Volunteer Stories

Tell us about your volunteers and what they do.
We think our Melbourne Airport Experience Ambassadors are the jewel of Melbourne Airport. They are a group of passionate and committed volunteers who love all things about the airport; from the buzzing environment, the happy holiday passengers, excited locals waiting for visitors; to helping those who are in need of a quick-thinking problem solver, an empathetic ear, all with a wealth of knowledge about the airport precinct. You’ll spot them roaming the terminals in a beautiful bright melon blazer, and soon will adorn a fashionable melon scarf.

How are volunteers supported in their role?
The Ambassador Program is supported by our accredited visitor centre team, and includes training on Melbourne & Greater Melbourne / Victoria experiences to help them to recommend our great state, from firsthand experience. We blend a mix of training and fun through familiarisation visits (famils), venue tours, guest speakers at our meetings and connection to local operators through brochure and poster displays. With the airport located in the Hume Region, our focus has been on getting to know our surroundings with famils to the local airport hotels, award winning Marnong Estate, Puffing Billy Railway, Living Legends, Melbourne Cruise & Skydeck, tours to Sunshine and St Alban Food Tour and a lucky pre-public sneak peak of Museum Melbourne's Rome: Empire, Power exhibition, to name a few.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Give it a go – you might just love it! MEL Airport is in a buzzing environment – you’ll be on the floor with fabulous like-minded volunteers who like to help people, your mind keeps active, you’ll pick up your daily number of steps, and be part of some fun famil experiences.

Finding Home Through Volunteering

When Palestinian twins Mariam and Adam arrived in Australia with their mother on humanitarian visas, they carried with them resilience, courage and hope for something they had rarely experienced before: safety. Having lived through two wars and a lot of their life in Iraq and Syria, the concept of waking up without fear was new. Adam now jokes that he no longer wakes to the sound of explosions, humour that gently masks a very real past. What stands out most to both of them about Geelong is the simple, powerful feeling of being safe and welcomed. Friendly neighbours, strangers greeting them with a smile and a good morning, and the sense of simply being another person going about their day have helped transform a new place into home.

For Mariam, Geelong represents the opportunity to dream. It is the first time she has felt able to plan a real future and set goals she can confidently work towards. She describes the city as a dreamland, not only for its blue skies and green spaces but for its warmth, opportunities and sense of belonging. Adam sees the same possibility in the festivals, study options, employment pathways and the countless conversations that open doors to new experiences. Together, they have discovered that Geelong is a place where passion can be pursued and purpose can be found.

Central to their journey has been the support of Cultura. Even before arriving in Australia, they were aware of the support available through Cultura for migrants and refugees. Once here, the Immigration Team helped guide their family through the complexities of settlement with care and professionalism. That early experience of being supported left a lasting impression. Rather than only receiving help, Mariam and Adam felt compelled to give back.

Volunteering became their gateway into community life. For Mariam, it was the very first step she took after arriving. Although she felt nervous at first, she quickly found herself embraced by a team that made her feel at home. Volunteering at a Healthy Living Centre, she supports clients through arts and crafts, puzzles, dancing, shared meals, outings and emotional connection. The joy on clients’ faces and the relationships she has built have become the highlight of her week. When clients ask where she is on the rare days she cannot attend, she is reminded that her presence matters. One light hearted moment during an outing, when she struggled to close a van door and clients reassured her with laughter and affection, remains a treasured memory that reflects the trust and connection she has built. Through this experience she discovered a passion for aged care and has since chosen to pursue it as a career.

Adam’s volunteering journey has unfolded across multiple roles, each deepening his connection to the community. He began by assisting in classrooms, supporting English and IT programs and helping students build confidence in their studies. He later volunteered with the migration team at Cultura, helping fill out visa forms for people beginning their own journeys to Australia. He has supported community events by setting up venues, assisting with food service and ensuring spaces feel welcoming. As a local guide and translator, he has walked alongside newly arrived families and young people, helping them navigate everything from public transport to banking systems and community events. His adaptability and empathy allow him to meet people where they are and ensure they feel understood.

