About Us
Who We Are
Volunteering NQ is a leading Volunteer Resource Centre, connecting individual, corporate and groups of volunteers with great volunteer opportunities.
We also provide training for volunteer managers and community organisations to strengthen the not-for-profit sector and host networking events for the NFP, Business and Government sectors providing a platform for value adding relationships to be developed.
Our current services are only available in Townsville, with a vision to expanding to Palm Island, Ingham, Charters Towers and the Burdekin.
Management Committee
Margie Ryder
President
Margie Ryder, commonly known as “Mad Maggies”,is what some call the little pocket Dynamo. Under Margie’s stewardship, the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival was awarded Queensland Best Festival / Event at the Tourism Queensland awards and was also Highly Commended at the Australian Tourism Awards.
Margie spent over 18 years as a Councillor, 10 years in Julia Creek and 8 Years at Townsville City , numerous years as a volunteer in various roles and has overseen the HR and finance arm of their family engineering business, which now employs 35 people locally.
Margie’s sometimes unruly way of getting sponsorship or networking has worked in her favour, but her passion for the volunteer sector is what drives her.
Without volunteers NOTHING happens.
Rob Birnie
Vice President
I am a passionate professional with over five years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, dedicated to improving access to education and technology for digitally excluded communities.
Born and raised in North Queensland, I have a deep connection to regional Australia and a drive to create a stronger, more equitable future for the region, empowering the next generation of leaders.
Ernie Bunt
Treasurer
Born in Emerald, Queensland, Ernie completed Primary school there and some Secondary school at North Rockhampton High.
He has held various jobs over the years including tradesman in the Railway and 20 years in the Service Industry finishing as a Regional Manager for P&O Services with a budget of $12-15 million.
He has also spent 10 years in the Youth Welfare System and 25 years in the Scout Movement, of which the last 20 years has been as Regional Commissioner and a member of the State Management.
Anne Camplin
Secretary
Born and raised in the Townsville community. I am passionate about giving back and investing in the future of Townsville.
I work in the Banking sector in a specialised team within the Commonwealth Bank, tasked with supporting some of the community’s most vulnerable people. From those experiencing Family and Domestic violence to others who suffer from mental and physical health issues which affect them in being able to meet their liability commitments and/or daily basic living needs.
I value health and fitness in all forms, physical, mental and psychological. I am an active person who loves working out in the gym and exploring the great outdoors both above and below water. In my spare time. I enjoy supporting local organisations aligned to my own personal passions, I am the secretary for the Townsville Hike and Explore Group, getting out and about adventuring in our great region as often as possible.
As well as being a member of the VNQ Committee I am also a member of the Townsville City Council Family and Domestic Violence Action Planning Group, working towards ending violence against women and children.
Donnie Harris
Donnie holds a law degree from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane and is an admitted Solicitor. Donnie is the principal of a law firm in Townsville and is recognised as an Accredited Specialist in Business Law.
In his spare time, Donnie enjoys mountain bike riding and learning to master guitar. Donnie enjoys travelling to locations in Victoria for mountain biking, including Bright and Beechworth.
Donnie has been involved with various community and charity organisations in his lifetime, is a long-serving member of the Apex Club of Townsville and has volunteered at various events as a member of that organisation.
Two of Donnie’s more recent roles are:
- The Cure Starts Now Australia. This is a charity established in Townsville. Donnie is a founding member and director. As a result, Donnie has firsthand knowledge of how to start a Charity, compliance obligations and what it takes to grow and remain relevant in a competitive charitable market. Donnie is presently the Chair of the Board.
- Apex Camps. Apex Camps operates school camp facilities at Mudjimba on the Sunshine Coast (300 plus beds) and another on Magnetic Island (100 plus beds). The purpose of this charity is to provide outdoor recreation, education and learning to children and young people. Donnie visits both facilities and continues to volunteer his time when required. Donnie is presently the Chair of the Board.
Michael Pugh
Michael is a highly-experienced Business Manager with an Operations/Safety & Compliance/Training background. He is a dedicated and enthusiastic professional with extensive knowledge and experience across numerous sectors.
Founder of the Townsville and Central Queensland Hike and Explore Groups, building social, inclusive outdoor networks using a community based approach is Michael’s hobby and passion.
He is President of the CCBG (Clermont Community Business Group) and a sitting member on the MIW Regional Community Forum (Dept. Premier and Cabinet / Advancing Queensland Regions).
Michael was nominated for a Citizen of the Year award in 2022 (Australia Day Awards/MIW) and won the 2022 Gold Award for “Most Outstanding Volunteer Individual” at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards.
A strong advocate for Townsville, Clermont, North and Central Queensland, Michael is passionate about rural, regional and outdoor communities.
Tenason Stark
Tenason is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at James Cook University, alongside a diploma in business.
In 2024, he was named Townsville’s Young Citizen of the Year, recognising his efforts to positively impact society.
He is the 2024 young member of Thuringowa in the Queensland Youth Parliament and the Youth Minister for Justice, Police, Community Safety, and Correctional Services.
Tenason serves as a Justice of the Peace and Army reservist, while volunteering in numerous charities.
