Six decades of dedication

Their contributions are selfless.

For many different reasons, they get on board and give up their time to help others and their communities.

For Keith Barbour, 80, it was without hesitation he started volunteering at 17.

His parents owned the Two Door Cafe in Mooropna, and with it being so close to the Mooropna fire station, his first volunteer role was there.

His duty was to run as quickly as possible to the station and ring the bell to alert locals to the fire.

It’s a role that Mr Barbour took on with honour and continued for 63 years with pride.

“My good friend Leon Williams, who has since sadly passed, was the person who originally got me involved in volunteering, and I haven’t looked back,” Mr Barbour said.

“I witnessed a lot of change over the years, some good and some bad.

“A lot has changed with technology, uniforms, vehicles, many things, but when I found out there was a fire, boy did I run as fast as I could.”

Many have called Mr Barbour’s contributions ‘invaluable’; today, he remains known as the gentleman who took on the big jobs around the station and the small ones too.

He was a committed volunteer to the brigade and the broader community and was captain between 1989 and 2009.

After taking a few years off from volunteering when finishing up with the CFA, he found himself making children’s toys and furniture at home.

“It was a good time, but I was sitting around watching the giggle box too much and getting bored,” he said.

“It was time to find something else to do, and then my wife Barbara told me about a FamilyCare volunteer role where she volunteered.

“I met with Andrea (Toohey) and the rest is history. I love it here.”

Mrs Toohey is FamilyCare’s volunteer co-ordinator.

She said Mr Barbour’s contribution to the organisation was unquestionably incredible in more ways than one.

“We realised immediately how great he’d be at the role,” Mrs Toohey said.

“He’s very particular and probably does a better job than we would do or the car wash, so it’s amazing. He is amazing.”

Mr Barbour’s volunteer role includes keeping all their fleet vehicles clean and tidy.

He also transports cars to and from other locations and ensures they are filled with petrol and ready for employees.

His role is far more than just polishing vehicles; he has become a respected and much-loved member of the FamilyCare community.

Today, he generously cleans staff members’ cars for $30 and donates every cent back into FamilyCare to help children with disabilities.

“It’s a beautiful opportunity to be apart of the community and help the community at the same time, Mr Barbour said.

“The people are why I have enjoyed it and still love doing it today.

“Volunteering and fundraising at the same time. It’s so rewarding. I just simply love this job.”