One particularly meaningful moment for Adam was supporting a newly arrived young person who felt overwhelmed attending a school event. Through reassurance and patient explanation, he watched that young person shift from fear and hesitation to confidence and excitement, even sharing their dream of pursuing photography in Australia. Seeing someone move from feeling like an outsider to feeling like they belong captures exactly why Adam feels drawn to Community Services. He now plans to pursue formal study in the field, with the goal of helping others navigate settlement and find their place just as he has.

For both twins, volunteering has reshaped their understanding of giving back. In the past, helping others was often tied to necessity and survival. In Australia, they have experienced volunteering as a choice driven by compassion and community spirit. They have learned that you do not need to have faced hardship to support someone else. “You simply need empathy and a willingness to help others live with dignity”.

They are also passionate advocates for young people getting involved. Volunteering, they believe, is not a waste of time but a powerful pathway to experience, confidence and employment opportunities. It allows young people to learn directly from professionals, develop workplace communication skills and discover passions they may not have considered. Even a few hours can make a meaningful difference.

Mariam and Adam’s story is one of gratitude turned into action. From arriving in Australia seeking safety to now supporting others as they settle, study and rebuild, they embody the spirit of community. Their journey reminds us that volunteering is more than service. It is belonging, healing, growth and connection. In giving back to the place that welcomed them, they are helping ensure that others feel that same sense of safety and possibility.

Written by: Alana Whitten

Amelia is a passionate, aspiring actress in her mid-twenties, living in Melbourne. Her love for the arts inspired her to start volunteering at 45 Downstairs, a not-for-profit theatre and gallery space located in the heart of Melbourne.

45 Downstairs is a unique, multi-arts venue and cultural hub with a 20-year history of nurturing bold, independent artists. The organisation champions experimental and thought-provoking art, aiming to make money for artists – not from them. Additionally, 45 Downstairs is committed to providing inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities who are interested in volunteering in the arts.

Amelia volunteers at 45 Downstairs every fortnight, greeting patrons at the door, handing out programs, and assisting them with the QR code system. Recently, she earned her Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate, enabling her to take on additional responsibilities working at the venue's bar.

Reflecting on her experience, Amelia shares, “I love volunteering at 45 Downstairs. Everyone is so nice and welcoming, and I always receive a big smile. I love seeing the diversity in the performances, as it is so inspiring. Thanks to the inclusive, supportive team I have learnt and developed many new skills in my role at 45 Downstairs, which I hope will soon lead me to paid employment in the theatre and acting space.”

Arifa is a dedicated volunteer at Sunshine Hospital, combining her passion for helping others with a love of learning, every step of the way. She shares her time across two volunteer programs – the Volunteer Meal Assistance Program (VMAP) and in the Emergency Department.

In Emergency, she offers and makes drinks for consumers, chats to people waiting and helps with stocking paediatric supply trolley. For the Volunteer Meal Assistance Program (VMAP), she provides practical assistance during lunchtime such as opening food containers for consumers as they receive their meals, making mealtimes more sociable and enjoyable.

For Arifa, volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s also about making new friends, gaining new experiences, and feeling at home in a place that’s all about community.

“I love the environment, I feel at home here.” Arifa said.

Whether it’s making connections with patients or bonding with fellow volunteers, she’s all about creating a positive experience for everyone she meets.

“I want to help people, and volunteering gives me great personal fulfillment. It keeps me social, helps me make new friends, and I learn so much from other volunteers and patients.”

“Not only does volunteering benefit yourself and patients, but it also benefits society. You will learn a lot about different cultures, meet people from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s a great way to socialise and make new friends.

You will also be able to tell other people, ‘I volunteer at a hospital’, `{`and`}` that’s something you should be very proud of.”

Arifa speaks four languages – Urdu, Dari, Hazaragi, and English – which helps her connect with people from all walks of life. Having recently moved to Australia, Arifa says it has been great to learn how the health system of Australia compares to that of other countries.

