For Ophie Renner, his life is all about people.
Whether it is helping children learn, delivering food to needy families or volunteering for a group or committee, Ophie is always the first to put up his hand to help someone else.
In honour of all his work in the Gawler community, Ophie has been named as one of the 2012 Gawler Citizens of the Year.
Even more remarkable, Ophie is also the 2012 South Australia Citizen of the Year.
With a seemingly endless list of community work, it is clear why he has been given such an accolade.
Ophie and his wife Ruth have been living in the area for almost 20 years, settling here after Ophie finished his 40-year career as a principal in the education system.
Among the numerous roles Ophie holds, he is most proud of tutoring students.
Ophie volunteers his time to tutor students who have learning difficulties or just need some extra help.
While he tutored 10 students last year and has tutored more than 40 over the years, Ophie insists it is just a hobby for him.
“I have got a real love and passion for helping children,” he said.
“They are the future of our communities, our state and of Australia.
“An educated nation is one that is rich, vigorous, prosperous and progressive.”
Teaching is one of the many passions that run in Ophie’s blood.
After graduating from teaching college at 21 years of age, he was sent to a school on the Eyre Peninsula, where he was immediately put in charge.
“The school was very run down, but I was amazed that the Director of Education sent me a letter of commendation after three years saying how much I had lifted the school,” he said.
While at an Eyre Peninsula school, he found a quote in the school newsletter and now lives his life by it, also teaching it to his students over the years.
“I shall pass through this world but once. If there is any kindness and love that I can show to someone, let me do it now. I am not going to pass this way again,” it reads.
Ophie has done exactly that, with his life centred on doing things to help other people.
The humble Ophie said he was honoured to receive the citizen awards, but heaped praise on the many people who also volunteer their time to help others.
“There are so many unsung heroes in the community and this state who are doing things with no accolades given to them,” he said.
“Deep down, I have only one thing in mind - I am interested in people. From the children up to the aged - I am only interested in them.
“That will give you the greatest joy in life, to do things for others, not for self, but for someone else.”
Ophie lives in Willaston with his wife of 51 years, Ruth, and said he would not be able to manage all he does without her.
“I have got to say a big thank you to my wife, she is my greatest carer, my greatest supporter, encourager, counsellor and mentor,” he said.
Other activities Ophie is or has been involved in include: Helping develop a dyslexic support group in Gawler; delivering food for the needy for 15 years; volunteering at the Gawler Health Service; member of the Gawler Para Probus Club; started an Ecumenical men’s breakfast in Gawler; Willaston Neighbourhood Watch member; Immanuel Lutheran School committee chairperson; and Domestic Violence Support committee member.
2012 Australia Day Awards
Gawler Council
Citizens of the Year - Ophie Renner and Molly Sheldon.
Commendations to Fred Brooks and Rhonda Fischer.
Young Citizen of the Year - Bryony Tucker.
Corporate Citizen of the Year - Lori Smith.
Community Event of the Year - “Remembering Precious Souls”
Community Group of the year - Gawler Quilting Circle
Light Regional Council
Citizen of the Year - Anne Hornsey.
Young Citizen of the Year - Thomas Darmody.
Community Event of the Year - 2011 Kidman Art Show.
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