By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
BRUCE Coller may have retired from his job at Monash University but that hasn’t ended his teaching pursuits.
The 77-year-old Berwick resident, who used to teach Chemistry and Environmental Science, was honoured with a Council on the Ageing Senior Achiever Award last week for his tutoring work with the Australian African Foundation for Retention and Opportunity (AAFRO) program.
Every Saturday Dr Coller drives from Berwick to Flemington to assist newly-arrived African students with their maths and science study, helping them develop important learning skills and techniques.
“I was really pleased to be able to help the organisation over in Flemington,” Dr Coller said.
“People from other cultures who come here can really benefit from having someone from this culture helping them.”
Dr Coller, who was presented with his award by Minister for Ageing David Davis, was one of 14 seniors recognised last Thursday as part of the 2013 Victorian Seniors Festival. Dr Coller said he began volunteering with AAFRO after encouragement from his son, Ian, who helped create the organisation and teaches students English on the weekends.
“I’ve always loved problem solving, recognising what the barrier is for getting students from where they are to where they need to be,” Dr Coller said.
“I see it as a very good use of my time. I’ve worked in the Berwick community in the past and I was happy to go to the wider community, outside Berwick.”
Mr Davis said the senior awards honoured the remarkable achievements of senior Victorians and highlighted the benefits of ageing well and keeping active, healthy and involved in the community.
“Seniors from across Victoria are recognised for their inspiring volunteer work, talents and achievements, as well as encouraging active lifestyles and promoting cultural diversity,” he said.
Even in retirement, Dr Coller doesn’t look like slowing down and can’t envisage a future where he’s not helping people.
“I know I’m welcome, I’ve been invited to eat with the students and their parents,” he said.
“I’ve also been encouraged to visit one of the universities in Somalia. The involvement with the students gives me motivation to go down to Flemington every weekend.”
