Volunteer recognition

Parniyan Kohzad started her volunteering journey in October 2017 at the Hoppers Crossing Vinnies op shop, enriching lives with her caring spirit. After moving from Afghanistan and working in childcare Parniyan, known locally as Par, found deep fulfillment in giving back to her community through volunteering.

Though English is not her first language, Par was eager to learn and quickly found her niche in the accessories department. With a warm smile and kind demeanor, she carefully prepares the shop's selection of scarves, belts, hats and gloves for sale. Whether merchandising summer hats for tots, fancy fascinators for the Melbourne Cup, or cozy winter beanies, she ensures every item is in top condition, properly priced and beautifully presented for customers. But Par's impact extends far beyond tidying - she brings joy to everyone she interacts with through her warm personality and thoughtful service.

"The best thing is making people happy," Par shared. One of her most cherished memories was assisting a young lady with a disability to try on scarves. Seeing the woman's gratitude and delight filled Par with immense satisfaction.

Volunteering allows Par to leave any personal troubles behind and embrace a welcoming, supportive environment. Shop manager Sue remarks, "She comes in cheerful, even when facing difficulties... voicing a concern, then saying 'This is what I can do.' Parniyan's resilient spirit and enthusiasm for helping others make her an invaluable volunteer in our Team.”

From 20 to 26th May we celebrate National Volunteer Week, and this year the theme is “something for everyone”. Jean Bohmer would agree with this statement, and that volunteering can be as much or as little as you have time for. And Jean would know, she has been volunteering for more than 70 years!

Having recently been recognised at the Victorian Volunteering Awards for Volunteer Impact, Jean has always found a way to integrate volunteering into her busy life. At 88 years of age Jean has shown that you can always find a way to help that suits your lifestyle. Jean now writes bereavement cards and letters, on behalf of Melbourne City Mission Palliative Care, to family and friends of those who have recently passed away. “Every time I seal an envelope, I feel the connection to those people – and connection is what makes me feel I belong and that I have a purpose”.

For those people who are struggling to juggle work, family and financial commitments, Jean says, “Give what you can - even if it’s just showing some kindness to someone while you’re out and about, it makes you feel connected and helps you to forget your own worries.”

If you would like to help your community by volunteering in a more formal role, visit

www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering

.

Kelly and her dog, Spike, are a big hit with the children at Saltwater P-9 College!  Once a week during school term, Kelly and Spike spend one-on-one time with a select group of students who may need a little extra help with their reading.  Each session lasts for approximately 20 minutes and books are selected to suit the student’s reading level and interest.  The Story Dogs Program aims to create a safe, fun, supportive, non-judgemental environment for primary school aged children needing assistance with literacy.  “Spike loves all the attention from the children and often sits between me and the child to listen to the story” says Kelly.  “The children feel safe; there is no pressure and no judgement – we just let them read, and it’s amazing to see the students’ confidence levels soar!”

Kelly stumbled across Story Dogs at last year’s Wyndham Volunteer Expo and signed up on the spot.  Story Dogs are hoping to be present at this year’s Expo on Saturday 11th May at Encore Event Centre, so consider popping along to find out how you can get involved.  “We desperately need more dogs and volunteers – there is a huge demand out there,” says Kelly.

“You rarely experience a student spending their whole morning asking when it’s their turn for their session so they can read to their pal, Spike!”  In return for her time, Kelly (and no doubt Spike too!), feel a great sense of satisfaction seeing the students improve, gain confidence, and start to love reading.

To find out more about Story Dogs, visit https://www.storydogs.org.au/ or to come along to the Volunteer Expo, visit https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/wyndham-volunteer-expo.

To help your local community, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

Whilst scrolling through her Facebook feed, Julie Connell discovered a community event happening at Point Cook Coastal Park and decided to go along and take a look – after all, this was her backyard and cleaning up the area seemed like a good activity to be involved in. Twelve months later, Julie is now the main organiser of that group she first attended – LoveOurStreet Point Cook. 

Meeting once a month for just an hour, the group of likeminded volunteers clean up litter around the waterways of Point Cook and what better way to keep your mental and physical health and wellbeing in check – fresh air, social connection, exercise and feeling rewarded!

Since last February, the group has collected 237kg of rubbish and grown from 6 participants to 41.  “We’re all in this together” says Julie. “We can make a huge impact on our local patch and along the way, make friendships and care for the environment”.  “The group is diverse in age and culture - I even have one couple who are teaching me Korean whilst we pick up litter”, says Julie.

