Celebrating Volunteers

On Volunteer Recognition Day, we recognise and promote the tireless work of volunteers across the globe. Everyday, volunteers dedicate time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, or those who simply need an extra hand or a listening ear.

Today, we appreciate our very own team and their involvement in their local community outside of Conversation Co.

Find out what 5 of our Conversation Co team members get up to on the weekends.

Kristie (Marketing & Communications Support) – Food Relief Centre Volunteer

On Sundays, I volunteer at Empower Food Relief, a food bank located in Southbank. The food bank is a part of Planetshakers Church, my home church which I attend weekly. I started volunteering during COVID-19 as a result of an increasing demand for volunteers to help distribute groceries to the number of people impacted by the pandemic. 

I love the community that I get to be a part of – from strangers to the people I look forward to meeting weekly. More than volunteering my time, it is offering the recipients the opportunity to be listened to, have a community they can be a part of, and to receive necessities for their everyday lives. The smiles on their faces knowing that they have a safe space and what they need to get through the week is what keeps me going.

(Picture above: Kristie with other pantry volunteers)

Drew (Conversation Facilitator) – Head Coach at Carrum Rowing Club

On the weekends Drew wears #fluro. When not having great conversations in the community, Drew is Head Coach at @carrumrowingclub, a position he’s enjoyed for almost three years. Made even more rewarding after a #bronze at a recent Nationals Event.

(Picture above: Drew with Carrum Rowing Club members)

Kate (Engagement Lead) – Netball Club Volunteer

I like to spend my spare time volunteering at the netball clubs my daughter plays for. I provide administrative support and help develop our younger players and players new to netball. I enjoy being a part of the netball community, the friendships I have made, and also the opportunity to see young women playing a sport they are passionate about.

(Picture above: Netball club where Kate volunteers)

Monique (Engagement Lead) – Soup Kitchen Community Volunteer

Every fortnight my 12 year old son and I head down to the Queen Vic market to provide a hot meal to those that need it. We all bring along some food to distribute and cook up a BBQ. It’s a real grassroots activity, just a bunch of people that really care and want to help out.

We love the community spirit, it’s like a big family event – everyone knows each other and checks in to see how each other is doing. It’s just a small contribution to support those doing it tough.

(Picture above: Monique volunteering at QVM’s Soup Kitchen)

Amanda (Social Marketing Support) – University Student Mentor

As an active member of my local church, I volunteer as a mentor for the university ministry of the church. I am passionate about helping international university students find community here in Melbourne and create an environment where they can come together, find fellowship and have fun together. I usually organise social gatherings and help the church run various university events on and off campus.

I believe that it is so important for university students to be surrounded by people who can empower, encourage and offer wisdom to them as they navigate this season to find their purpose, career and identity. I’m glad I get to journey alongside them during this transition season into adulthood as that was what I appreciated the most, being once a university student myself. 

(Picture above: Amanda with the group of university students she mentors)

Know of a volunteer, or are you a volunteer yourself? Carve out some time today to recognise and appreciate the impactful work volunteers bring to their local community!