“I am studying Health Science at university, so joining the volunteer program was a great way to learn about the hospital environment.”

When asked if any moment stands out from her time as volunteer, Arifa said every day was memorable and a new lesson. One story she remembers well was talking with a patient who had also migrated to Australia from another country.

“It was so interesting to hear how the health system in their country compared to that of Australia, and how it differed from my home country.”

What is your volunteer role?
I am the team manager of a group of volunteers who manage the Cyril Callister Vegemite Museum in Beaufort, regional Victoria. The museum is located at an old petrol station, which has been repurposed as a community arts, events and creative co-working space. It celebrates the life, work and legacy of Dr Cyril Callister, the Australian scientist who invented Vegemite in 1923.

Why did you decide to start volunteering?
I came up with the idea of this museum 10 years ago and have been working 24/7 on the project ever since. My idea was to create a tourism attraction that would entice freeway travellers to visit our historical town, stimulate tourism in Beaufort, and create job opportunities for the community.

The museum offers group tours to view the memorabilia, sells Vegemite inspired merchandise, with some being made by local country artisans. The foundation's mission is to inspire regional youth to pursue science, just like Cyril.

In 2023, we managed to secure a small grant and open the museum 6 days a week. It’s a lot of hard work and can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, but I am very proud of what we have achieved in such a short time.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Do it! I’ve been involved in an outreach program in schools to talk about regional tourism and volunteering, and I encourage young people to try things outside their comfort zones. Looking beyond your normal life and seeing how the other half live can really open your mind to an entire new energy and value system, which is so rewarding.

What type of volunteer roles do you currently undertake?
I'm with the Footscray SES unit, where we assist with things like storm recovery, police, search and rescue, and attending requests for assistance from the community. I’m on call two out of three weeks, every month.

What led you to volunteer?
I was in hospitality for a long time. When COVID came, I wanted to do something different and to do a bit with giving back to the community. I thought I would try SES and something in emergency services, because I was used to that high pressure environment and thought I could lend my skills well to that space.

Is there a moment that has stuck with you over the years of volunteering?
It's nice when you're ‘in orange’ and working around the street. People just come up to you and say thank you or give you a hug. We were doing door-knocking around Maribyrnong recently for all the flood-affected areas from a few years ago, and the engagement and love you get from complete strangers is really, really cool.

How has volunteering impacted you?
It's got me a job, but it's more than just that. Getting out of hospitality, my skills weren't considered to be transferable by HR traditionally, even though I felt like they were. So I needed to get some different experience to give me a bit of legitimacy, so that really helped. But engaging with the community and making a difference, you get that feedback from people saying ‘Yeah, that's really impacted my life in a positive way’. Whether it's big or small, it's all really good.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
Call us! I now work with Volunteer West at Australian Multicultural Community Services. We help people in the west find volunteer roles. If you're not in the west, we'll know someone in other parts of the state that can help.

But generally I'd say just contact organisations, look at their Facebook pages, see the stories of people, see who they are and the difference those volunteers make, and picture yourself in their shoes. If you're still feeling excited about it, just jump in and do it.

Life around us is changing pretty rapidly, particularly with the increasing cost of living. How has this impacted your volunteering, if at all?
Flexibility is what everyone wants and it can be really hard, especially with the nature of SES stuff. But you've got to keep your boundaries in place and tell people what you want. Be really clear with the organisations you engage with. If you can do that, then you can have a sustainable experience when you volunteer. But don't be afraid to speak up and say what you are able to do and if that changes, communicate that. I've been able to do that with the SES and that's meant I can stay engaged with them.

Overcoming Barriers: Mariyam’s Volunteering Journey

More than a decade ago, Mariyam arrived in Australia from Pakistan, having not yet tried volunteering. Her early years were challenging, and although she could speak English, her confidence was low.

