Southcare congratulates Australian of the Year Simon McKeon, a true champion of the not-for-profit sector. Mr McKeon is a successful investment banker who took up a part-time role as an executive chairman at Macquarie Group in 1994 to focus on social causes. For most of his adult life he has supported Australian and international charities, his efforts earning him the respect and admiration of the Australian community.

During his acceptance speech he said "I am just one of a great army of Australians who are involved in the not-for-profit sector," He urged Australians to volunteer, particularly in the wake of devastating floods across the country.

"We as individuals and as a community need to nurture the non-for-profit sector, which in turn nurtures our nation," he said. "It's a sector which willingly tackles the unwanted tasks, the tasks that neither business nor government is able to do."

 

Devastating floods, destructive fire, and soul destroying drought around Australia have made the start of this New Year very challenging for many Australians. But there is one very positive message that has come from the disasters and that is seeing thousands of Australians volunteering to help each other.

 

Simon McKeon has discovered that volunteering is a wonderful experience, not only do the hours donated  ensure that people in need receive support  but it also makes you feel so much better about your own world.   He said people needed to think about how they could use their own skills to make a difference in areas they are interested in. "I'm really hoping that I can inspire as many Australians as I can just to get involved in their cause. I don't expect anyone to be noble... but there is a cause for us all," he told ABC News Breakfast.

 

So if you are fortunate enough to live in comfortable circumstances there is no better feeling than to share any spare time and your skills as a volunteer. It allows you to return to society some of that which made your present situation possible. To see the smile on the face of an elderly person receiving a hot meal at the day centre, to visit an isolated senior in aged care facility on a regular basis or spend time  helping with emergency relief, makes a huge difference to the less fortunate in our community and it adds such value to your own life.

 

Many retirees, volunteering with Southcare,  make lifetime friendships with other volunteers adding another dimension to retired life. Where necessary, training is given on an ongoing basis and you are never without support from Southcare staff and other volunteers. Of course you don’t need to be retired to become a volunteer and all offers of help are welcome. Let the Australian of the Year inspire you today! 

 

If you do have a few spare hours and any skills you would like to share, please ring or email.  Contact Vicki McBeth, Volunteer and Community Partnerships Manager on Vicki.m@southcare.org.au or Phone: 9450 6233   www.southcare.org.au