Remembering Jack Pool: A Legacy of Service Honoured During National Volunteer Week

As Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week from 19 to 25 May, the spotlight turns to the millions of people who generously give their time to strengthen and connect their communities. Among the many stories of dedication and compassion, one name continues to resonate deeply — John “Jack” Pool.


Read: Stafford Celebrates Keith Payne: Australia’s Most Decorated Living War Hero


Jack, a finalist for the Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award, is being posthumously recognised in 2025 for his extraordinary lifelong commitment to community service. Though he passed away in March this year, Jack’s legacy remains firmly rooted in the hearts of those he served, led, and inspired.

A Life Devoted to Service

Photo credit: volunteeringqld.org.au

Jack Pool’s volunteering journey began in 1998 as a delivery driver for Stafford Meals on Wheels, an organisation he would help shape for more than 30 years. His dedication quickly led him into leadership roles, serving as Vice-President and President from 2001 to 2021. In later years, he became Patron — a role he embraced with heartfelt pride.

From 2011 to 2018, Jack extended his influence to the state level, serving as a Board Member for Meals on Wheels Queensland. His strategic vision and tenacity were instrumental in securing long-overdue repairs and upgrades to the Stafford facility — a major achievement that took nearly a decade to realise.

Even into his 90s, Jack remained a familiar and reassuring presence. He greeted volunteers with warmth, encouraged staff, and proudly represented the organisation at countless community events and expos. His commitment exemplified this year’s National Volunteer Week theme: Connecting Communities.

A Celebrated Contribution

Jack’s service did not go unnoticed during his lifetime. In 2020, he received the Westfield Local Heroes Award, and just last year, the Mary Lowe Living Legend Award celebrated his lifetime of contribution.

These honours reflect a legacy defined by kindness, perseverance, and a deep belief in the power of giving back.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As we reflect on the impact of volunteers like Jack Pool, National Volunteer Week serves as a call to action. Volunteering Australia is inviting Australians from all walks of life to discover how their own skills, time, and passions can contribute to building stronger, more connected communities.

For those feeling inspired, opportunities can be found by visiting the GoVolunteer website, contacting state or territory volunteering peak bodies, or simply reaching out to local organisations.

This year, while the Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award was awarded to Noel Sherrington and Peter Morley, Jack’s recognition as a finalist is a poignant reminder that volunteering isn’t just about service — it’s about legacy.


Read: A Life Well Lived: Pearl Ruby Harvey, Wife of Former Brisbane Alderman Roy Harvey


Jack Pool lived his values, led by example, and showed what it means to serve with heart. As Australia celebrates its volunteers this May, we honour not just the hours given, but the spirit in which they are offered. Jack’s story is not only one of service — it’s one of community, connection, and compassion that will continue to inspire for generations.

Published 19-May-2025

Kerbside Collection in Kedron: Dump it or GIVIT

Kedron is next up for BCC’s kerbside collection pick-up on Monday, the 21st of August. It’s the time of the year again to get rid of those unwanted items inside your home that are just too big for the wheelie bins. Thinking about what to do with those items that you no longer need but seem to have a few good uses left in them?

 

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure

Photo credit: www.nationalstorage.com.au

Old blankets, rugs, and carpets; coffee makers, fans, and refrigerators that just need a little tinkering; sofas that need new upholstery to be reborn; faded cupboards and wooden furniture that are still usable; all of these can be placed on the kerbside.

However, one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. Why don’t you save these items from getting dumped and donate the items to charity?

According to the February 2017 NAB Charitable Giving Index, total charitable giving fell in Queensland by 2.5% over the year course since February 2016. This has made Queensland the lowest of all the states in terms of total donations.

Kedron residents who have usable items among their planned kerbside piles can show that their giving hearts by checking out charities that accept item donations.

 

GIVIT

Photo credit: GIVIT – Goods For Good Cause/Facebook

“We match generosity with genuine need.” — GIVIT

GIVIT is a national non-profit virtual organisation founded by CEO Juliette Wright. They support all agencies, services, and charities in Australia to store, sort out, and distribute the donations to specific individuals or communities who exactly need the items.

This virtual organisation is currently supporting over 1,240 charities and community service providers all over Australia. The Kedron-based charities Cystic Fibrosis Queensland and Meals On Wheels are just two of the charities that GIVIT supports.

 

How to Donate?

Photo credit: GIVIT – Goods For Good Cause/Facebook

Interested donors can check the list of the items needed by other people and the charities. Some of the items that are often needed are the blankets, rugs, toys, beddings, and some kinds of big furniture or appliances.

GIVIT does not deliver or pick-up items, but they can provide the recipient’s contact details of people who can help you sort out the transportation and delivery of the items.

Donors can also pledge the items into the virtual warehouse by registering every item on their website with specifications on the delivery preferences. Just be mindful of the list of prohibited items to avoid inconvenience.

 

Recycle to Donate

Photo credit: www.nationalstorage.com.au

You can donate as much as you can, but make sure these items are usable. People in need deserve to receive quality items, too. Charitable institutions do not accept defective items that are worn out, because they don’t receive funding from the government to refurbish these items.

Recycle and refurbish the items you think that other people can still use. Recycling can also be great QT for the whole family. The kids will want to get their hands involved in this creative activity.

 

No Time to Recycle?

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

If recycling is not your thing or if you simply have no time to make it your thing, BCC has another option on how to get rid of your clutter. The Resource Recovery Centre is open for both recyclable and green or general waste. The centres are located at Nudgee, Willawong, Ferny Grove, and Chandler.

The centres turn over all recyclable items that they receive to the tip shops in Acacia Ridge and Geebung. The tip shops are operated by the Endeavour Foundation, one of the largest non-government organisations in the country that helps people with disabilities.

Items for sale includes household furnishings, collectables, books, and toys. The shops are only open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All of the proceeds are reinvested back into providing assistance to people with disabilities.

Photo credit: Peter Organisciak/Flickr

By donating, you can get rid of your unwanted items and help people in need at the same time. Kerbside Collection only happens once a year, but donating can happen anytime. Plan your piles and look at what you consider to be “trash.” See if you should dump it or GIVIT.