“My language was a big barrier. It was not that I couldn’t speak English – I could, but not that well, especially when you add a different accent. Before volunteering, my confidence level was bad. People used to make fun of me. That affected me badly and every time I talked, I felt like I was not saying anything right.”

Despite these challenges, Mariyam held on to a long-term goal: becoming an Executive Assistant (EA). However, without local experience or confidence in the workplace, she didn’t see how she could get there. At the time, she was independently running her own small catering business, something she enjoyed but was doing primarily to help support her family financially.

Her turning point came through a friend. “One of my friends told me about her experience of volunteering and asked me to see these assessors and talk to them about volunteering options,” she says. The very next day, Mariyam booked an interview. The assessors offered her a volunteering role as a receptionist in their organisation. “It was the best news for me at that time,” she remembers.

Mariyam volunteered in that reception role for six months. The organisation provided her with strong support from the start.

“They provided me with the knowledge I needed to get employment, boosted my confidence level, and showed me my worth.”

They also gently helped her with language, correcting her pronunciation without judgment. “Instead of making fun of me like others, they told me it’s okay and corrected me. They didn’t make me feel unwelcome.”

The impact was profound.

“Volunteering boosted my confidence and knowledge about the work environment,” Mariyam says.

It also shifted how she saw herself. She realised that just because someone came from overseas didn’t mean they lacked ability. “I hope other people understand that just because someone came from overseas doesn’t mean they don’t know anything. Give them some time and you will be surprised by the result.”

Her commitment and growth didn’t go unnoticed. After six months of volunteering, the organisation offered her a casual position. That role later became a full-time job, and eventually, she was promoted to Team Leader in the very same organisation where she first volunteered.

Mariyam credits volunteering not just with helping her overcome language and confidence barriers, but also with opening the door to her career goals. “My parents feel so proud and always praise me in front of their friends,” she says with a smile.

“I want new migrants to know not to feel less about themselves, just connect with the right organisation and you will know your worth.”

Her perspective also challenges common assumptions about volunteering. “People often think that volunteering is a waste of time, and the organisation is taking advantage of you. I’ve heard that all myself when I was volunteering. `{`But`}` no, that’s not the case. Remember: You want something from them as well, whether it’s experience or something else. Just give it your 100% and you will see how people will come to you and respect you.”

Mariyam’s advice for others starting their volunteer journey is straightforward:

“Be patient, talk to your supervisor about what you are trying to achieve from this journey, and set a goal for yourself too. Trust me, goals are important. Don’t take volunteering lightly; it’s an honour to be a volunteer.”

Looking back, Mariyam sees volunteering as the bridge from struggling with language confidence to leading a team in a full-time role.

What is your volunteer role?
I have had the privilege of volunteering with the Oromo Women’s Networking Group and Wyndham Bright Young Leaders, where I’ve been able to make a meaningful impact in my community.

For the past six years, I’ve dedicated my time to the Oromo Women’s Networking Group, helping to bring together women from the Oromo community in Wyndham to share resources and support one another. My work involved organising workshops, facilitating discussions, and assisting women through challenges, particularly during COVID-19 when many families struggled with isolation and education.

With Wyndham Bright Young Leaders, I’ve been deeply committed to mentoring young children and teaching them leadership skills. Each week, I’ve worked closely with the children, helping them build confidence, set goals, and embrace responsibility. I’ve seen firsthand how these sessions not only help the kids express their cultural identities but also foster a sense of belonging within a diverse community.

How has volunteering impacted you?
Volunteering with both groups has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to strengthen connections within the community, supporting both women and young leaders to realise their potential and positively contribute to society. Moreover, volunteering has helped me learn, understand, and grow in ways I never expected.

I have faced a lot of challenges along the way, but each challenge has given me an opportunity to learn and understand more about myself and my community, including diversity. These experiences have taught me how to plan for my future, and for the future generation. Through overcoming these challenges, I’ve gained insights into how I want to live a life filled with purpose and happiness.

I can confidently say that this journey has shaped my vision for a better future, not just for myself, but for my family and the broader community. It has given me the tools to build a more fulfilling and meaningful life moving forward.

