‘Nathan had a huge heart for the disadvantaged, and wanted to give back’: Salvos volunteer

He was loved as a TV star but former Channel 7 reporter Nathan Templeton — who died in Geelong last week — was also a Salvos volunteer and “a light to many” off camera, it was revealed on Friday.

Nathan Templeton was a regular on the night shift for the Salvation Army, helping to feed Geelong’s homeless shortly before his sudden death last week.

A service in Geelong in his honour was told on Friday the former Channel 7 reporter kept his community work quiet, preferring to venture out with the Salvo’s Outreach Van under the cover of darkness to help others who were doing it tough in the community.

Templeton, the father to two young boys, was found dead in a Newtown park after suffering a medical episode last Monday.

Tributes have flowed from all over Australia showing how the Sunrise reporter touched so many in the media, entertainments and sports industry.

Former Channel 7 reporter Nathan Templeton died in Geelong last week. Picture: Supplied

“Nath really valued community,” his wife, Kate Coghlan, said.

“Whether it was the Aussie swimming or AFL communities, the Sunrise family, or his hometown of Geelong, he always tried to give back.

“Nath saw the Salvos as a gold standard of serving the community, so volunteering quietly for the Geelong Salvos Outreach Van was a modest way Nath felt he could help folks in the community doing it really tough, through no fault of their own.”

Bradley Ogle, a fellow volunteer who worked with Templeton on the Outreach Van, said he left a lasting impression on the underprivileged.

“Nathan was a much-loved friend of the Geelong Salvo Outreach Van family,” Ogle said.

“His warm and friendly nature was a light to the many he encountered while volunteering with us.

Few knew Templeton was a devoted volunteer with the Salvos. Picture: Bradley Ogle

Templeton helping on the streets of Geelong with the Salvos. Picture: Bradley Ogle.

“Nathan had a huge heart for the disadvantaged, and wanted to give back and make a difference in the city he grew up in and he certainly did just that.

“He was always so kind and encouraging and this was evident in the way people warmed to him. He listened intently, without judgment, and our friends felt safe being vulnerable with Nathan as they shared their struggles with him.

“People left Nathan’s presence feeling appreciated, respected and valued, and we will miss what a blessing he was to our mission.”

Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking also paid tribute: “We weren’t surprised to hear that Nathan was creating connections within the Geelong region through the Salvo’s Outreach van, as he made those same connections with our football club as ground announcer and MC for six years.

“Nathan had a huge heart for the disadvantaged.” Picture: Bradley Ogle.

Former Cats star Cameron Ling and others arrive for Nathan Templeton’s funeral service. Picture: Alan Barber

“As a proud Geelong person, Nathan’s commitment to football and community was felt by all”.

Channel 7 colleague Luke Schneider described Templeton as a “top-notch” sports reporter.

“Nath thought a lot about “assists” – those selfless, supporting acts on the footy field, and many other arenas, that often go unnoticed but make a real difference,” Schneider said.

Natalie Barr arrives at Nathan Templeton’s service. Picture: Alan Barber

“So Nath’s secret Salvo’s assists, helping folks in Geelong doing it tough without fanfare, were totally in keeping with his humble and thoughtful nature.

“Clearly he never expected any recognition. But knowing Nath, he would have totally supported anything that might help drum up a few extra donations to help the Salvos continue their great work in the Geelong community.”

Guests at the service were encouraged to continue Templeton’s legacy by making a donation to the Salvo’s Outreach Van.