Fred Carberry embarks on new career at 73
A familiar face has joined the Social Support Day Centre program, with Fred Carberry officially coming out of retirement.
Participants are unlikely to notice the team’s expansion, because 73-year-old Fred has been volunteering for Grampians Health Edenhope over many years.
Now employed as a Homecare Worker, Fred will be doing “more of the same” – but getting paid for it!
Importantly, Fred’s appointment means more participants can join excursions and activities.
“When I was volunteering, my involvement didn’t count toward the quotas,” he said. “Now that I’m in the role, we can increase our numbers by 7 people.”
Renowned for hosting public events, performing poetry, telling jokes and his musical talent, Fred has strong connections in the wider Edenhope community.
He has also built relationships with day centre clients, through volunteering as the ‘mystery bus tour’ driver.
Fred puts a lot of thought into routes, tour guide commentary and song selection, but said the most valuable gains came from clients themselves.
“Once you get 15 or 20 people on a bus, they can’t help but interact with each other,” he said. “I’ll often turn the music down when I can hear the nattering start.
“More than half of clients live alone, so it’s about encouraging that social aspect.”
Promoting independence and boosting well-being is at the centre of all program activities, for people over the age of 65.
Clients enjoy lunches, exercise classes, weekly country music sessions, shopping trips, special events, theatre shows, ‘coffee and chat’ meet-ups and many more regular outings.
When he’s not officially on the clock, Fred can be found volunteering for Lakeside Living care facility, running a motorsport event or making plans for West Wimmera pistol club.
“I’m a burned-out entertainer who likes to have an audience,” he said. “I like talking to people, entertaining people and engaging them in whatever they like.”
Fred’s work, both paid and unpaid, is also a way of giving back to those who supported him.
“We ran the service station for 17 years and this town supported us,” he said. “This population, they’re the ones who were supporting our business.
“It’s nice to be there for them, as long as I have the ability.”
Five years after retiring, Fred is also pursuing further studies – Certificate III in Aged Care.
“I’ve been learning all my life and when I’m not studying, I’m writing poetry,” he said. “Too many people get to my age, and they stop living. I like to keep my brain active.”