What is your volunteer role?
I have been volunteering with Digital Sisters, to help women – including single mothers and young girls – to get used to using different technology, like phones and laptops, and how to access things online.

Why did you decide to start volunteering?
I started volunteering to get engaged in the community, and to see the kind of people I was going to deal with when coming to Australia. I knew volunteering would be a quick way for me to get to know people and to interact with them. I also wanted to do volunteering because I saw lots of people from my community that needed help, but they had a language barrier, which wasn’t a problem for me. If I volunteered and tried to help them, that would benefit my society and my community.

How has volunteering impacted you?
I would say volunteering has helped me to become a much more patient person. Volunteering with different people – with all their different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs – you come to a state of mind where you have to give them time. You’re not trying to do something for your own benefit, but you’re trying to help them. So you have to be patient with them and try to take things step-by-step.

Has there been one moment or memory that has stuck with you from your volunteering?
One client that I helped while volunteering – I came across her at a shopping centre. When she saw me, she said “That’s Therese, she helped me to know how to shop online and it’s because of her that I can do my parking and know how to use transport.” Her telling me that was so rewarding and it stuck in my mind. I just want to do more volunteering; not because I want to receive the good comments, but because I know it’s helping them and actually makes them happy to live well and comfortably in society.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
I would tell them to go for it. It’s something really good and rewarding. Although it’s something you’re not being paid for, at the end of the road it has so much light and so many benefits.

What made you decide to become a volunteer?
My mum was always volunteering in different roles throughout her life. I could see the benefit her work had on the communities she helped, but also on herself. My mum regularly visited people living in aged care. I am following her example. In my current volunteer role, I visit people living in local residential aged care and offer a hand and arm massage and a chat. Using essential oils and gentle massage engages the people I work with in a sensory experience.

What do you enjoy about being a volunteer?
I enjoy that you can choose the ways you assist when you volunteer. The work is flexible, which is great as sometimes I have extra family commitments. You can use your qualifications or interests in your volunteer roles. In my current role in aged care, I have become part of a team who care for others. There are also great training opportunities and lovely morning teas! I have heard so many wonderful stories from the participants about their lives too.

What have been the benefits of volunteering for you?
I have met such lovely people volunteering in many places, but especially at Dhelkaya Health. Volunteering gives me the knowledge that I may have brightened someone’s day a little. I feel more connected to my local community. Volunteering has had a very positive effect on my life that I look forward to each week.

What would you tell people who are thinking about becoming a volunteer?
Whether you can give a couple of hours a month or a week, finding a way to contribute to your community through volunteering will enrich your live and the lives of those you help

What is your volunteer role?
As a volunteer at the Enchanted Readers and Authors (ERA) event, I was mainly involved in front-of-house roles, including welcoming customers, signing off registration, helping out with way-finding and handing out lanyards according to ticket type.

What lead you to volunteer?
I found out about ERA26 while volunteering at Q-Lit festival’s Naarm Fest in 2025. Drawn to the visually appealing social media promo and knowing authors I recognise will be appearing, I signed up to volunteer at the inaugural ERA fair.

What stood out from your experience as a volunteer?
What stood out from my experience was how much heart went into the planning of the event. I love how volunteers were provided with snacks, coffee vouchers, gift bags, etc. and how looked after we felt – constantly being checked-in on how we’re going and given appropriate break times to rest. Everyone was so lovely and friendly. I felt very valued as a volunteer and it made the entire atmosphere very wholesome and welcoming.

I also really loved contributing to the book community. In this age of algorithm-driven content and instant pleasures at our fingertips, it is lovely to see so many people still wishing to enjoy the slow appreciation of full-length novels and support the book industry.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
Just do it. Try it out. There’s no better opportunity to learn a new skill, get practical experience or make friends with likeminded people outside of your usual circle than by volunteering for an event, organisation or cause that you care about. Every volunteering experience of mine has been very rewarding and I absolutely love the direct connection you get to build with different communities.

