Mount Gambier man Rodney Summers has made remarkable contributions to the local community throughout his life. Rodney is deeply committed to volunteering and generously gives his time and energy to support various community organisations and sit on local boards and committees.
Husband to Judy and father of Michael, Kate, Naomi, Anthony and Amanda, Rodney juggled a busy home and work life as a well-known local postman delivering mail for Australia Post from 1965 until he retired in 2008.
“I always said that I would do some volunteer work when I retired and had some spare time, so I got involved with Rotary and my involvement on other boards and committees snowballed from there,” Rodney said.
‘When you work at the post office as a postie you’re always in the community anyway, so to me, it was not a big jump.”
Rodney joined the Mount Gambier Lakes Rotary Club in 2009 and provided leadership through various roles including President (2018/2019 and 2021/2022), Vice President and Secretary.
Under his guidance, the club undertook many community projects, supported local initiatives, and helped those in need.
Rodney can usually be found front and centre at Rotary events greeting people at the Australia Day breakfast, the Mount Gambier Fun Run, market days and the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade.
“I love to speak to people, once I start, the eggs or chips I’m cooking might not be turned because I’m too busy talking,” he joked.
“I get a buzz out of that too, because there’s nothing better than seeing a smile on people’s faces.”
In 2022 Rodney was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International. The prestigious award is given to individuals who significantly contribute to Rotary values and demonstrate outstanding service to the community.
Rodney was one of the founding members of Sunset Community Kitchen in 2008 and has since dedicated time as a cook and currently on the committee as Treasurer.
He said the initiative not only provides meals for those in need but also creates a sense of community and belonging among volunteers and those who use the service.
“When we first started, we used to have a sit down meal for our clients, that way it was a more socialised experience for them,” he said.
“But, when COVID came along and we sadly could not do that anymore and moved to packaged food that people could take home.”
Rodney joined the board of the Mount Gambier Community Bendigo Bank in 2009, serving as Vice Chairman and a member of the Sponsorship Committee. His efforts help to facilitate funding for local projects and initiatives to enhance the living standards of the local community.
“I love giving out money, and we provide grants three times a year. It’s rewarding to go to a function and hand out a couple of thousand dollars in cash to the recipients to go towards a good cause,” he said.
Rodney is chairman of the Mount Gambier Tertiary Health Scholarship Committee which administers grants to support local students pursuing health-related careers away from home, ensuring the next generation of health professionals receive financial assistance to help them succeed on their path.
“It’s amazing how many people come back to Mount Gambier once they realise the lifestyle advantages we have here,” he said.
“We really want to support our young people to return to the area and use their skills if they wish to do so.”
Rodney is a member of the Stand Like Stone Small Grants Committee, with an aim to foster educational and cultural development within the community, to enable local groups and individuals to access vital funding for projects.
The sports fan served as a tribunal member for the Western Border Football League and Mount Gambier and District Baseball League. He contributes to maintaining fair play and sportsmanship within local sports, promoting the benefits of teamwork and community involvement.
“I played cricket for West, played baseball for Federals, coached the Mount Gambier side, umpired baseball and then I was asked to join the tribunal and I was happy to do that,” he said.
Rodney was involved with the West Gambier Football Club from 1974 to 2000 in various positions where he aimed to create opportunities for local athletes and promote physical activity and community spirit through sport.
Rodney suffered a heart attack in 2017 and consequently underwent a five-way bypass. His doctor recommended he start walking to improve his health, so he came out of retirement and took up an offer from Australia Post to walk the main street delivering mail to businesses for three hours, five days a week.
“Every time I walk the main street, I probably say good morning 200 times a day, and to me, that’s good,” he said.
Rodney eventually plans to retire once again and spend time with the light of his life, his first grandchild Leo.
“I never thought that at 75 years old that I’d have a grandchild, so when he came along he brought a new purpose and meaning to my life, he’s amazing,” he said.
Rodney is humble about his efforts to give back to the community and says he continues to do so simply because he enjoys it.
“We’re very blessed in Mount Gambier with volunteers and since COVID we have lost a lot of volunteers through ill health or age,” he said.
“I recommend it, it can be the best thing for you. I think it’s even good for you mentally as your brain’s always working and you are meeting other people and you’ll probably get some good ideas from them too.
“I have never regretted volunteering and I have met a lot of wonderful people and made many friends.”