By Danielle Kutchel
After retiring from an exciting and fulfilling accounting career, Roger Lord OAM decided he wanted to spend his retirement helping people.
His desire to give back to the community led him to the Riding for the Disabled Association Victoria (RDA), which was looking for a treasurer.
“I worked in accounting all my life, so I have all sorts of experience and I thought ‘if I can’t do anything else, I can do that and help them,’” he explained.
The Endeavour Hills resident said his skill set was a little more unusual in volunteers but was much needed.
“And frankly, I enjoy doing it, it’s a way I can help and … make a difference.”
‘Enjoy what you do’ is something of a mantra for the 72 year old, who has allowed the motto to drive him to various volunteer positions since retiring.
He is currently on the finance committee of Beaconhills College and was a member of the board from 1998 to 2018. He also assists Fernlea House in Emerald as a treasurer and board member.
“Plus, they’ve got an op shop in Emerald and we enjoy gardening, so we go up there and do their garden which has got nothing whatsoever to do with accounting, but we enjoy doing it!” he laughed.
“And that’s the crucial thing, if you enjoy doing something, you will do it.”
Mr Lord has also assisted the disability community in other ways, including by setting up a classroom at Beaconhills for after school care for children with a disability.
In 2011 Mr Lord was named the City of Casey’s Citizen of the Year, and last year he became a Life Member of Beaconhills College. Now, he can add ‘Medal of the Order of Australia’ to his list of achievements too, having been included on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to people with a disability through sport, and to the community.
He plans to continue assisting the community in various capacities for as long as he can – and as long as he can still enjoy it.
“It’s selfish really because it’s a smorgasbord; they’re quite different and what makes it more fun is the variety. It’s a good mix, and as long as I can, I’ll keep doing it,” he said.