What type of volunteer roles do you currently undertake?
I’ve got a number of different voluntary roles: one is as President of Port Melbourne Life Saving Club in Victoria, and we’ve got over 1,100 members there – including patrol teams, nippers, and age managers. For the last three years I’ve also volunteered as a remote pilot with the aerial service for Lifesaving Victoria, which is mainly involved around the central beaches. I help with searches for missing people or shark sightings.

I'm also an ambassador for Victoria Police Legacy, supporting families of fallen or injured police members, and for the Emergency Services Foundation, supporting mental health initiatives for emergency service workers. I also volunteer at my local RSL, so I'm involved in various things like selling badges for appeals and a men's mental health group to support veterans with PTSD.

What led you to volunteering?
I initially got into volunteering with lifesaving back in 2009. My children all went through school programs and my youngest went through the Nippers Program at the lifesaving club, so then I got involved. That's when I first became the patroller back then.

After retiring from 30 years in the police, I started to do more and more in that area. I felt that the lifesaving side of things still ticked a lot of the boxes left behind from policing, being in the emergency services. There was still a uniform, equipment, a team, socialisation, social connection, and you were helping people out – that was the main reason behind it. That's just evolved and progressed as I’ve moved on and taken on other roles as well.

How has volunteering impacted you?
It's been very rewarding – meeting different people in different organisations, making a difference in the community, helping other people out. It keeps you focused, it's good for your mental health, it's good for your physical fitness because you're out and about, and it's keeping you socially engaged in the community. That's one of the main reasons that people should get out and be a volunteer. Particularly when you're retiring from a full-time career, you've still got a lot of time to give.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Get out and do it. Have a go. As long as you've got a good team environment and people are there for the right reasons.

What is your volunteer role?
I have been a yoga teacher for over 10 years. During COVID, I started taking yoga classes on Zoom. I do two sessions – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The afternoon class is especially for people who can’t sit on a mat and not able to sit on the floor, so we do special chair exercises for them.

The oldest participant in my class is 86, and youngest is around 60.

What lead you to volunteer?
During the pandemic, lockdown meant people couldn’t go out of the house. Some of them might have felt lonely or emotionally upset. So that’s why I wanted to help people see each other and have something to look forward to. They could share with their friends about how they are doing.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
Volunteering is a selfless thing. You don’t look for anything in return. It’s just your passion that you want to do this for others, and to make people happy. If you can make one person smile or one person happy, your day is done.

Has there been one moment that has stuck with you from your volunteering experience?
I have helped many people. There was one lady who had come from India and got stuck here during the pandemic. She fell ill with cancer and couldn’t speak to her friends or family. So she used to come to my yoga class from her hospital bed and speak to all the other ladies.

Lifelong Learning: Sheryl's Volunteering Journey

Less than six months ago, Sheryl moved from China to Australia. Arriving in a new country without an established network can be daunting, and although volunteering was new to her, she saw it as a way to connect with people, improve her skills, and begin building a life in her new community.

“I wanted to contribute to the community while improving my own teaching skills and connecting with new people,” she recalls. For Sheryl, the decision to start volunteering was about much more than filling time; it was about belonging, learning, and building confidence in a new environment.

Sheryl’s first volunteer role came through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at Melbourne Polytechnic, where she became a volunteer tutor. The opportunity matched her skills and interests perfectly. She had a background in teaching, but she also recognised that working with learners from different backgrounds could help her adapt her skills to new contexts and improve her own English.

The warm welcome she received made a huge difference. “The friendly and supportive environment created by the staff and the clear guidance on how to assist learners made the experience very welcoming,” she says. Sheryl appreciated having access to resources and receiving regular feedback, which gave her confidence in her role.

Volunteering quickly became an important part of Sheryl’s transition into Australia. “Personally, it has helped me build a stronger sense of belonging in the community and improve my confidence in communicating with people from different backgrounds,” she explains. She discovered that volunteering was not just about giving – it was about mutual learning.

