A life of giving

Words Tricia Welsh

Buderim resident John Clemones knows the value of a man having a shed to retreat to. He went to the inaugural meeting of the Buderim Men’s Shed 13 years ago and emerged as a committee member and team leader in metal work!

As a qualified engineer, toolmaker and welder, he still delights in passing on his general tradesman skills to others on a regular basis in Buderim’s Kuluin ‘shed’. And although he has stepped down from the committee he still inducts and supervises new volunteers, making sure they are welcome and comfortable.

John recalls: “Back then there were only about 200 Men’s Sheds in Australia – now there are currently 1,200 to 1,300 sheds nationally. Initiated in Australia, there are now Men’s Sheds in other countries too. Men’s health is promoted through Men’s Sheds too, which is good,’ he adds.

It seems John has always put his hand up for community work, volunteering whenever he can. “But I need to like the challenge,” he suggests. “I like the achievement of a job well done and helping others as part of the outcome.” Multi-skilled, he admits he’s the nuts-n-bolts guy on his Body Corporate Committee – “the go-to person when stuff needs doing!” When he was living in Sydney, he became involved with local community groups such as the Clareville Plateau Citizens Association where he soon became president, and also Ian Kieran’s well-known and well-orchestrated Clean Up Australia Day, where John became a regular volunteer and soon the local co-ordinator in the Pittwater area for the national clean-up day.

Soon after moving to the Sunshine Coast with his wife, Linda, 15 years ago, he became a patrol co-ordinator for ECOllaboration, a not-for-profit local community group based in Nambour that looks after the Maroochy River. “We pick up rubbish from the Maroochy River and its estuaries,” explains John. As a volunteer, he collects data, writes reports and organises weekly outings to clear riverbanks of litter.

“I like the achievement of a job well done and helping others as part of the outcome.”

He remembers fondly when he was 71, crossing the Nullabor on a 50cc Piaggio motor scooter, with a team of 20 riders helping raise $74,000 for Beyond Blue. “I was a late acceptance but somehow became a member of the organising committee,” he recalls. “I was chief technician too – a huge success and a great privilege to participate in such a good cause – 2,400kms in 12 days!” When his two boys were youngsters, his seven-year-old became World BMX Champion for his age group. The following year, he went to France to defend his title but came second. “I was the bicycle technician for all 56 Aussie riders in France,” John remembers. “They were wonderful years. Good fun!”

After nearly 40 years of volunteering, John recently received a state-wide award through the Queensland Volunteering Awards. The commendation read: John Clemones is known for his giving nature and care for others, always willing to lend personal support to those who are going through a difficult time….. John always goes the extra mile, putting his hand up to coordinate events, organise maintenance and take on a high level of responsibility. His contribution is valuable, relied upon, and extraordinary.” “I just need more spare time to go fishing!” he adds.