Age is no barrier to serving others

Across Australia, our residents are challenging stereotypes of ageing.

Local communities thrive on the skills, experience and care of people, old and young, who are driven to give back.

Our elders lead by example and experience, sharing the skills and knowledge that make the world a better place now, and passing on the traditions and values that ensure their communities retain their unique character into the future.

Philip’s lifetime of service in South Australia

An Englishman by birth, Philip, his wife Margaret and children David and Shirley were drawn to the historic town of Gawler, South Australia, by the weather in 1969.

Philip quickly became a valued part of the Gawler community, working in meanswear and volunteering at Hope Central Church at Gawler. “Volunteering means everything to me,” says Philip, who lives at Gawler Hillside Care Community. “I help wherever I can. If somebody needs help or something needs to be done, I’ll do it.”

After retiring at 63, Philip began supporting older people by volunteering with Elizabeth Council, running bowls at the senior citizens’ centre and cards at the Elizabeth Centre. Now aged in his nineties, Philip continues to give back. “I’ve worked ever since retiring,” he quips.

Each week, Philip spends three hours helping out at Gawler Cinema, run by Hope Central. From making sandwich boxes to filling cups of popcorn, folding serviettes and doing the many jobs that make a great cinema experience, Philip thrives on serving others.

“It’s been an absolute privilege working with Phil over the last few years,” says Pastor Peter Heyworth of Hope Central, Gawler. “His support both at the church and in helping us get the cinemas off the ground is a great example that age is no barrier. Use what you have, to give what you can!”