Retirement Living
In this story we learn more about retirement living resident and Deputy Chairman of the Bentley Park Residents’ Council, Roger Freeman, and the interesting life he has led.
15th April 2025
Born in London, Roger attended boarding school from the age of ten. He joined the school’s Sea Cadet Unit as early he could, spending much time involved in matters Naval and Nautical.
Upon leaving school in 1962 with two GCE ‘O’ levels, he joined the British Civil Service and worked as a Clerical Assistant in the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance. Roger sometimes suffered as the youngest in the office, but it also had its benefits.
“Being so young I was able to take advantage of a day release scheme to attend college and undertake studies not previously available,” he explains.
Following a successful Civil Service Clerical Officers Exam, Roger was promoted and appointed to the Ministry of Defence in the Navy Department that managed the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
“These were the ships that supplied fuel and stores to keep the Fleet at sea. It was an ideal position for me given my interest in the Royal Navy. A happy time!”
Roger left the UK and subsequently left Sea Cadets too, becoming involved with Naval Cadets again in 1989 at TS Canning. Serving first as a Voluntary Instructor, Roger's talents were recognised and over the next few years he rose through the ranks and was appointed Commanding Officer of TS Canning. He left in 1999, having completed ten years of service.
At age 12, Roger read a book about New Zealand and decided he would one day emigrate there. But Roger never made it to New Zealand, instead he flew to Australia as a ten-pound pom, one of the first
groups to fly.
He landed in Perth where he settled with his wife Barbara, whom he met during his college days.
They’ve since separated but had one daughter, Natalie, who lives in Perth. Shortly after arriving, Barbara fell pregnant and on his salary of $36 per week, Roger could not afford the rent for their flat and the expenses of a child. So, he went looking for other opportunities, landing a clerical position with the Shire of Nyabing-Pingrup.
“We were surprised to find the town had a population of 84. There was also no mains electricity, and no water supply, but we survived!”
Being appointed Assistant Shire Clerk in October 1967, Roger stayed for over four years before stepping into his role as Shire Clerk (CEO) at the Marble Bar.
“It was great. Not only did we have water and electricity, but the party started the day I arrived and finished when I left! Life was a ball. Hard work, but it was a ball.”
In 1975, Roger returned to Perth, moving into Health Administration and spent the next 14 years working at Royal Perth Hospital and the WA Alcohol and Drug Authority.
Roger’s next move was to the WA Waterways Commission in 1988, as Director of Corporate Services. The Commission was later abolished, and as part of the re-structure he was appointed as Manager of Human Resources for the new Water
and Rivers Commission a position he did not enjoy!
“I then went onto work for the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of Water Regulation and the Office of Seniors Interests. I left the public service in 2002, as I found there was very little practical work involved where I could do things to directly benefit the community.”
Rogers maintained his strong community focus, working for various organisations in the not-for profit sector including Artists Foundation of WA, Communicare Inc., WA Local Government Association and the City of Perth, before retiring in 2017.
Roger moved to SwanCare four years ago and joined the Bentley Park Residents’ Council. He is currently Deputy Chairman, as well as a Board Representative and member of the Infrastructure Committee.
He said being on the Council is very similar to his previous roles, which has worked out well since he wished he had never retired! Although it’s not just the Council that keeps Roger busy.
“I also do other voluntary work,” Roger shared, “Volunteering is what gets me up in the morning, it gives me purpose.”
Roger supports the WA Symphony Orchestra, and if you happen to be in the City on Saturday mornings, you can also find him assisting visitors at the information kiosk in the Murray Street Mall.
Aside from volunteering, Roger likes a good book, going out for dinner and attending concerts. However, nothing quite compares to a holiday, and Roger has had plenty of those!
“I have done extensive travelling over my time, in fact just last year I did a three-month trip to Norway, the UK and Canada. Although one of my favourite travel highlights from over the years was my trip to Antarctica in 2006. South Georgia was breathtaking.”
