GIVING IT BACK

He’s retired, but West Hobart’s Barry Stubbs is far from idle. The 71-yearold took up volunteering four years ago after many years teaching at schools, including St Virgil’s College and Guilford Young College.

“I felt that when one retires, one should give back to the community in some way,’’ Stubbs says.

“I think it’s also very important one doesn’t lose that sense of being useful or needed after having left full-time work.’’

He spends one day a week delivering for Meals on Wheels and also serves as a board member for the association.

His volunteering picks up during cruise ship season, when he frequents Hobart’s waterfront to welcome visitors to the state.

He also helps with the annual Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards and Royal Hobart Wine Show. And he has a paid job working casually as a historical tour guide in Hobart.

Stubbs gets “great pleasure” from volunteering — it keeps him active and he loves meeting new people and hearing their stories.

“It’s always nice to hear how their footy team has gone and what they’re doing during the day,’’ he says of his Meals on Wheels’ clients.

“For some of them it might be the only contact they have with someone during the day.’’

Most recipients are seniors and people with disabilities, but Stubbs says meals are available to anyone in need, including struggling young families, people with mental health concerns and people who don’t have the skills to cook for themselves. Potential candidates can contact the organisation’s Glenorchy headquarters for an eligibility assessment.

Stubbs is one of six million volunteers across Australia who will be celebrated as part of National Volunteer Week, which starts on Monday.

Learn more at volunteeringtas.org.au or call 1800 677 895.