WITH photographs and memorabilia proudly displayed throughout his house, it is clear that Allan Dowdell OAM is a man of many titles and accomplishments.
Referring to himself as “a bit of a hoarder”, the Mount Gambier resident has kept a large collection of items that remind him of his many volunteering experiences over the years.
From certificates to medals and event booklets, Mr Dowdell loves sharing his passion for the Limestone Coast region with others.
Recently receiving the Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his work in the community, the 89-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
An active member of the Mount Gambier Cycling Club and the Lions Club of Mount Gambier, Mr Dowdell has played an influential role in developing the Blue Lake city community to what it is today.
“I thought by now I would be taking things a bit slower, but I seem to be doing more – at a much slower speed though,” he said with a chuckle.
Joining the Mount Gambier Cycling Club at the age of 16 was something Mr Dowdell was destined to do as he followed in the footsteps of his great uncle John Dowdell who won a silver medal in the first Mount Gambier Cycling Club championship in 1885.
October of 1944 was Mr Dowdell’s first cycling race – a sports day at Frew Park with a junior half mile bike race.
“There were about 20 of us new juniors divided into two heats, I managed to get into the final but they had to hold it up as I was running the last leg of the 4 X 400 yards relay for the boys’ institute,” he said.
“So I hopped on my bike and, finishing fast, just failed to catch the winner by about a wheel.
“I got a silver sandwich tray for coming second, which I still have somewhere.
“That was the beginning of my riding days.”
Over the years, Mr Dowdell was Mount Gambier team leader in the Mazda Tour of South Australia and the Sun Tour of Victoria.
He even spent some time writing for The Border Watch as the reporter on cycling news and events.
However, nearing his ’90s, the committed community man said his involvement has slowly decreased over the years.
“I am still involved in club activities, although on a much smaller scale,” he said.
“It has been a lifelong experience for me and I hope it keeps up.”
Always staying fit and healthy, Mr Dowdell spent many years volunteering at the Mount Gambier Boys Institute.
Joining in 1942 as a student of gymnastics, he progressed to become an instructor, manager and committee member of the board of management.
An integral part of the club for over 25 years, Mr Dowdell only ceased involvement when the YMCA took over running of the centre.
Wanting a thriving community in the Blue Lake City, Mr Dowdell also served as a councillor on Mount Gambier City Council for many years.
Elected in 1990, he served the north east section of the city for seven years and then the south east section for three years.
He held many positions, including the seniors’ week committee chairman, mayoral gala performance chairman and served as a greater Mount Gambier tourism committee member.
Thoroughly enjoying his time on council with the mayor, councillors and staff, Mr Dowdell said it was a great experience.
“It involved much study, research and reading of council paperwork to get the best results for the citizens of Mount Gambier,” he said.
These days Mr Dowdell spends much of his time volunteering with the Lions Club of Mount Gambier.
Joining the club in 1972, Mr Dowdell has achieved many great things for the community, including helping to provide a beach at the Valley Lake and installing a new fence on the Bay Road section of the lakes precinct.
Like many other Lions, he has attended and assisted with the Port MacDonnell Bayside Festival, Lions mint sales and wood
sales.
“I still enjoy the physical effort needed with the wood sales, it keeps me active,” Mr Dowdell said.
“But I also have to mention the Bunnings sausage sizzle, this is a great fundraiser and I hope I can do many more.
“I have certainly enjoyed my almost 45 years of club activity.”
Passionate about doing his part for the community, Mr Dowdell said he is not one to stay at home wasting his days.
“I don’t like just sitting and watching television, except for the cycling occasionally, instead I like to keep active and involved with the community,” he said.
“I am always doing something, my days are very busy.”
