Rod hits the road as a volunteer with St John WA

Rod Caton has no idea how he had the time to do anything before he retired. 

But the Community Transport Service (CTS) volunteer might be busier now than when he was working full-time. 

Rod’s volunteering journey with St John WA began when he was a user of the service himself.  

Needing numerous check-ups for his type two diabetes, he relied on the service to get him to appointments, like skin and eye checks, when driving home alone would be impossible.  

When quizzing the volunteer drivers on these journeys, Rod was surprised to find that he rarely had a driver local to him in the Perth Hills.  

It was on one of these journeys that a driver encouraged Rod to give it a go himself. 

“The drivers themselves are bloody fantastic,” he said. 

“They’re always happy to chat and they just got me interested.  

“One driver I spoke to shared the benefits of being involved and I thought, I can do this.” 

St John Community Transport provides a door-to-door service to people who can’t use public transport, their usual means of transportation or continually rely on the help of others to get to an appointment.  

Rod’s shifts as a driver now see him travel all around the Perth area, from Two Rocks to Bunbury, dropping service users at vital appointments and providing a friendly, supportive ear. 

And he loves to interact with passengers and meet people from all walks of life. 

“I love driving and I love chatting to people as I go.  

“You have no idea about the different jobs and work that people have done,” said Rod. 

Alongside volunteering with St John WA, Aboriginal elder Rod is passionate about lending his time to several First Nations-led local organisations, including Langford Aboriginal Association and Marmun Mia-Mia Aboriginal Corporation, working on events, grants and mentoring. 

He also has four beloved dogs – two retired greyhounds and two chihuahuas. 

In his rare down time, Rod loves to go camping and takes his pups when he can.  

This makes the flexibility of being a CTS volunteer ideal for Rod and his lifestyle.  

He has also been learning new skills as part of his training and while on the job, including first aid.  

While getting used to the new vehicle sat navs might take him a little longer, he’s already used his first aid training out and about in the community.  

Rod could not recommend volunteering with St John WA more.  

“If you’ve got the time, you like driving, and you’re interested in meeting new people – just do it.” 

Interested in volunteering with St John WA? Learn more and apply today.