Southern Cross Care (Vic): Never Too Old to Volunteer

Ask Wally O’Meara what gives him great satisfaction in life and he would tell you it is helping people and giving back to the community.  Wally volunteers at Southern Cross Care Dandenong aged care home, a role he has proudly devoted his time to for the past fifteen years. At 93, Wally is Southern Cross Care (Vic)’s second oldest volunteer. 

“I enjoy helping other people because it keeps me going. I can’t think of a better way to pass my time and I have no intention to retire!” said Wally with a laugh.

Wally’s 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, Wally 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, Wally was volunteering at the home on a regular basis. He was 78 years old at the time.

The passing of years may have slowed Wally, but they have certainly not stopped him. Now a resident at the Dandenong home himself, Wally 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, Wally runs the weekly Bingo sessions. A man of many talents, Wally occasionally entertains the residents by playing his favourite pieces on the organ. Not one to say no to the opportunity to help others, Wally 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 said that Wally 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 Wally’s gift in motivating other residents is a product of his past experiences. In his younger days, Wally served in the Australian Army for five years which included time in New Guinea and New Britain. Wally fondly reflects on these years regularly; from his responsibilities working with Army radio equipment to the unbreakable comradeship.

Wally’s 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, Wally 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 Wally made the decision to trade in his car for a motorised scooter. Despite no longer volunteering at the RSL, Wally remains an active and valued member.

In his quiet but affable way, Wally continues to make a significant difference to the lives of many older people around him. Wally is truly an unsung hero.

Click here to find out more about Southern Cross Care (Vic)'s aged care services.