Julie acknowledges that using her organisational skills has made her role very easy and satisfying.  “It’s important to know your skill set, what you’d like to achieve through volunteering and then identify the right role – that way you’ll absolutely love it”.

If you would like to join a local litter group, contact Werribee River Association at admin@werribeeriver.org.au or visit https://werribeeriver.org.au/volunteer-with-us/litter-groups/.

If you would like to help your community, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

There are nearly 500 parkrun events around Australia taking place every weekend.  It is a free community event, run completely by volunteers, where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate.  The Wyndham Vale parkrun meets at Presidents Park every Saturday at 8am and today, we are putting the spotlight on volunteer, Louise Finlay, who believes volunteering makes you feel great and can lead to lifelong friendships!  “I might see a mum struggling to take part in the activity and I’ll offer to help out and take care of her child”, says Louise.  “I know of one family who brought along their newborn baby, and now he’s running in the event himself, breaking new ‘personal bests’ all the time!”

Louise is a favourite at Wyndham Vale parkrun and has been consistently volunteering for several years.  “You don’t have to be the most social or outgoing person to volunteer, it’s just nice to help others and show kindness” says Louise.

At Wyndham Vale parkrun, there are lots of opportunities to try new roles, apply your skills or learn new ones.  You might prefer to come along and walk/run each week and then put your hand up to help on occasion, or you may have an injury which prevents you from taking part in the activity but are able to scan barcodes or be a timekeeper.

For more information, visit www.parkrun.com.au/wyndhamvale or to help your local community, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

Louise believes “if you smile at someone, you might just get a smile back”!

Zach Thornton, a lifelong Wyndham resident, believes being on a committee can “give a great sense of fulfilment, whilst providing invaluable experience in the world of business and admin”. 

When he first joined the Tarneit Football Club committee 5 years ago, Zach provided a helping hand, but wasn’t sure how he could add value, or what was involved.  That has all changed in the last couple of years as Zach’s full-time job provided him with some great skills that could be transferred to his role on the Committee at the Tarneit Football Club. 

Not only does he cover events, sponsorship, admin, merchandise, match day and operations, but he is also the Club Secretary and facilitates full-club training sessions. The Club is always looking for more help in delivering some of these tasks. “You don’t have to play at the Club or have a child playing to be involved.

We have lots of interesting volunteer roles from social media and admin, to managing events”, said Zach.  “Volunteering gives you purpose and a sense of pride”.

Contact the Club via https://www.facebook.com/tarneitfootballclub or email enquiries@tarneittitansfc.com.au.

If you would like to help your community, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

Not long after moving to Werribee in 2000, Cheryl became full-time carer for her mum.  Following her mum’s passing in 2006, Cheryl felt isolated and lost – she had not had any time to foster new friendships or connect with her local community.  One day when visiting the local library, she noticed a Wyndham City flier promoting an information session on volunteering.  The rest is history, as they say, as 15 years later she is still volunteering in the same role she applied for all those years ago!

As a volunteer with the Visitor Information Centre, located at the entrance to Werribee Zoo, Cheryl has provided travel advice to thousands of visitors to Werribee and talked to them about places to visit locally.  “It has been great for me as it opened many doors.  I started to connect with people in the community and before I knew it, I had joined the garden club, water aerobics and a choir!” says Cheryl, “once you make that first step into volunteering, you’ll never look back!”

International Volunteer Day is celebrated on the 5th of December and recognises the contribution of volunteers worldwide.  Wyndham City would like to acknowledge and thank Wyndham community members who "may not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart". 

If you would like to help your community, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

Musarrat Saiyed has lived in many countries and as a ‘global citizen’, she is accustomed to all kinds of diversity through language, culture, and religion.  “You become so open to other viewpoints and opinions and understand where people are coming from” says Musarrat, “that it makes you humble, and the diversity and acceptance just becomes a part of you”.

Within a year of moving to Australia (Tarneit), the COVID-19 pandemic took hold and Musarrat remembers reading about the hardship people in her community were facing.  In response to this, she set about establishing a not-for-profit organisation called Pulse with Purpose and one of the first projects was to offer halal food relief.  Some years later, Musarrat now engages a team of volunteers from different cultures and backgrounds, to prepare, cook and in some cases, deliver, over 70 meals per week.  Operating out of Dianella Community Centre in Tarneit, Musarrat and her volunteers offer a global cuisine with traditional meals from many different countries.  Not only do community members receive food - they also receive a listening ear, a smile, and a hug. “When you smile at someone and they smile back, you are filled with a moment of happiness” says Musarrat.

