We are delighted to announce that David Shipway was conferred Bedford Life Membership in 2024, recognising more than 20 years of dedicated support to Balyana, Bedford’s Supported Independent Living Residence in Clapham.
David Shipway AM, is a name synonymous with both business success and unwavering community spirit. His support for Balyana, born from a deep and enduring connection with former resident Rex Hocking, exemplifies his compassion and willingness to create positive change.
Long before David’s connection to Balyana began, he met co-worker, Rex Hocking, in 1970 when David started working at the family business BL Shipway & Co in Carrington Street. David’s uncle, Bernard Shipway (BL) had been helping one of his senior school teachers, Mr Hocking, place his graduating students in employment at the company, when his teacher mentioned that his 19 year old son Rex was having some issues securing employment due to barriers he faced living with disability.
Bern hired Rex at BL Shipway in 1961 to work in stores, pack shelves, keep the offices and store-room tidy, and run errands and deliveries in the CBD. David, then 19, met Rex when he joined the business in 1970, and Rex was already thriving in his role. David said that Rex “…was much-loved by his Shipway co-workers, and was a bit of a ‘larger-than-life’ character, with a great sense of humour.”
Rex became a well-known and popular figure in the city, making a point of speaking to everyone he saw while running errands on behalf of Shipways. He often returned to work with gifts of fruit and milkshakes from the Rundle Mall vendors.
Rex, who was cared for by his aunt following the death of his parents, was regularly invited to David’s home for dinner and outings, and became very much a part of the Shipway family – at work, and at home. When Rex’s aunt also passed, David became Rex’s legal guardian and carer, offering a continuity for Rex that he may otherwise have been without.
By 1980 Rex was ready to move into Supported Independent Living, and David supported his move from the rented accomodation into Balyana. Since then, David has been a regular visitor and supporter at Balyana, providing the residents with annual gifts of Christmas hams, and 10 dozen hot cross buns every Easter. David has also made financial contributions to Balyana over the years to help with upgrades, and is most favourably known by residents for his donation of a big screen tv and karaoke machine for the common area!
Although Rex has long since retired from Shipways, and at 82 has moved out of Balyana and into aged care, David attributes much of the credit for Rex’s happy life to the support and care he received from staff, and to the friendship of the residents at Balyana. David continues to stay in touch with Rex with weekly calls and visits, and they both return to Balyana for special events.
David’s donations of Christmas hams and Hot Cross Buns has continued for over 20 years and, much to the delight of Balyana residents, he has no intention of stopping. His story serves as an inspiring example of how genuine human connection and acts of kindness can make a profound and lasting difference to individuals and a community.
The special interest that David has taken in Rex is an illustration of his generosity and dedication that he also shares with the SA football community. David was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2017 for his services to football, and has worked tirelessly over more than four decades to fund-raise and make positive change for grass roots football in South Australia. A died-in-the-wool West Adelaide supporter, he has served as Chairman of the SA Community Football League, Deputy Chair of SA Football Commission, Chair of the SANFL Life Members Committee, and both as President and Chair of the West Adelaide Football Club. The SA Football Volunteer of the Year award is named in his honour, and he received the prestigious Jack Titus AFL Service Award in 2020.
David has been responsible for spearheading meaningful change for the league, and for individual players. He campaigned for the introduction of mandatory para & quad insurance cover for players under the National Insurance Scheme. He was involved with fundraising $60,000 in 2018 for teen Tai Martin-Page after he suffered a spinal cord injury, and $100,000 in 2019 for former SANFL/AFL player Mark Mickan after his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. These are only a few of the many examples of the meaningful impact he has had on players and football in South Australia.
We asked David if his passion for football is shared by Rex, and he said “…not at all! And it’s probably a good thing - it’s one less thing for us to have ‘discussions’ about!”
Thankyou David Shipway, for your dedication, compassion and generosity over the many years of support you’ve offered to Rex and to Balyana. Beyond the impressive professional achievements, the personal connection and support of Rex emphasizes a genuine compassion and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others, and we are honoured to count you amongst our Bedford Life Members.
