Torquay’s Jean Young OAM remembered after decades of service to the community

A Torquay woman, who dedicated decades to volunteering in her community, is being remembered for her “boundless compassion”.

Jean Young is being remembered for her dedication to the community. Picture: Alan Barber

A Torquay grandmother, who dedicated decades to volunteering in her community, is being remembered for her “boundless compassion” and as a “beacon of kindness”.

Jean Young OAM died on November 16, aged 90.

Mrs Young was a founding member of The Outpost in Geelong, which was established in 1990 and was the city’s only nightly non-referral service providing hot meals, clothing and hygiene products to those in need.

She had been involved with St Luke’s Anglican Church on the Surf Coast and also volunteered with Feed Me Surf Coast from 2020 to 2022.

Last year, Mrs Young told the Geelong Advertiser The Outpost’s services meant a lot to those in need.

“They know when they come around the corner that there’s a light on, and there’s someone here for them,” she said.

“I’ve been told by people, ‘if it hadn’t of been for you people I wouldn’t have made it’.

“They just come and know there’s someone here who will talk to them and be non-judgmental.”

The Outpost’s former president Raema Ash said Mrs Young was “always thinking of others”.

“She would do anything for anybody,” she said.

“Nothing fazed her … she was a straight shooter.

“She would always chat to the clients … they saw her as a really friendly grandma.”

Ms Ash fondly remembered visiting Mrs Young at her home in Torquay regularly.

“We would always have a cuppa together and she would make homemade cakes … and always old-fashioned tea in a teapot,” Mrs Ash said.

Mrs Ash said her friend loved to “be healthy and stay active”.

Mrs Young went parachuting to celebrate her 70th birthday in 2013 and she abseiled 27 storeys down a building on Bourke St, Melbourne to raise money for Anglicare Victoria in 2016.

She was also a keen badminton and tennis player.

Jean Young abseiling 27 storeys down a Bourke St building in 2016. Picture: David Caird.

In January, Mrs Young was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her community service.

The Outpost’s chairman Benjamin Donaghy said Mrs Young was “the heart” of the organisation during her 33 years of service.

“Her unwavering dedication, selfless volunteerism, and boundless compassion left an enduring legacy,” he said.

“To clients, she was a beacon of kindness.

“In her memory, let’s carry forward her spirit of service.”

Mrs Young is survived by her husband Alan, three children and seven grandchildren.

Mrs Young’s life will be celebrated at St Luke’s Anglican Church in Torquay on December 8 at 11am.

Originally published as Torquay’s Jean Young OAM remembered after decades of service to the community