Never too old to volunteer

This certainly is the case for Wally O’Meara who, at 93, is Southern Cross Care (Vic)’s second oldest volunteer.

Ask Mr O’Meara what gives him great satisfaction in life and he would tell you it is helping people and giving back to the community.

Mr O’Meara volunteers at Southern Cross Care Dandenong aged care home, a role he has proudly devoted his time to for the past fifteen years.

“I enjoy helping other people because it keeps me going,” Mr O’Meara says with a laugh.

Mr O’Meara foray into volunteering was somewhat unique. He used to live in a Southern Cross Care independent living unit located next to the Dandenong home and would sometimes join the residents at the home for meals.

Thinking that the staff could use an extra pair of hands, Mr O’Meara took the initiative to pop over to the home during his spare time to help with serving morning and afternoon tea.

One thing led to another, and before long, he was volunteering at the home on a regular basis. He was 78 years old at the time.

The passing of years may have slowed Mr O’Meara, but they have certainly not stopped him.

Now a resident at the Dandenong home himself, Mr O’Meara continues to give his time to support other residents, many who are younger than he is.

He enjoys facilitating the weekly indoor golf competition every Wednesday afternoon where he assists staff in the setting up and packing up.

On Fridays, Mr O’Meara runs the weekly Bingo sessions. A man of many talents, he occasionally entertains the residents by playing his favourite pieces on the organ.

Not one to say no to the opportunity to help others, Mr O’Meara also finds time to assist with the bi-weekly bowling group and the maintenance of the home’s fish tank.

Lifestyle Coordinator at Southern Cross Care Dandenong, Sarah Cummins says Mr O’Meara is an inspiration to other residents and volunteers.

“Wally has an enormous heart. His enthusiasm and ability to encourage other residents to join in an activity and to remain connected is simply amazing. We are so fortunate to have Wally.”

Perhaps Mr O’Meara’s gift in motivating other residents is a product of his past experiences. In his younger days, Mr O’Meara served in the Australian Army for five years which included time in New Guinea and New Britain.

He fondly reflects on these years regularly; from his responsibilities working with Army radio equipment to the unbreakable comradeship.

Mr O’Meara attitude to life and serving others has ensured that he supports others to the best of his capabilities.

In addition to volunteering at Southern Cross Care Dandenong, Mr O’Meara volunteered at the local Catholic Parish, St Mary’s, as well as at the Dandenong RSL.

Both of these voluntary roles ended about a year ago when he made the decision to trade in his car for a motorised scooter.

Despite no longer volunteering at the RSL, Mr O’Meara remains an active and valued member.

In his quiet but affable way, Mr O’Meara continues to make a significant difference to the lives of many older people around him.

“I can’t think of a better way to pass my time and I have no intention to retire.”