Which is keeping busy, helping people and, whenever possible, keeping your bowls shoes handy.
Rex’s remarkable volunteering journey began when he was just 10 years old.
As a young boy, during World War II, Rex watched demonstrations by the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) on Melbourne street corners, where people were taught how to respond to bombs and provide first aid.
Fascinated by the work, he joined the Caulfield Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade as a cadet.
By 18, Rex was a senior member of St John Ambulance, beginning a lifelong commitment to helping others.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks to division officer, divisional superintendent and corps officer.
And in 1974 was made a Member of the Order of St John.
But Rex’s volunteering wasn’t confined to one organisation or one town. Wherever life took him, he found a way to contribute.
He conducted first aid classes across Melbourne, Tallangatta, Benalla, Wangaratta, St James and Stewarton.
He volunteered as an ambulance officer and committee member with the North East Ambulance Service, and trained others in first aid and ambulance work.
After moving to Benalla with his wife, Margaret, and their four children, Rex continued throwing himself into community life.
He became heavily involved with Benalla Bowls Club, serving as director on the board during a major redevelopment.
His contribution was eventually recognised with a life membership.
And remarkably at 93, Rex is still bowling twice a week.
His community service, however, has extended well beyond St John and bowls.
Rex spent 33 years serving on the Benalla Cemetery Trust and became involved in numerous community projects, including Apex, school committees and the development of a local kindergarten.
He has also been involved in Benalla’s Australia Day celebrations since 1951.
His contribution to Benalla was recognised when he was named Citizen of the Year in 1994.
In 2013, his lifetime of community service was recognised with an OAM.
But despite the awards and decades of service, Rex said recognition was never what motivated him.
“It’s the kick that you get out of helping other people,” he said.
“It’s the friendships and conversations. I simply enjoy doing it.”
Rex’s commitment to helping others has also been seen through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, as he continues to value the simple and important act of connecting with those in the community, creating a friendship and knowing he’s helped someone feel a little less alone.
For Rex, the real reward has always been people.
“You’ll get a lot of satisfaction out of volunteering, not in the dollar sense. It’s the nice people you meet,” he said.
Over a lifetime of volunteering, Rex has made countless friendships and discovered that people often show their best side when times are difficult.
“Even during the tough times, those friendships have stepped up,” he said.
Today, Rex’s family keeps a close eye on him, checking in and visiting, while he continues to enjoy his bowls and the friendships that come with it.
After more than eight decades of giving his time to others, Rex has a simple philosophy: Help where you can, and enjoy the people you meet along the way.
At 93, Rex isn’t just looking back on a lifetime of volunteering. He’s still out there doing it.
If you would like to take a leaf out of Rex’s book and want to be the person who listens, laughs and lights up someone’s week, there are volunteer opportunities available through ACVVS.
If you’ve got a little spare time and a big heart, consider becoming a volunteer visitor.
For more information, call 1300 843 236 or email acvvs@thecentre.vic.edu.au.
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