Caring for the land helps this volunteer develop social skills
Learning about the nursery, weeding and washing pots out was all it took for Levi to fall in love with caring for the land.
In Year 10 at high school, as part of the Work Readiness program to prepare for work after school, Levi Carlton had to choose a Volunteer position. He started volunteering in January 2015 with Landcare, Bundaberg through the Bundaberg Special School.
He is now volunteering at Landcare Townsville, and completing a 20-week Traineeship with CVA.
“Landcare has a Nursery and it is open to the Public on Fridays, I like helping people to choose their plants, “ he said.
He currently does various things within the nursery and also roams to various sites.
“Everyone is friendly and we all pitch in and help each other. I love being in the outdoors and being part of the environment, I like to use my kayak sometimes and clean the rubbish in the river.”
Levi said there have been a lot of highlights over the years in volunteering.
“An achievement or contribution that I am most proud of is using recycled timber from an old picnic table and creating a tea/coffee table from it for the Landcare Nursery Townsville,” he said.
I have a disability and I have always been withdrawn from others and never liked to be the one to strike up a conversation, he said.
“Volunteering has helped me socialise. I have found over the years of volunteering that I have become more self-confident and gained a wealth of knowledge and I am learning new things all the time.
“I find Volunteering for Landcare at times can be a calming tool for me.”
Anyone considering volunteering should just go for it, he says.
“It makes you feel good and worthwhile when you’re out in the environment and meeting new friends, there are always different things happening and new things to learn,” he said.
Volunteer with a big heart making a difference
Having a cuppa with seniors is one of Lori Langford’s favourite things to do.
Lori started volunteering because she said she wanted to connect with people as well as improve her work skills.
First volunteering with the Endeavour Foundation in retail, she then moved on to the North Townsville Community Hub in Deeragun where she wears many hats – cleaner, flood recovery worker, child minder, events coordinator and social media advocate, all whilst providing much needed emotional support.
“It’s an amazing experience to see the kids learn various skills when we have school holiday programs.”
Lori said volunteering at North Townsville Community Hub really fulfilled her. “They are willing to teach me operating procedures; they allow me to try different job duties while providing training and support. They are encouraging, uplifting, and very supportive,” she said.
“My goal for a while has been to try and get our Seniors Cuppa Chat numbers up and August 2nd we had 25 in attendance. Our desire is to help our seniors combat loneliness so that they can live happier more fulfilling lives. Getting the numbers up has been extremely satisfying.”
“Goodness, it’s hard to pick a highlight of my volunteering experience however I would say being able to help folks with basic needs during the floods was definitely a highpoint,” she said.
Lori said she enjoyed being able to make a difference in people’s lives. It is clear she has done that, receiving The Heart of Volunteering Award at the 2019 NQ Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Her advice for anyone considering volunteering is quite simple.
“Look for an organisation that interests you, apply for volunteer work and get in there and give it your all because they really need the help and bloom where you’re planted.”