signature look.

“I think people are happier when they put more into their creative abilities.”

Despite his advancing age and shorter daily walks, Baba Desi remains active and social, finding pleasure in visiting local shops, enjoying a coffee, and engaging in conversation.

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MePACS: A Lifeline for Independence

MePACS is proud to support Baba Desi as he continues to live a full and active life. His personal alarm provides not only 24/7 security but also offers his support network reassurance that help is always available when needed.

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