There’s a hidden rock star among us at Christies Beach Branch - tucked behind the kitchen mixer, crafting desserts with the same passion he once had for drumming.

Meet Mark, affectionately known as The Dessert Guy, a former rocker turned dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer. Fast forward 25 years - Mark received an unexpected call in 2006: a reunion was on the cards. The band reunited to record a studio album, thanks to a stroke of luck - their former guitarist was now an associate professor of music at Adelaide University, giving them access to a professional recording space, free of charge. Their comeback led to live gigs, rekindling Mark’s love for performing. If you were part of Australia’s vibrant live music scene in the late '70s, you might remember him as the drummer for Young Modern.

“The '70s were the best time for music in Australia,” Mark recalls. Formed in 1977, Young Modern quickly gained recognition and was soon signed by Dirty Pool Artist Management - the same company that managed The Angels, Dennis Wilson, and Cold Chisel. Chasing his musical dreams, Mark moved to Sydney, where the band played six to seven nights a week, traveling up and down the East Coast, performing at packed live venues long before pokies changed the landscape of entertainment. They released vinyl records and were frequently featured in Roadrunner magazine, a staple for live music enthusiasts. But despite their growing success, the journey was short-lived.

When the band disbanded unexpectedly, 19-year-old Mark was devastated. “I didn’t see it coming,” he admits. “Our guitarist had had enough, and we went our separate ways.” Mark continued drumming with Acrylic Cherries and Washington State, but neither band reached the same heights as Young Modern.

Seven years ago, Mark traded in his drumsticks for a wooden spoon, joining Meals on Wheels as a volunteer. Three days a week, he helps prepare meals at Christies Beach, a branch that serves around 300 community members daily. His passion for cooking dates back to his teenage years when he almost began a chef apprenticeship. Now, he finds joy whipping up desserts. “I like to come in early, put on some music, and work without interruptions - especially on cheesecake days.”

Mark enjoys being part of Meals on Wheels. “We have a good laugh here - we give each other a bit of stick sometimes, but many of us have been here for years. It’s like a family.”

Quick Fire Questions:
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Live life to the fullest and don’t be afraid of challenges.”

If you could invite any musician (dead or alive) to volunteer in the kitchen with you, who would it be?
“Bob Dylan—he’d have amazing stories to tell.”