Egyptian-born Mohamed Zahran wants to make a difference in the world. The 33-year-old says that many new migrants struggle with the challenges of settling in their new homeland. As a volunteer, Mohamed is involved in the preparation of free meals, he cares for the elderly in the community and he assists new arrivals with their language problems. He Says,
“It’s something that makes me feel that I have made a difference, even though it might only be a little difference and might not have a big impact. But if I have made somebody smile, it makes me satisfied that I have achieved something in my day.”
Lap Kuen Leung migrated from Hong Kong. He says that he became a volunteer because he is grateful that Australia offered him a new home and that he wanted to become an Australian.
There are almost ten thousand registered organisations in Australia offering a large number of volunteer positions in community care, sport, education, and every other activity. But volunteering is not only about giving, says Paraskevi Tsingas, the volunteer coordinator of a Greek welfare organisation in Melbourne. She says volunteering can be a great pathway into a future career.
“To make the volunteers gain something for themselves, not money, not only the satisfaction to be a volunteer and offer yourself and your abilities and skills to your community but for you to gain something like new skills, new talents to improve your personality to improve your professional experience.”
Graham Kinder, who is a commander with the NSW State Emergency Service, agrees. He says that SES volunteers who help people in distress receive valuable real-life training themselves.
“You are helping your fellow citizens in times of disaster but more than that, you are actually taking the opportunity to learn something new that can help you in employment opportunities that can help you in your current work, that can help you to improve your personal skills and that’s a great benefit of volunteering."
The selfless efforts of Australia’s many volunteers are appreciated by the community. German-born Joerg Lindner says that whenever he and his colleagues are out on a job cleaning up after a storm or some other natural disaster, they are met by grateful and happy people.
“As soon as we arrive they are all happy and they tell us how grateful they are and even when we are not doing any jobs, people stop by and leave a little note and tell us what a really great job we do – we love you volunteering.”
National Volunteer Week is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of Australia’s volunteers. Adrienne Picone is the CEO of Volunteering Australia, the national peak body for volunteers. She says volunteers make a real difference in the quality of life for many people in need.
“Here in Australia, volunteering is a way of life and I think at times we take it for granted and often we don’t notice or acknowledge how significant a contribution it really makes socially and economically.”
From 20–26 May 2019, thousands of events will be held across the country to say thank you to the six million Australians who volunteer their time. The week-long celebration will include breakfasts, morning teas, and luncheons, as well as open days, award ceremonies, picnics, forums and training sessions.
