Our champion
THERE have been many tributes to Fr Kevin Dillon as he leaves Geelong but these simply reflect the profound impact he has had on our community. Below is an edited version of my words at last week’s civic reception for Kevin. DURING Kevin’s final mass at St Mary’s, just as he was commencing his homily, Kevin’s mobile phone went off.
He was a tad embarrassed but handled it with great aplomb and went on to tell a funny story of when the same thing happened to him at a critical stage of a burial!
But for me that phone call was a metaphor for Kevin’s engagement with our community. Beyond St Mary’s, Kevin’s leadership of and impact on the wider Geelong community has been extraordinary.
Kevin’s passion is people. When he realised a need, he foresaw ways to respond. In his quiet, humble but committed way, Kevin was integral to the establishment of many fine community service organisations.
Like the day Diane Wright spoke to Kevin about the need for a place of respite for those experiencing a terminal illness in Geelong, ideally a large, well-located place with a homelike atmosphere. Kevin says he quickly realised that he was living in it!
Through that deeply generous act, a key component of Anam Cara House was set in place and much wonderful caring has taken place there ever since.
The needs of people doing it tough have always been paramount to Kevin, which has led to his pivotal roles in establishing Samaritan House, the St Mary’s Food Pantry and more recently the Lazarus Community Centre.
In the past 12 months, Samaritan House has provided just on 3000 bed nights for men experiencing homelessness in Geelong, and assistance in transitioning them into longer term accommodation.
The original house on the property — there are now two — has been named “The Kevin Dillon Cottage”, honouring Kevin’s pivotal role in establishing Samaritan House.
The needs of Vietnam veterans have also been championed by Kevin in many ways.
And Kevin’s extraordinary work alongside those who have been so damaged and broken by sexual abuse led to the creation of Lifeboat Geelong. His work in this area is really of national significance.
For me, the enduring image of Kevin’s work in this area are those fluttering, colourful ribbons on the St Mary’s fence in recognition of suffering but also of hope. They are still there today.
These are among the many enduring legacies that Fr Kevin Dillon leaves for us in the Geelong com- munity. And in everything Kevin has done in the organisations he has been involved with, he has shown true leadership.
By gathering like-minded people of goodwill around him, encouraging them in service but not building the work around him, Kevin has ensured they continue long after his time in Geelong is complete. This is truly the sign of a good leader.
Throughout of all this, it is Kevin’s positive influence on the people involved that has been perhaps the most lasting. His warmth, his humility, his compassion and his wisdom.
In a recent tribute to Kevin, Bob Gartland described him as “the people’s champion” and a “living treasure”. You would go a long way to find someone who has the singular impact on Geelong as Fr Kevin Dillon in recent years.
Kevin, we have been so blessed to have had you in our midst. As you drive out of Geelong this evening, be aware that you have added so much value. You leave our community a changed and much, much better place for your time here.
Kevin’s response was typically humble and heartfelt. He left us with words of encouragement, paraphrasing the words of that famous Ned Miller song, to keep “doing what you do do well”. Farewell Kevin.