Pulse with Purpose also engages young people as volunteers to tutor children from high school.  Called ‘Study Circle’, this program offers support and learning assistance for young people whose migrant families may struggle to follow and understand the Australian secondary school curriculum.

When asked what motivates her to volunteer her time, Musarrat responded “it gives meaning to your life and helps you to be mentally healthy.  What we give others, is what we truly earn”.

If you would like to know more about volunteering with Pulse with Purpose and their projects, contact pulsewithpurpose@gmail.com or follow on https://www.facebook.com/pulsewpurpose.

If you would like to help your community, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

During October, Wyndham is hosting a multitude of free or low-cost events to celebrate the state-wide Seniors Festival.  This year’s theme ‘Learn. Live. Love’ is something Heather Curtis would say you gain from volunteering. 

Heather moved to Wyndham in 2010 and one of the first things she did was sign up to volunteer with Wyndham Council.  “I’ve had a few roles in that time, but Lunch with the Bunch holds a special place in my heart and I’m still doing it, 12 years later” says Heather.  The Lunch with the Bunch program involves taking independent, older adults, or people with disabilities, to a group lunch in the Wyndham area. “It’s such a great program and so nice to see how happy the clients are catching up with friends over a meal. I absolutely love making that happen” says Heather. 

On one occasion, two clients came together who realised they hadn’t seen each other for 22 years and this program bought them together through chance.  “They ended up rekindling their friendship and that made me feel so pleased” says Heather.  “I always feel so contented and joyful at the end of my shift”.

To find out about volunteering in Wyndham, and more specifically roles at Council, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

Daniel Smith volunteers on the Board of Governance at the Grange Community Centre as a general member.  The Board of a not-for profit organisation runs (governs) the organisation and is different to the everyday work of the organisation. Daniel has volunteered in different roles over the years but finds the Board role gives him a real insight into the workings of the community centre and an appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes. 

As a Board member, Daniel has learnt many new skills.  “I have a disability and I love that the Grange Community Centre has a family, friendly environment and I can be my own person, without being judged.  This has allowed me to grow in confidence and feel more empowered”, says Daniel. “I love being able to give back to the community that has given so much to my family”.  Daniel’s two sons attended holiday programs at the Grange Community Centre, and his daughter attends 3 year old Kinder, so when he was asked if he’d like to join the Board of Governance, Daniel jumped at the opportunity to help.  “I found reading and understanding the financial reports a bit challenging, but I was offered support to understand them and if you don’t know something, or are unsure, they will help you,” says Daniel.

Why not give volunteering on a Board of Governance a go?  It can be immensely rewarding and can lead to skill development, extend your networks and make a real difference in your local community.

Visit https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/community-centres-venues/volunteer-community-centre/volunteering-board-management to find out more about volunteering on the Board of Governance a Community Centre.

For information on volunteering in Wyndham, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

Samara Gracias was 17 when she pushed herself to attend a ‘hang out’ session at the Wyndham Youth Resource Centre after feeling a bit disconnected since her friend-group had moved interstate.  “I’d always had a passion for live music, and I got chatting to one of the Youth Workers, who encouraged me to think about joining the FReeZA Ccommittee,” said Samara. 

Wyndham’s FReeZA Committee supports young people to develop their event management skills, build employment pathways and networks in the music industry and delivering live music events.  “I’d always wanted to be a sound technician before joining FReeZa but now I’m keen to study a Diploma of Stage Management” says Samara.  “I absolutely love seeing an empty room transform into a lighting show, stage, a band playing and lots of people enjoying themselves, but the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing I’ve been a part of making it happen!”.

Since volunteering, Samara has gained conflict resolution skills, communication, and public speaking skills, plus the confidence to pursue her passion and giving her access to contacts in her chosen industry. Samara has since made many new friends through volunteering with the FReeZA committee, feels supported and more connected.  “Don’t be afraid to talk to new people and to follow your passion.  Volunteer for an organisation or cause that you believe in and that interests you – you never know where it could lead” says Samara.

Volunteering can provide many benefits to young people – building new friendships, gaining confidence, learning new skills, adding to resume, providing a referee to future employers, and just finding your passion.

For more information about volunteering in Wyndham, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

Rutu Shah looks forward to Wednesdays with eagerness – this is the day she volunteers two hours of her time to the Wyndham Park Tool Library.  Rutu cares for her two children full time except for those two hours per week when she is volunteering – that is ‘her’ time and she loves it! 

