Sydney deaf guitarist Murray Mandel has performed classic music in shopping centres around Australia for three years, raising money for Lifeline. This week he ends his musical odyssey where it started, in Canberra, the national capital.
His final performances are at the Canberra Centre this week and into Canberra Day.
He said on Thursday that the Canberra Centre was the 156th shopping centre he had played in for the project - and the only one during those three years where it had been raining while he was performing. That's good news in itself.
But so too is the more than $70,000 raised for Lifeline by Mr Mandel, a 67-year-old retired hospital microbiologist. He lost all his hearing soon after birth and taught himself classical guitar 10 years ago, using hearing aids.
Upon retirement he just wanted to do some good for the community and the shopping centre tour for Lifeline was it. He has travelled around in a campervan, as much a sounding board for people in need and distress, as an entertainer.
"I've had many, many individuals come to me and explain their personal problems," he said.
"I've always listened to them and tried to encourage them to have the inner-strength to be strong. To speak to family, relatives, close friends, local community organisations or even counsellors and hopefully, eventually, their problems will be solved. At the same time, reminding them to keep in mind that Lifeline is always there, if needed."
Mr Mandel is proud of his more than 400 performances, the travel all funded by himself from his superannuation, and the difference he has made. He chose to start and end the tour in Canberra because it was the national capital.
"The tour has been gruelling, a lot of risk and full of sadness. However, I am honoured and humbled and it has been privilege for me to help my fellow Australians," he said.
As a retired microbiologist and "hard-core traveller", Mr Mandel has not been put off by the coronavirus threat and will be rejuvenating in Thailand next month after his massive trip. But don't rule out other philanthropic adventures in the future.
"I'll return to Australia for the next chapter of my life. I'll never, ever retire. I'll always be doing something for my fellow Australians," he said.
Mr Mandel will be playing Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10am to 3pm near the Target entrance on the ground floor of the Canberra Centre.
