LOXTON man Tony Collier is a shining example of how personal strengths and experiences can uplift others in the community.
He is part of a proud group of volunteers making a meaningful impact at ac.care Berri Community Centre.
The 54-year-old joined ac.care as a volunteer in February this year but his first interaction with the country agency’s Kealley Street site came in April 2023 when a friend noticed a change in Tony’s behaviour.
“Someone had noticed I had started becoming quite reclusive and I was not normally a reclusive person,” Tony recalled.
They suggested Tony join the regular Growing Together social group, which is hosted Wednesdays at the centre by Community Connections Riverland support worker Sue Dayman.
“It took me a couple of weeks to come to the community centre as I had been told I might be the only male in the social group. That normally would not have bothered me but with how I felt at that time, it did stop me,” he said.
“I eventually went along, walked down the driveway and saw the group and Sue there.
“The group was very welcoming and that is how it all started basically.”
As Tony’s confidence grew, he formed new friendships and became more involved in activities at the site.
“I was just doing little things like tinkering around in the garden and I thought I had a lot to offer,” Tony said.
A workplace injury over a decade ago left Tony unable to work, which he said had been difficult to manage given his work ethic and experience, including a Certificate V in Horticulture and over 14 years as maintenance manager at Mount Lofty House.
“When the opportunity came up to volunteer, I was told to just work within my limits and I am trying to help where I can and share my knowledge with others,” he said.
Tony’s help has extended well beyond supporting Sue’s Community Connections program with his hands-on, can-do approach leading to building shelves, supporting the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) and even noticing and changing a staff member’s flat tyre in the car park.
He has also become a welcoming presence for other men joining the centre’s community programs.
“I am coming back to who I was and I loved that person and that is who I am,” Tony said, reflecting on his journey since first visiting ac.care Berri Community Centre.
He also encouraged others in the community to consider how they could offer their time, skills or knowledge to the community through supporting ac.care.
“Becoming a volunteer was definitely the correct move for me and one I will not regret,” Tony said.
“This has got to be one of the best places I have worked and every person shows their appreciation for one another.
“You are only as strong as the team you are working with and I am working with a really strong team.”
Berri Community Centre is currently supported by volunteers Tony, Natasha, Anne and Tiana with their contribution expanding the agency’s capacity to make a difference.
ac.care is seeking volunteers to support staff in delivering quality services to the community.
“If you have specific skills or expertise and the desire and time to support your community, we are always seeking new and innovative ways to support our clients, on top of the vital service delivery work that benefits from volunteer contributions,” Ms Dayman said.
“This could include opportunities for social engagement and empowering community members to secure tenancies or invaluable employability skills.”
To discuss volunteering with ac.care visit Berri Community Centre at 5 Kealley Street, email care@accare.org.au or call 1300 ACCARE (1300 222 273).