The new Wyndham Park Tool Library is located within the Wyndham Park Community Shed and is hoping to open to the public later this year.  It will allow community members to borrow tools for a low annual cost reducing waste and consumption, leading to a more sustainable future.

Rutu’s role involves sorting donated tools, labelling, and setting up the library so that it can be trialled with existing community shed members.  “It’s so satisfying working and talking with other people” says Rutu. “It gives you self-respect and you get to meet so many diverse members of community”.

Rutu learnt about this volunteer role at Wyndham City’s Volunteer Expo in March and left her contact details with the Tool Library who then followed up with her after the Expo.  The Volunteer Expo attracted 55 volunteer organisations, 450 attendees and resulted in 134 new volunteers recruited to those organisations!  Rutu was one of them and the Tool Library believe they were very lucky to have found Rutu at the Expo! 

Whilst the Tool Library is not open to the public until later this year, they have many volunteer opportunities from website design to tool maintenance and repairs, plus many more.  For further details and to submit your interest, go to https://www.wyndhamparktoollibrary.com.au/.

“Volunteering gives me a boost” says Rutu, “everyone should give it a go!” 

For more information on volunteering in Wyndham, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

Graeme Prentice has just clocked 51 years of volunteering service with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) – a massive achievement and something Graeme just takes in his stride! When asked why he became a volunteer in the first place, Graeme puts it down to his family environment as a small child, coming together and helping one another.  In addition to the CFA, Graeme has volunteered in many different roles from Youth Leader, to volunteering at his children’s school and helping out at the local sporting club.  “You don’t have to give hundreds of hours to be an effective volunteer and it doesn’t matter what your skills or background is, there is always something you can do” says Graeme.

In his volunteer firefighting role, Graeme has been to fires all over Australia but his most memorable is the 2019/20 fires at Mallacoota in East Gippsland.    Whilst sitting around taking a break, a group of young children approached the volunteer firefighters and thanked them.  The children had spent the day collecting flat pebbles from the beach and painting messages of thanks on each pebble. 

Graeme’s pebble is now sitting alongside some of his other trophies and recognition awards – and is very dear to him.

“I get so much satisfaction from making life easier and happier for other people” says Graeme.

If you’re interested in volunteering with the CFA, visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa. 

For information on volunteering in Wyndham, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

EdConnect is a charity that “prepares and connects volunteers with disadvantaged or at-risk young people for educational success and personal wellbeing”.  Shirley Harsley was on holiday in Queensland when she saw EdConnect’s advertisement offering to “recruit, train and support skilled volunteers to provide life-changing support to students in local schools”.  “Perfect”, thought Shirley, who was seeking some experience in this field, having just completed a Diploma in Counselling.

For more than a year now, Shirley has given 1 hour a week to EdConnect’s program to support a young person who often just needs someone there to listen to them.  “I offer emotional and learning support to the student; it is so rewarding.  A student told me recently that they realised they needed to behave more in class to gain their teacher’s trust.  To hear this, filled me with such a sense of pride – it’s a good feeling to help other people become the best version of themselves” says Shirley.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week (15th to 21st May), think about what you can do to help in your local community.  It only needs to take up 1 hour of your week, but it can make such a difference.  EdConnect have Mentor and Learning Support volunteer roles.  For information and to apply, visit https://www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/volunteer/ or call 1800 668 550 - #edconnectaustralia.

For more information about volunteering in Wyndham, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering

Now that she is retired, Radha Sundarakumar is busier than ever, and absolutely loving it!  With a teaching background specialising in English language, Radha volunteers to run English conversational classes. 

Based at Featherbrook Community Centre in Point Cook, the spoken English classes provide adult students with confidence and the skills to integrate into the community.  Radha’s classes are particularly beneficial to community members who may not have access to such a service due to their visa type, Radha is able to provide participants with basic English language skills and to tailor the classes to the needs of the students. “One student had virtually no English-speaking skills when she first came along, but over time her confidence grew.  The day I saw her conducting an event in English, was the day I knew I’d really accomplished something, and I felt so proud,” says Radha.

Radha also volunteers as the Secretary of Point Cook Indian Seniors Group and is involved in celebrating days of significance with Wyndham Women’s Support Group and Sewa Point Cook.  “I truly believe that keeping yourself busy and giving back to your community is so fulfilling and gives me a lovely feeling of togetherness,” says Radha.

