Pride of Australia nominee has clear vision for helping people

Elderslie resident Keith Smith has led a life of service to his community, including collecting more than 23,000 pairs of spectacles for people in need around the world.

Keith Smith with wife Marjorie, from Elderslie. Picture: Robert Pozo

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Elderslie resident Keith Smith has led a life of service to his community, including collecting more than 23,000 pairs of spectacles for people in need around the world.

The 88-year-old former Camden Lions Club president is being recognised for his outstanding service as a nominee in the Pride of Australia awards.

Mr Smith was the first principal of Elderslie’s Mawarra Public School when he started the Camden Community Centre for seniors.

But his pet project is colllecting used glasses from Camden to Ingleburn, which he sends to the Lion used spectacles program in Brisbane for distribution.

Mr Smith has been nominated for a Pride of Australia award for his continued community work. Picture: Robert Pozo

He is also known as an avid stamp collector, but rather than keep the stamps for himself, Mr Smith sends them to Wollongong, where they are auctioned off to raise funds for Lions Club projects.

Funds raised are returned to the Camden Lion’s Club, where they are then donated to disadvantaged youth in need of equipment such as wheelchairs.

The retiree is also a local Justice of the Peace and has received a commendation from the State Government for 50 years of service.

“All of the things I’ve done I’ve done for the community,” Mr Smith said.

“I became a JP because I’m active in so many things and I like to help people.”

His devoted wife Marjorie said her husband had spent his life trying to help people. “I think it started when he was young and had to help the family,” she said. “He would give them his pay packet and could cook a baked dinner when he was eight. He has done a lot in his life and is always helping people.”

Mr Smith and his wife stand outside their Elderslie home after he was awarded for 50 years of service from the State Government. Picture: Robert Pozo

The oldest of six children, Mr Smith provided for his family and saved for six years to be able to afford to go to teacher’s college.

Once there, he quickly rose to president of the student union and became involved in Apex, followed by Rotary and then the Lion’s Club. Mrs Smith said she was proud to see her husband finding happiness in helping people, even at 88 years of age.

You can nominate someone who has inspired you through their dedication, initiative, courage or acts of charity. They can be a neighbour, friend, team mate, colleague or family member. For more information or to nominate someone, click here