Like many grey nomads, Tony Branford has always been keen to ‘give something back’ and volunteering his time to give his fellow travellers a lift … and perhaps help keep people that little bit safer … was an opportunity too good to miss.
Tony is now one of the army of community-minded helpers involved in the Driver Reviver organisation that operates outlets throughout Australia. He joined the Angaston & District Lions club in South Australia’s Barossa Valley about four years ago, and began helping at the little kiosk that generally only operates on long weekends.
There is a large parking bay suitable for vans to pull in, as well as a shelter, table and seats, and portable toilets.
Many Driver Reviver stations provide a welcome hot drink and biscuit to travellers
The volunteers offer free tea, coffee and biscuits to encourage travellers to take a break and to fully revive before hitting the road again.
“The thing about helping out at the Driver Reviver site is that it is a great service where we meet many interesting travellers who tell many great stories,” said Tony. “Grey nomads tell us about their travels and experiences throughout the country, and the most interesting ones are generally those who have got off on the beaten track … and pass on some of the hidden secrets.”
One of the more memorable travellers Tony has met while serving teas and coffees was a former member of the services who was walking from Perth in WA to Sydney’s Bondi Beach pushing pushing a three-wheel cart and seeking to raise awareness of suicide and the ‘Black Dog’ organisation.
Tony and his wife have been on multiple trips around the country themselves in a variety of rigs. They currently have a Toyota Hi-Lux twin cab fitted with a canopy, and an 18’ pop top van … with both vehicles fitted out so they can stay off-grid for as long as water lasts.
The couple now restrict their trips to two or three months due to other commitments, like volunteering.
One of their most memorable adventures was being locked in the grounds at Standley Chasm.
“The rangers locked the gates due to the wild horses,” said Tony. “But they said that we could camp there overnight so it was great having the place to ourselves!”
Being a veteran traveller himself has made Tony much more attuned to the needs of the travellers who stop at the Driver Reviver site, and more engaged with their experiences.
“These days many grey nomads also have their pet dogs with them,” said Tony. “So, we provide drink bowls for the dogs and they are able to exercise their pets in a safer environment.”
• Do you pause your travels at Driver Reviver stops? Have you picked up a tip or two there?
WIN PRODUCE POD PRIZES
Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win one of four fabulous prizes from Produce Pod, the company which offers travellers an ingenious way to keep their veggies fresh for longer without overloading the fridge.
First prize: The Ultimate Starter Set (value: $189)
Second Prize: Pods and Shoppers Gift Pack (value: $134)
Third prize: One Pod, one shopper bag, one bowl cover (value: $87)
Fourth prize: One Produce Pod (value: $47)
Click here to learn more about the competition.
