2025 Age Well Leadership Award

Rodney Florence 

Born and bred in Oakleigh, Rod has been a volunteer driver with South-East Volunteers for 9 years, supporting older residents in Monash by providing not only transport, but a friendly face, gentle conversation and a caring and nurturing attitude.  

For 35 years, he’s been an integral part of Rowing Australia and Rowing Victoria teams, encouraging participation across all ages. His commitment to the sport is matched by his dedication to educating, supporting and mentoring many officials who’ve come through the system.  

Rod has felt that age is just a number – that everyone has value and something to contribute. He has a real empathy for the clients and spends time to and from appointments engaging them in conversation and making them feel special. And says that helping others feels good.