By Molly Taylor
STEPPING away from his long-standing commitment to keep the Limestone Coast community informed, media identity Stuart Stansfield has used his spare time to offer support elsewhere.
Mr Stansfield was announced as one of two newly inducted Lions Club of Mount Gambier members recently and has a myriad of ideas and activities for involvement.
Lion Jacinta Greaves also became a member.
The former ABC South East chief of staff moved to Mount Gambier aged 12 and began his media career as a news cadet with The Border Watch in 1982, where he became a graded journalist after just two years.
When a news journalist job became available with ABC, Mr Stansfield took on the role and the position opened up a range of new opportunities, taking him to Port Pirie and then eventually back to Mount Gambier.
In 2008, Mr Stansfield was appointed as WIN TV chief of staff where he stayed for four years and became a known face around the district.
Mr Stansfield returned back to ABC where he spent eight years as chief of staff before vacating the position in March last year.
For a long time, Mr Stansfield said he wanted to give back to the community and when he left full-time employment, he finally found the time to do so.
Through past volunteering with St John Ambulance SA and his employment, Mr Stansfield met Lions Club of Mount Gambier communications officer Ross Parkinson OAM who floated the idea of becoming a member.
“During my time at ABC, I had contact with a number of service clubs and the Lions Club of Mount Gambier in particular, I perhaps more to do with than any other club,” he said.
“I am looking forward to doing as much as I can. I am the carer for my mother, but when I have the time, I very much looking forward to getting involved in projects.”
Mr Stansfield is particularly interested in involving himself further in the Blue Lake Brass Band Festival, which he has emceed for more than a decade, as well as the Legends of the Lake event support, Lions Mad Minute Competition, South East Field Day catering and anything else which requires club support in the future.
