General News
18 May, 2023
National Volunteer Week: Three generations
Volunteering is in the Hoober family’s blood. It started with Jeff Hoober, now 80, when he moved to Maryborough in 1968. His son, Jefferson, 52, is a prolific local volunteer and his grandson Jackson started volunteering as a five-year-old. The...
Volunteering is in the Hoober family’s blood.
It started with Jeff Hoober, now 80, when he moved to Maryborough in 1968.
His son, Jefferson, 52, is a prolific local volunteer and his grandson Jackson started volunteering as a five-year-old.
The family’s efforts began with Jeff and the Golden Wattle Festival.
“I got on the festival committee way back in the late 60s or early 70s,” Jeff said.
“I think I just enjoyed what was happening with the Wattle Festival and I loved the idea of the procession. And so it started it from there.”
At the time, Jeff was working two jobs to provide for his family, but he still found time to give back to the community.
“I loved it. Because I got the opportunity to engage with various people and because I’m very interested in other people, it was great for me. I just enjoyed it so much and wanted to continue to do it,” he said.
Jeff said Jefferson didn’t need much encouragement to get involved.
“It was just something he loved to do as well. He was always my side kick,” he said.
Jeff has given time to many community groups including the Wattle Festival, cycling, the Youth Club and the Energy Breakthrough as a foundation member.
Today he is vice president of the Maryborough Volunteer Resource Centre.
“I just believe in community engagement, I really do,” he said.
“Because of COVID, there are so many people sitting home isolated and just can’t get out, or don’t know how to. Volunteering is a double-edged sword. It doesn’t only provide volunteers for organisations, but volunteering brings people out of their homes.”
Jeff is “enormously proud” of his family’s involvement with the community. He said that includes his late wife, Sharon.
“I couldn’t have done what I did throughout the years without her support,” he said.
“And it’s great to think that family members want to continue the tradition.”
Jefferson said his first experience volunteering was helping the vice principal pack up the tables when he was in primary school at 404.
“And from there helping dad with the Golden Wattle Festival. And then it’s just in your blood, once you start doing volunteering.”
Like his dad, he has been involved in many community events and groups, including the Energy Breakthrough since it began.
He’s the current president of Carisbrook Lions Club.
“Everyone probably thinks the Lions Club just puts on barbecues. But Lions is the biggest service organisation in the world,” Jefferson explained.
“The Christmas Day lunch is one of the most popular things that we put on. We have so many volunteers who jump on board and help.
“Last Christmas Day we catered for about 300 people.
“Most of us put our Christmas Day off until the next day, because the satisfaction you get on Christmas Day from giving to the community and seeing the smiles on people’s faces is just unbelievable.”
While Jefferson and his family give many hours to local groups and events, he said what matters is to “just give a little bit where you can”.
“Every little bit helps,” he said.
Jefferson is proud that all of his six children and step-son volunteer.
His youngest child Jackson started volunteering as a five-year-old, helping his dad pick up rubbish on the side of the road.
“I’m a marshal at the Energy Breakthrough,” Jackson, now 11, said.
“I have to watch for when the cars crash and put on a yellow safety light.”
Jefferson’s oldest child Haydn, 24, is so committed to volunteering he comes back to help with the Energy Breakthrough each year despite having moved to Geelong.
“I just like it because it’s a small town so you feel like you’re making a difference,” Haydn said.
If you want to get involved with the Carisbrook Lions Club, call 0427 828 466. You don’t need to live in Carisbrook to join.