TriCare Mt Gravatt Retirement Community resident, Ken Farquhar may have retired some years ago; however, his interest in Australia’s sugar industry hasn’t dissipated, nor has his passion for volunteerism.
For a retiree, Mr Farquhar leads a very active life, volunteering at home and away.
In addition to co-managing TriCare Mt Gravatt’s resident library, chairing the Residents’ Committee and acting as treasurer for the Activity Fund, Mr Farquhar volunteers for a number of external organisations including the Genealogical Society of Queensland, Probus and his local church.
According to Volunteering Queensland, research demonstrates that volunteering leads to better health with volunteers over the age of 65 more likely to receive physical and mental health benefits from their volunteer activities, along with a sense of personal accomplishment.
“I have developed skills in my working career and I still want to put them to use.
If I can help someone else, I will – I want to keep busy and keep my brain active,” said Mr Farquhar.
Mr Farquhar moved to TriCare Mt Gravatt with his wife Beryl, seven years ago after a decision to downsize from the family home and live an easier life with no maintenance and closer access to agencies and other services.
However, retirement hasn’t slowed him down.
With over 35 years experience working in the sugar industry, both in Australia and overseas, Mr Farquhar is putting his vast knowledge to use by undertaking a volunteer research project into the family histories relating to Queensland sugar organisations spanning the 1900s to 2015 for the Genealogical Society of Queensland.
“When that’s finished in a few years I will be looking into all the sugar mills and companies that ever existed in Australia since Federation. With over 300 known in Queensland and NSW combined it might take me a while!” he said.
For further information please contact Village Manager, Tammy Watt on 07 3849 4358.
