Sharing a Lifetime of Energy Wisdom
John Rewald
John Rewald
After a long and accomplished career in the energy industry, John Rewald didn’t expect to find himself back in front of an audience—much less as a volunteer speaker. But in late 2024, while enjoying his seventh year of retirement and having worked his way through the ever-growing list of household jobs, John was ready for a new challenge. A Facebook advertisement for Council on the Ageing Queensland’s Energy4Seniors program caught his eye, and a new chapter began.
“I believed I still had a few more years left in me to pass on some of my accumulated knowledge,” John said. “So I applied—and the rest is history.”
Making a Meaningful Difference in the Community
As one of the Volunteer Energy4Seniors Champions, John has seen firsthand just how valuable clear and practical energy information is for older Queenslanders.
Over the past twelve months, he has contributed to workshops across the state, helping seniors understand their energy bills, identify entitlements, and make cost-saving decisions.
“The audience is hungry for this information,” he said. “The materials, the handouts, and the countless questions we answer all show that what we’re doing is needed and appreciated.”
Helping Spark Those “Ah-Ha” Moments
While every session is different, John most enjoys the recognition on people’s faces when something important clicks.
“There isn’t one standout example, but there are definitely ‘Ah Ha’ moments,” he explained. “You can see when someone understands for the first time what they’ve been missing out on in their entitlements. Those are the rewarding moments.”
Growing Through Volunteering
Stepping back into a presenting role was something John never expected after leaving the industry.
“Most people would rather face a herd of stampeding buffalo than do a public presentation,” he joked. “I was one of them! But after my first session, it’s now a walk in the park.”
Becoming an Energy 4 Seniors Champion has not only allowed John to reconnect with his professional expertise but also helped him rediscover confidence in public communication.
A Philosophy for New Volunteers
John draws inspiration from a famous quote by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
His message to future Energy Champions is simple but powerful:
“Start small and grow with your experience. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels to see your audience engage and recognise the value in what you’re sharing.”