Keith Elliott Allison was a mining engineer by profession but has for decades been a volunteer, helping the Noosa Coast Guard, working as a Justice of the Peace and assisting local school children improve their school work and overcome family problems. He spoke to Noosa Today during National Volunteer Week.
What is your organisation?
I volunteer with SCILS (Sunshine Coast Individualised Learning and Support) program. I work with the Salvation Army and the Queensland Education Department to help students who are having problems with their lessons and to become better people.
What do you like most about your business?
Helping high school students to have a happy and fruitful life.
What was your first job?
I was an underground coal miner.
What is your most treasured possession?
My father-in-law was a ship’s captain. My wife gave me a sailing ship in a bottle that was a replica of his ship. And a miner’s lamp.
What’s your favourite book?
Lost Horizon by James Hilton. 1933 and the Oxford shorter English Dictionary (Two volumes)
What do you do to relax?
I’m an amateur radio operator, reading non-fiction and I have a large capacity for curiosity, and I play Brass Band music.
What music/movie/TV show have you been listening to/watching lately?
I listen to ABC classical music and ABC Radio National. The latest film I say was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
What is your greatest fear?
Not living long enough to do all I would like to do.
What is your greatest regret?
Losing our elder son when he was 34-years-old
What is your next challenge?
To keep on living a useful life.
What is your favourite dish at the moment?
Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding
What do you like most about living in Noosa?
It still has a village atmosphere and a happy feeling in a mad world
What is the most important thing in your life?
My wife of 65 years and son with two lovely granddaughters