There are lots of volunteering opportunities available at your local Community Centre.  Pop in and introduce yourself and have a chat to the friendly staff about your interests and what is available.

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering at Featherbrook Community Centre, call 8353 4000 or email featherbrookcc@wyndham.vic.gov.au.   

Our March volunteer spotlight is Karthick Thanigaimani who migrated to Australia from India in 2008 and has embraced volunteering in his local community.  In celebrating Cultural Diversity Week, we reflect on the contribution of Victoria’s multicultural communities.  Karthick is no exception – he brings a wealth of diverse experience and knowledge to his volunteer roles, and in turn, feels more connected to his local community and Australian culture.

“Volunteering is a great way to grow your networks and feel part of the community” says Karthick.  In addition to his paid work, Karthick is a Volunteer Firefighter and Communications Officer with the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Assistant Secretary of the Point Cook Action Group, and a Justice of the Peace.  He says there are many organisations looking for help and “if each person gave one hour a week, it would make such a difference.”

Karthick knows that volunteering has helped him feel connected but has also given him the chance to contribute and ‘give back’ to a country that has given him so many opportunities to learn, apart from his core working skills.

If you’re interested in taking on a volunteer role, whether it’s one hour a week, 15 hours a week or only occasionally, consider coming along to Wyndham’s Volunteer Expo on Saturday 18th March and meet some local Wyndham organisations looking for volunteers.  It’s free to attend (between 10am and 2pm) at Encore Event Centre, Hoppers Crossing.

For more information about volunteering, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering. To get involved in local ‘Cultural Diversity Week’ celebrations, visit https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/whats-on.

At 87 years of age, Gerry Greenwood, considers himself “very fortunate” to still be volunteering and has no intention of giving up at the present time!  For the last 41 years, Gerry has been a volunteer with the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES), Wyndham Unit – and he’s still attending call outs!

It’s not just the SES he is committed to!  Gerry has volunteered throughout his life and loves being able to help other people.  “As a volunteer, you learn all sorts of things and at the same time, are able to give back to your community and help others less fortunate than yourself”, says Gerry.

The SES are committed to protecting and serving the community in emergency situations such as storms, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides, plus other requests for assistance.  In his role as Deputy Controller - Community Engagement, Gerry gives presentations and hands out information brochures to help residents ‘be prepared’ if a disaster or severe storm hits the Wyndham area.  “There are lots of things people can do for themselves”, says Gerry, “like cleaning out downpipes, removing loose objects in yards, trimming overhanging tree branches”.  “The life of an SES volunteer is a thankless one, but the satisfaction of being able to help people in distress, is enough reward” says Gerry.

Wyndham SES is always on the lookout for new members.  To learn more, visit https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/ or email wyndham@ses.vic.gov.au.

If you’re interested in volunteering in your community, consider coming along to the free Wyndham Volunteer Expo coming up on Saturday 18th March at Encore Event Centre from 10am to 2pm.

For more information, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

Ejaz Ali knows only too well how challenging it can be to move into a new community where you don’t know anyone or have any direct family on hand for support.  From past volunteering experiences with Good Shepherd’s L2P program when first moving to Melbourne, Ejaz knew that by being involved in his local community, it would help him to build relationships and gain confidence as a valued community member.  In recent times, Ejaz has been involved in the Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour and is currently the Treasurer.  “I am mostly involved in fundraising activities for the Club – it’s a great way to gain new skills or share existing skills” says Ejaz. 

When his son was younger, Ejaz helped with some fundraising activities for the Toy Library.  In addition to being Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour, he also volunteers for Love our Street once a month, cleaning up litter and is a member of the Apex Club which he joined after moving to Wyndham from the inner city. Ejaz has now developed a strong connection to Wyndham, despite moving away recently to the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.  “Even though I don’t live here anymore, I feel more comfortable with Wyndham and still feel I have a strong attachment to the area” says Ejaz.

Ejaz admits that volunteering as a Committee member with Rotary and Apex has helped him develop his interpersonal skills.  “I was quite shy and lacked confidence with public speaking.  Volunteering has helped me with this” says Ejaz. 

If you’re thinking about volunteering, find something that you enjoy and approach a group or organisation that supports a cause you believe in.  The Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour is involved in a variety of projects and activities to support the local community. To register your interest, email info@rotaryclubofwyndhamharbour.org.au or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RCofWH.  For more information about volunteering in Wyndham, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering.