Lisa Jamieson is an extraordinary community champion whose dedication and tireless efforts have left a lasting mark on the Mackay region.

With a Mechanical Engineering Degree, a Master of Business Administration, and over 30 years of experience in project management, Lisa has held various roles throughout her career, shaping her approach to volunteering.

For the last twenty years Lisa has been living in Mackay and volunteers with several organisations in the area. She’s been with Orange Sky Australia for six years, starting as a volunteer and driver of their laundry van, “Don”. She now serves as the Service Leader for the Mackay & Sarina pod services.

As a Volunteer Ambassador for Mackay Isaac Tourism, Lisa spends her Thursday afternoons at the Mackay Information Kiosk, helping tourists and locals with information about the region. She also volunteers at other tourism events like the caravan and camping shows and the St Lawrence Wetlands.

At Safe Sleep Mackay, Lisa is part of the fundraising team, raising awareness about homelessness and working towards providing safe sleep solutions.

When asked why she volunteers, Lisa’s wit and passion shine through.

“It’s better than doing housework!

“It’s meaningful, it makes a difference, and gives structure to my day. It would be so easy to sit at home and over-plan my next adventure.

“Volunteering is such a rewarding experience. And when you find the right fit, it is such an uplifting journey.

“In making a commitment, it ensures that I go out and become involved. Coffee with friends is a great outing but you need something to share about what you have been doing to keep the conversation flowing.

“Volunteering is a great connector and a way to extend your social network. I’ve met so many more people through volunteering than I ever could have otherwise. These connections help you learn more about the community you live in.

“It also raises your awareness of other community groups doing good work that you may not have known about. It’s inspiring to attend funding presentations and hear about other organisation’s efforts, and to be able to connect and share what they are doing. We are better when we work together!

“Mackay is such a supportive community. When people and organisations know there is something they can do, they generally rally to come together and make that difference.”

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Lisa was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Mackay.

“It was very humbling to be recognised by such a community-oriented organisation as Rotary, with their depth of volunteering and community service.”

Lisa has numerous memorable experiences from her volunteer journey. She recounted stories of kindness and resilience, such as a father selling his washing machine to send his son on a school camp and a family stopping by with Christmas gifts for those in need.

“Each and every one of us has a story to tell, with different beginnings and adventures, but we are all human and have the same basic needs.

“Knowing that someone is pleased to see you at your shift, and that you can help someone, is rewarding. Giving your time can make such a difference to others.”

Lisa’s advice to potential volunteers is comprehensive and heartfelt. She encourages people to find something that interests them but also to consider stepping out of their comfort zone.

“Volunteering can take many shapes and forms, there is something that will suit everyone. You can make a difference and make a better community for yourself by being a part of the community, rather than sitting on the outside of it.”

Her extensive travels have enriched her perspective on volunteering. From her time at a charity school in Ghana to witnessing the wildebeest migration in Kenya, Lisa has seen the world, yet her heart remains in Mackay.

“My travels have shown me the importance of community and connection. Whether attending the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis, setting foot onto Antarctica, or seeing Denali in Alaska without a cloud in sight, I’ve learned that every place has its unique challenges and rewards, just like our community in Mackay.”