Roger, you are a great asset to our Bentley Park community and beyond. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Early Beginnings
Born in London, Roger attended boarding school from the age of ten. He joined the school’s Sea Cadet Unit as early he could, spending much time involved in matters Naval and Nautical.Upon leaving school in 1962 with two GCE ‘O’ levels, he joined the British Civil Service and worked as a Clerical Assistant in the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance. Roger sometimes suffered as the youngest in the office, but it also had its benefits.
“Being so young I was able to take advantage of a day release scheme to attend college and undertake studies not previously available,” he explains.
Following a successful Civil Service Clerical Officers Exam, Roger was promoted and appointed to the Ministry of Defence in the Navy Department that managed the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
“These were the ships that supplied fuel and stores to keep the Fleet at sea. It was an ideal position for me given my interest in the Royal Navy. A happy time!”
Roger left the UK and subsequently left Sea Cadets too, becoming involved with Naval Cadets again in 1989 at TS Canning. Serving first as a Voluntary Instructor, Roger's talents were recognised and over the next few years he rose through the ranks and was appointed Commanding Officer of TS Canning. He left in 1999, having completed ten years of service.
Finding a Home Across the Pond
At age 12, Roger read a book about New Zealand and decided he would one day emigrate there. But Roger never made it to New Zealand, instead he flew to Australia as a ten-pound pom, one of the firstgroups to fly.
He landed in Perth where he settled with his wife Barbara, whom he met during his college days.
They’ve since separated but had one daughter, Natalie, who lives in Perth. Shortly after arriving, Barbara fell pregnant and on his salary of $36 per week, Roger could not afford the rent for their flat and the expenses of a child. So, he went looking for other opportunities, landing a clerical position with the Shire of Nyabing-Pingrup.
“We were surprised to find the town had a population of 84. There was also no mains electricity, and no water supply, but we survived!”
Being appointed Assistant Shire Clerk in October 1967, Roger stayed for over four years before stepping into his role as Shire Clerk (CEO) at the Marble Bar.
“It was great. Not only did we have water and electricity, but the party started the day I arrived and finished when I left! Life was a ball. Hard work, but it was a ball.”
In 1975, Roger returned to Perth, moving into Health Administration and spent the next 14 years working at Royal Perth Hospital and the WA Alcohol and Drug Authority.
Roger’s next move was to the WA Waterways Commission in 1988, as Director of Corporate Services. The Commission was later abolished, and as part of the re-structure he was appointed as Manager of Human Resources for the new Water
and Rivers Commission a position he did not enjoy!
“I then went onto work for the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of Water Regulation and the Office of Seniors Interests. I left the public service in 2002, as I found there was very little practical work involved where I could do things to directly benefit the community.”
Rogers maintained his strong community focus, working for various organisations in the not-for profit sector including Artists Foundation of WA, Communicare Inc., WA Local Government Association and the City of Perth, before retiring in 2017.
Life Today
Roger moved to SwanCare four years ago and joined the Bentley Park Residents’ Council. He is currently Deputy Chairman, as well as a Board Representative and member of the Infrastructure Committee.He said being on the Council is very similar to his previous roles, which has worked out well since he wished he had never retired! Although it’s not just the Council that keeps Roger busy.
“I also do other voluntary work,” Roger shared, “Volunteering is what gets me up in the morning, it gives me purpose.”
Roger supports the WA Symphony Orchestra, and if you happen to be in the City on Saturday mornings, you can also find him assisting visitors at the information kiosk in the Murray Street Mall.
Aside from volunteering, Roger likes a good book, going out for dinner and attending concerts. However, nothing quite compares to a holiday, and Roger has had plenty of those!
“I have done extensive travelling over my time, in fact just last year I did a three-month trip to Norway, the UK and Canada. Although one of my favourite travel highlights from over the years was my trip to Antarctica in 2006. South Georgia was breathtaking.”
Roger, you are a great asset to our Bentley Park community and beyond. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
