Rabbets's working life began at the age of twelve as a printer's apprentice at the Record in Grenfell, New South Wales. In 1901, with a wide experience of the country press of New South Wales, including serving as editor, he joined the reporting staff of the Brisbane Newspaper Company, Ltd where he employed the pen-name 'Bunny'.
He served as sub-editor of the Observer and Sports Observer until 1916 when he was appointed a leader-writer, special contributor, book reviewer and dramatic critic on the Courier until his death. He wrote the column 'Whimplin Whimsies' which appeared in alternate Saturday issues under the name St. Ebbar (Rabbets spelt backwards) until April 26, 1919.
Aside from his newspaper publications, Rabbets published nothing except music, including the composition and arrangement for 'Australia's Hymn For Her Dead' with lyrics by his colleague E. S. Emerson. (from Firmin McKinnon, 'Introduction', Whimplin Whimsies)
