Supporting the Irish Community in Australia with John Rodden
In a recent conversation on The Celtic Way Podcast,
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RRmQhYljB2M2L8YcSF7dM
John Rodden shared his journey from Donegal to Australia and his volunteer work supporting the Irish-Australian community in Victoria.
John is president of the organization previously known as the Irish Australian Support and Resource Bureau, which announced during the podcast that it has now been renamed Irish Support Victoria.
The conversation explored the practical support the organization provides, the importance of community connection, and John’s own experience of helping people through difficult periods in their lives.
John Rodden’s Journey from Donegal to Australia
John first came to Australia when he was 21 on a working holiday.
He enjoyed life in Australia so much that he later decided he wanted to return permanently. Before settling in Australia, he spent around 11 years living in London.
John also shared the story of meeting his future wife during his first time in Australia and later unexpectedly meeting her again in London. They eventually built a life together and now have two children.
Supporting Older and Vulnerable Community Members
A large part of the organization's work involves outreach. Volunteers visit people in homes, hospitals, nursing homes, hostels, and prisons.
John said he first became involved because he had a particular interest in supporting older people and enjoyed listening to their stories.
He also explained that some older people may initially feel unsure about receiving visits, but over time they often begin to look forward to seeing the volunteers and hearing a familiar Irish voice.
From the Bureau to Irish Support Victoria
The organization had previously been known as the Irish Australian Support and Resource Bureau and, before that, the Welfare Bureau.
John explained that the new name is shorter and clearer, while the organization's purpose remains the same: helping Irish people and people of Irish descent in Victoria when they need support.
A Story of Recovery and Long-Term Support
John shared the story of a young teacher who suffered serious injuries after falling through a skylight while working. She spent months recovering and also faced visa problems while she was in the hospital. John explained that the organization supported her for around a year.
Eventually, she was able to return to work, remain in Australia, and become self-sufficient again. He also stressed that support cases are treated confidentially.
John’s Connection to Donegal
Image credit: Fanad Lighthouse, County Donegal, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
Towards the end of the conversation, John spoke about Donegal, where he grew up.
He is from Kilmacrennan, near Letterkenny, and described Donegal as a place with beautiful scenery and many places to visit.
Among the places he mentioned were the Wild Atlantic Way, Fanad Lighthouse, Glenveagh Castle, Donegal Castle, and Malin Head.
John also reflected on how his interest in Irish music changed after leaving Ireland. Although he did not listen to much Irish music when he was younger, he now enjoys it much more.
Image credit: Patrice78500, Glenveagh Castle, County Donegal, via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.
Keeping the Community Connected
John’s stories show that support can take many different forms. Sometimes it means helping someone with paperwork or finding the right service. Other times it means visiting an older person, organizing a social activity, or simply providing a familiar connection to home.
Irish Support Victoria continues this work through volunteers, community programs, and support from the wider Irish-Australian community.
If John’s story has inspired you to reconnect with Ireland and experience the places that keep those connections alive, The Celtic Way's Irish Heritage Journeys offer the opportunity to explore Ireland through its landscapes, local communities, history, and culture. Depending on your chosen itinerary, you may discover places like Donegal and experience the stories and traditions that make each part of Ireland unique.
To learn more about our upcoming Irish Heritage Journeys, visit our website and discover where your own connection to Ireland could take you. If you’d like to hear more about John’s journey from Donegal to Australia and his work supporting the Irish community, listen to the full conversation on the Irish Voices podcast on Spotify