May 20 to 26 is National Volunteer Week and the theme for 2024 is ‘Something for Everyone’. No matter what your passion or your talent, there is a place for everyone in the world of volunteering.

This special week also highlights the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we recognise some inspiring volunteers who lend their time, skills and their hearts to make a difference in their communities. We hope their stories inspire you to realise your own power to make a difference.

Colleen Fuller

I’ve had the pleasure of working with many organisations. Gunnedah Meals on Wheels, Pink Up Gunnedah, Yallambee Gunnedah, Retired Mineworkers Association and Primary Health New England to name a few. I also helped to establish the Gunnedah Miners Support Group and I’ve been involved in council for more than 20 years.

My first volunteering experience was 69 years ago at the age of 6, standing on a banana box at the Gunnedah Show. Both of my parents were Lifetime Members of the Gunnedah Show Society.

It gives me so much pleasure seeing other people looked after. At Meals on Wheels sometimes we are the only people that they may see all week. I’m also very proud that Gunnedah Meals on Wheels is there to provide that care through holiday periods when most other organisations stop. When they close, we are there.

My great grandparents, my grandparents and my parents were always involved in volunteering and instilled in me the importance of volunteering and how rewarding it is. Volunteering gives back so much more than it takes. There is so much satisfaction in doing something for someone else.

No matter what age you are, volunteering is a great way to keep you active, both physically and mentally. Who wants to sit around doing nothing! I’ll never stop volunteering.

Andrew Constable

I started volunteering for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service after surviving a life-threatening incident where the rescue helicopter saved my life. I feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to give back to the community.

My volunteer work involves running the Merriwa Support Group for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and fundraising activities. I started out by attending events and helping at fundraising activities and eventually I reached out to the organisation directly to explore volunteer opportunities. They welcomed me with open arms, and I’ve been volunteering with them ever since I started the Merriwa Support Group.

I enjoy the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community. Volunteering with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter allows me to make a positive impact on people’s lives, just as they did for me. I also appreciate the camaraderie and friendships I’ve formed with fellow volunteers and the organisation’s staff. It’s a truly rewarding experience.

I believe that volunteering is an incredible way to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a real difference in the community. By volunteering, individuals can gain a sense of belonging, build confidence, and develop empathy and understanding for others. Plus, it’s a great way to give back to organisations that make a positive impact on people’s lives, just like the Westpac Rescue Helicopter did for me.

Lorraine Stewart

I’ve been volunteering at Mudgee Museum for about 20 years, Riding for the Disabled for about 8 years, the Mudgee Community Pantry since it first began a couple of years ago, and Mudgee CWA Evening Branch for about 6 years.

Growing up my father always said it was important to help others whenever we could so every year we collected donations for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. My father became a volunteer at the Mudgee Museum and encouraged me to go and volunteer there with him. One of the other volunteers there was also a volunteer at Mudgee Riding for the Disabled and when I heard they were after more volunteers I didn’t hesitate to join up.

Being a local of Mudgee, CWA was always somewhere I wanted to join and then during Covid the members at Mudgee Baptist Church became aware of the great need to have a community pantry and it has grown since then.

I love the feeling of being useful and being able to help and support other people. I also love the social aspect of meeting new people, both other volunteers and the people we help.

There are so many amazing groups that are run by volunteers. No matter what charity organisation is around I have never heard any of them saying, “sorry we have too many volunteers!” Volunteers come and go but without volunteers these organisations are unable to run and a lot of people would miss out on the benefits of these services. The satisfaction you feel helping others and the amazing friends you make while volunteering is undeniable.

Many people hesitate to volunteer, thinking they have nothing to offer, but there are so many jobs to be done, both small and large, in these organisations. From simply greeting others, opening and closing a gate, making a cup of tea, or simply being there to encourage and support other volunteers. Volunteering even just for an hour or so, every so often, can make a world of difference.

David Walker

Over the past 47 years I have continuously been an active volunteer in the Singleton community, primarily with the performing arts, community services, public schools, incorporations and organisations. Currently I am an active volunteer with Singleton organisations Town Band, Ourcare Services LTD, RSL Sub-Branch (NSW) and Legacy Group.

When I was growing up my father and mother were active volunteers in the community, so it became a part of our family values. I began volunteering at Singleton ANZAC Day shortly after I had completed my fulltime service in the army. The town band members had been told that I could play a musical instrument, so asked me to play with them. I said no, but after being enticed by a few free beers after the job I said yes! I enjoyed the band members’ friendship and company so much that I ended up as Bandmaster, a position I stayed in for the next 20 years. ANZAC Day in 2024 will be my 47th year volunteering with Singleton Town Band.

I enjoy spending time with other dedicated volunteers within our community. While we are different ages and have diverse cultures, we all have a common vision to make our community a great place to live and call home. I have enjoyed holding voluntary leadership positions in organisations and I am proud of the initiatives I successfully introduced in our community, many of which are still in place today.

The reason people should volunteer is that it gives personal satisfaction and a chance to make a difference, whether it be to a person, an organisation or your local community. The most rewarding payment a volunteer cherishes is when you receive a smile, eye wink, hand shake, pat on the back or a verbal thank you from a person that you have helped. You are never too young or old to volunteer in your local community.

Lexie Matthews

I started volunteering at the Sir Edgeworth David Memorial Museum in 2003. When I started at the Museum it was two afternoons a week, under the guidance of Brian John Andrews OAM.

I started after being injured at work, and it had been a time of loss for me. Cheryle Shoesmith had already started volunteering and suggested I start. She said it will fill some of your time, you like to read and learn.

Each day of volunteering is different, and you can make many new special friends by volunteering. Most of the visitors that come through have a question or two and are amazed at the amount of history we can assist them with.

I volunteered at Maitland Hospital Blood Bank prior to starting work in 1985, once a week. There is so much more than just sitting in a chair donating blood. I have also loved working with the children at the schools I have volunteered in, mother groups and P&C. Children’s expressions are a wonderful gift.

Volunteering assists in keeping your mind and body active. No matter how many places or days you volunteer, at the end of the day you think wow, by volunteering today I have shared and received time with someone else.

Troy Meaney

I volunteer wherever I can but one organisation I am very passionate about volunteering for is the Community Hair Project which provides free haircuts and styling services to those in need.

I also volunteer for the Indigenous Hair Workshop program where I travel around to remote outback locations in NSW to teach hairdressing skills to Indigenous people focusing on Indigenous hair care and styling. At some of the places we visit there are no hairdressers available or it’s hours of travel just to access a salon. The 4-day program teaches basic hairdressing skills focusing on Indigenous hair care and styling, plus for those who wish to pursue it further we support them with further training and qualification. The idea for the Indigenous Hair Workshop came about because we wanted to give people skills that they could then use to give back to their own communities.

I love being a part of this project. We recently ran a workshop in Coonamble and at the start of the week everyone was so shy and timid. By the end of the week their confidence had soared, and you could just see that they were thriving and eager to learn more.

There’s nothing better than giving back. It might be five minutes just chatting to someone to brighten up their day. Buying a coffee for a homeless person and talking to them. Looking at them face to face and letting them know you see them. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, there’s something out there you can help with and make a difference.