Robert Irwin says his sister Bindi is starting a ‘new chapter’ in her life amid their family’s highly publicised rift with grandfather Bob Irwin Snr.
The 17-year-old told Sunrise on Monday that Bindi, 22, was taking time to focus on her daughter Grace after speaking out about her strained relationship with Bob, 82, in a scathing Facebook post earlier this month.
‘Bindi is doing so good. She really has been taking time to focus on her little family,’ Robert told Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac.
Onwards and upwards: Robert Irwin (pictured) says his sister Bindi is starting a ‘new chapter’ in her life after exposing their family’s rift with grandfather Bob Irwin Snr
‘Her and Chandler [Powell] really are just the best parents. I’m honoured I get to be a part of little Grace’s life. It just feels like this new chapter for our family,’ he added.
Robert’s interview comes after Bindi announced she was taking a break from public life after her family’s rift with Bob made headlines around the world.
The wildlife warrior shared a black and white photo on Instagram of herself cuddling three-month-old Grace and said she was ‘working hard’ to protect her mental health.
Self-care: ‘Bindi is doing so good. She really has been taking time to focus on her little family,’ Robert told Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac on Monday. Pictured: Bindi with her daughter Grace
She wrote: ‘Hi guys, Just a note to say thank you for your support. I’m taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family.
‘I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal). You can keep up with our adventures by following my family and Australia Zoo on social media.
‘Recently, I’ve had many people reaching out to share their own stories of working hard to protect their mental health. Thank you for sharing and speaking your truth.
Taking a break: Robert’s interview comes after Bindi announced she was taking a break from public life after her family’s rift with Bob made headlines around the world
‘To my friends who are dealing with depression, anxiety and other battles every day – I see you. These issues are very real and deserve to be discussed and addressed.
‘Surround yourself with the light of people who genuinely care about you and will support you during the good times and the hard times. Remember there are helplines available.
‘Mental health deserves more understanding and support instead of being dismissed or patronised. You are absolutely worthy of love and kindness.’
Claims: Last Sunday, Bindi addressed her troubled relationship with her estranged grandfather Bob Irwin Snr (right) in a scathing Facebook comment. Pictured in November 2007
Last Sunday, Bindi addressed her troubled relationship with her estranged grandfather Bob Irwin Snr in a scathing Facebook comment.
The mother of one wrote: ‘I really wish that my entire family could spend time with Grace. Unfortunately, my grandfather Bob has shown no interest in spending time with me or my family.’
She went on to claim that Bob had ‘returned gifts I’ve sent after he opened them’ and ignored any letters sent from her.
Barbed: She wrote, ‘I wish that my entire family could spend time with Grace. Unfortunately, my grandfather Bob has shown no interest in spending time with me or my family’
‘From the time I was a little girl he has ignored me, preferring to spend time doing anything else rather than being with me,’ she continued.
‘He has never said a single kind word to me personally. It breaks my heart.’
She went on to say that her mother Terri still writes to him and sends birthday cards and Christmas gifts, but claims they have received no reply.
Strained: ‘He has never said a single kind word to me personally. It breaks my heart,’ Bindi claimed. Pictured: Bob holding a photograph of Bindi in 2008
‘We have also been his financial support since 1992 when he returned from Australia Zoo, sending him funds every week,’ she added.
‘We built him a house on a beautiful property and will always do our best to ensure his wellbeing.
‘I hope everyone remembers to be kind to one another but most of all care for your own mental health.
‘I have struggled with this relationship my entire life and it brings me enormous pain.’
Bindi, who welcomed her first daughter Grace in March, concluded by saying she has to ‘choose to care for her own mental health now’.
Feud: Bindi, who welcomed her first daughter Grace in March, concluded by saying she has to ‘choose to care for her own mental health now’. Pictured Bob in 2016