Through her volunteer tutoring, Sheryl developed new professional skills. “Professionally, it has enhanced my teaching skills, especially in adapting lessons to meet individual needs,” she says. She also found that her English improved in unexpected ways. “Interacting with learners has improved my English language skills, especially in explaining concepts clearly and managing one-on-one teaching.”

Her experience highlights the value of volunteering as a two-way exchange. While Sheryl offered her time and skills to support learners, she also gained invaluable lessons in communication, cultural understanding, and adaptability. ``Volunteering has made my transition to life in Australia more meaningful and positive.”

Interestingly, Sheryl did not encounter significant challenges when starting her volunteer journey. She attributes this to the support she received and the alignment between her interests and the role. However, she recognises that not all new migrants have the same experience. For organisations, she suggests that providing clear guidance and regular feedback to volunteers can greatly improve their confidence and effectiveness. She also believes offering flexible schedules and access to resources can help new volunteers settle in more comfortably.

For other newly arrived migrants, Sheryl’s advice is practical and encouraging. “Choose a role that matches your skills and interests, as this makes the experience more enjoyable and sustainable,” she states. She also recommends being “open to learning from others and not hesitating to ask for help,” as these attitudes can make the process smoother.

Today, Sheryl continues to volunteer, bringing a mindset of lifelong learning to every role. Motivated by the connections she has made and the personal growth she experienced, she sees each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow.

Feminista Vinyl is a not-for-profit organisation described as a “record shop unlike any other” by its founders. The volunteer-led enterprise aims to achieve gender equity in music by selling LPs and memorabilia in their Coburg shopfront and hosting local musical events – all featuring female and gender diverse musicians.

One of the organisation’s founders, Clare, explains their motivation:

“We noticed a real problem with gender equity in the local music industry. There is often only an 80/20 ratio of male to female or gender diverse musicians featured at music festivals and events. Music stores are also very male-dominated in both the music they sell and, in their staffing – this can be very intimidating for women and non-binary customers.”

The co-founders of Feminista Vinyl volunteer their time, re-investing the proceeds of LP and ticket sales to create more opportunities for female and gender-diverse musicians in Melbourne. More recently they have been able to recruit additional volunteers to support their work and achieve their vision. These volunteer opportunities enable community members to be involved with fostering an inclusive creative community, connecting with others, and doing something that they love:

“We all have day jobs, but this is our passion and we’re happy to give our time to it.”

The community is also getting behind the organisation:

“Most people are very supportive of our work. You get the occasional person asking why we do not stock male artists, but most people get it. We have recently had a man come on board to volunteer and we really value that solidarity and commitment to what we are trying to achieve.” says Trish, another of the co-founders.

The team at Feminista Vinyl hope to continue growing the organisation to provide more opportunities for both volunteers and female or gender diverse musicians in Melbourne. However, they also face challenges including limited funding opportunities and onerous and costly bureaucratic processes such as accessing volunteer insurance. This takes their focus and time away from the day-to-day planning and operations of the organisation.

Volunteer work has always led the push to creating more inclusive and diverse communities, and volunteers need safe and supportive workplaces – just like the paid workforce. We had to really look hard to find an insurance option we could actually afford. Volunteer-based organisations should not be priced out of creating a safe workplace or forced to operate without those staff protections”.

Increased government support and planning is required to address the complex issues faced by grassroots community groups who are addressing social inequality and community need.

Meadows Community Hub, situated at Meadows Primary School, provides a range of services for local families in their community. The programs that are offered are based on the needs of the community and support families to engage with early childhood education and other community services. Programs include playgroup, English classes, community gardening and cooking sessions and computer classes. Each of the programs offered at the Hub are led by a dedicated team of volunteers from the local community who are involved in every aspect, from the planning and delivery of sessions to community engagement.

More than their direct contribution to the Meadows Community Hub programs, the volunteers provide a point of contact and connection for their local community. In their unique position as community members and volunteers, they develop strong relationships and trust with people attending the programs, providing community members with support and a trusted place to go in times of difficulty. The Hub volunteers are also invaluable advocates for the community, as they provide feedback on the issues that are most important to community members and help develop ideas and solutions that improve the health and wellbeing of those attending programs at the Hub.

Volunteering through the Hub is also an invaluable opportunity to develop skills and pathways to employment with many volunteers going on to training and education or accessing employment through connections formed at the Hub. This opportunity for connection also extends beyond employment. Volunteering also gives community members the opportunity to form friendships, pursue their passions and areas of interest, and give back to their local community.

“The benefits of volunteering can be witnessed in the positive relationships built in our Hub engagements. The respectful conversations experienced within the Hub team and wider school community create genuine support and friendships.

Meadows Hub’s volunteer pathway is valuable on so many levels. The welcoming and friendly volunteers promote connections to our diverse community and ensures we are aware of any barriers to engagement and can support an individual’s needs.

The volunteer team encourage life-long learning opportunities with-in our early childhood placement students, community garden participants, local leader initiatives and adult workshop participants.

The Hub’s volunteer team environment provides opportunities to inform our programs, share their expertise, engage in mentoring opportunities, and gain knowledge to reach their potential through all stages of life.

As Hub coordinator, my work is enhanced daily by our wonderful volunteer’s involvement in all aspects of our Hub”.

When life threw challenges her way, Sabrina found strength in giving back. Volunteering began as a way to thank the community that had supported her through tough times – including homelessness, mental illness and poverty. Now through her work with Dhelkaya Health, she’s part of that same network of support, helping others feel seen and cared for.

Sabrina’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteering can create connection and purpose – both for the volunteer and the community they serve.

What made you decide to become a volunteer?
“In 2015, I started volunteering in my community for a cause close to my heart so that I could support people in need. The reason I became a volunteer was to give back to my community who supported me throughout my struggles with homelessness, mental illness and poverty.``

What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
“I enjoy being helpful, supportive and connected to my community through my volunteer work. As a volunteer, I have helped make a difference in people’s lives, and that is a special feeling.”

What have been the benefits of volunteering for you?
“Seeing the positive impact volunteering has on people in my community, meeting amazing people from every walk of life, and working in volunteer roles that helped build back my confidence so I could return to work at certain times in my life.”

What would you tell people who are thinking about volunteering?
“There are so many volunteer opportunities in our communities, you are bound to find a role that interests you. As a volunteer, you are supported by organisations to do your best work. Volunteering is a direct connection to your community that will enrich your life and the lives of others too.”

The staff at Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative (GEGAC) are a wonderful example of the strengths of community giving in First Nations communities.

In addition to their paid roles providing crucial health and community services, the staff at GEGAC give their own time to supporting community in a variety of ways. This includes participating in food relief and fundraising, organising community events and celebrations, sitting on boards and advisory groups, volunteering at local sports clubs, looking after children and other members of the community, and facilitating community activities.

“Our food relief is all volunteer so our staff give their own time to put boxes together and deliver packages on the way home…If crises happen that becomes the priority and we do what we need to do, in our own time. We joke that our job isn’t 9 to 5 and it’s true. We’re all giving our time and it never stops for community.``

The GEGAC staff also describe how giving back to community is part of their values and an intrinsic part of living in community and supporting each other. This culture of community giving enables them community to address the needs and issues impacting them and develop self-determined solutions. Contributing their time to community initiatives ensure that community members have access to equal opportunities and essential services.

“We do it because we don’t want people to miss out, some people have more opportunities than others, but it doesn’t mean they should miss out” … “Going back to culture, it’s just something that you do: you share with each other and make sure that everyone gets a hand up and step up. It’s the equality that we want in community.”

However increased funding is required to support these community-led initiatives. Bureaucratic processes can also pose a barrier to community members being able to give their time to Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, limiting opportunities for social and community participation.

State government leadership is required to ensure that community giving, and community-led initiatives receive resources and support, and that all people have access to the benefits of participating in their community.