From tuckshop mum to Volunteer Manager – a Happy Feat!
From heating up meat pies to becoming a volunteer manager is all in a day’s work for Gerri Bobbin.
Gerri began volunteering in 2005 on her day off. She was one of only a handful of mums volunteering in the tuckshop at her daughter’s primary school.
This led to reading in class, helping with Mothers Day and Fathers Day activities, Christmas fundraisers, sports days and more.
She became a committee member and was then voted in as the treasurer at a theatre group she was part of. Gerri then joined the Happy Feat family and a few years later was asked to take on the role of Volunteer Manager.
“Happy Feat provides around 41 local adults, all who have differing abilities a place to dance, have fun and socialise every week,” she said.
“It is a lot more than dancing, it’s a place to learn social engagement, teamwork and self worth.
“The Townsville community have embraced Happy Feat as their own. They are constantly being requested to attend a varying array of functions as performers or even as special guests.”
“Happy Feat gives so many opportunities to 41 people that they would never normally get to experience. They get to shine and to show their amazing abilities. Our team of carefully chosen volunteers demonstrate this with their love and nurturing to allow this to happen.”
Gerri said the benefits she has gained from volunteering include experience in the workplace, learning new skills, building self-confidence and self-esteem, improving mental health and well-being, giving back to the community and finding purpose through meaningful activity.
“Becoming a part of the Happy Feat family has started a whole new chapter in my life.”
“Our Happy Featers teach me so much more than I could have ever imagined.
“Their acceptance, inclusiveness, empathy and honesty is infectious.
“I have made life long friendships with some of the most amazing human beings who give of their valuable time freely and consistently so that they can make a huge difference to others.
“Wednesday night is definitely the best night of the week.”
Busy volunteer is the epitome of generosity and community spirit
She helps parents borrow toys for their children – Elmo and Raggedy Ann may be included.
Sue Gardner was a deserving nominee for The Heart of Volunteering Award in the 2019 NQ Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Sue said she first started volunteering in 2015 after her husband passed away.
“It was not long after I retired from teaching so I needed to keep busy,” she said.
“My daughter showed me information about the Pyjama Foundation which seemed to fit with my teaching experience.”
“I mentor a cherub for one hour once per week and also look after the resource room. I am still with the Pyjama Foundation and I volunteer at the Townsville Toy Library.”
She also knits ‘knockers’ for the Townsville branch of the PJF and volunteers at the Blood Bank usually once a month. She is also Secretary of the Probus Club of Townsville Inc.
“With the PJF I am helping foster children experience success at school, at the Toy Library I help families borrow toys for their children I knit knockers to support women who have mastectomies and at the Probus Club we help seniors socialise,” she said
At each organisation, Sue feels a valuable part of the team.
“In each organisation I meet people who have the same values as me and they make me feel I am doing something worthwhile for the community,” she said.
“I am helping others and helping make the local community a better place to live.”
Being nominated and celebrating with the other amazing people also nominated for awards at the inaugural North Queensland Volunteer of the Year Awards was a highlight, Sue said.
The Pyjama Foundation named her an “Angel” of the year in 2018.
Volunteering has helped her grow as a person, she said.
“You wonder when you retire how to fill the days but by volunteering life becomes busy but in a good way.”
Passionate dance & choreography teacher awarded for her positive impact
She is an outstanding dancer and an outstanding volunteer. Oh, and she was awarded a State award for her work.
Rhiannon Hall was awarded The Volunteer Impact Award at the 2019 NQ Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Rhiannon said she had always been passionate about dancing and saw a perfect opportunity to give back to her community when a friend started a dance group for people with special needs, Happy Feat.
“As the Choreographer and Dance Teacher, my role is to create dances for people with differing abilities and various levels of mobility and concentration,” she said.
Rhiannon says she is empowered by the organisation’s ethos.
“Happy Feat gives people with special needs somewhere to shine. The impact that this group has on everyone is truly magical,” she said.
“Social skills and friendship, among other life skills are shared and encouraged as well as dancing. The community’s acceptance and response to our performances contributes significantly to the participant’s self-esteem and provides them with rich social engagement.”
Rhiannon said it was the people she met that made volunteering such a wonderful experience.
“I enjoy the fun I have with amazing people each week – feeling like I am making the smallest difference in someone’s day. I get to do something I love and give back to a community that needs it.”
A highlight at Happy Feat had being able to see how all the dancers evolve over time, she said.
They all blossom and shine after just a few weeks of coming. I feel so honoured that I get to share a little piece of their lives.”
She is most proud of the fact she took 35 dancers and their parents and careers to the Special Olympic Asia Pacific Games and perform at the opening ceremony.
“We flew everyone to Newcastle so they could experience this once-in-life time-experience. I am always incredibly proud as a dance teacher to see them performing but this one would have to be the most emotional and heart warming.”
Her advice to to anyone considering volunteering is straightforward.
“Just do it – no matter what it is, you get so much enjoyment out of helping people and being a part of a team. It adds so much fun and fulfilment to your life.”
She said the organisation felt like family now.
“You get to know everyone who walks through the door. We make time to catch up and share our experiences of the night.”
Regeneration and cultural development a healthy focus
She knew what she wanted from a young age. Bernadette had an interest in cultural development and wanted to be part of a proactive community.
“I wanted to learn new skills and find meaningful and productive ways to express myself and promote culture in my community,” she said.
Bernadette Boscassi started volunteering at 4TTT Community Radio in 1983 as High School Program Coordinator. She went on to volunteer with the Youth Network, Palm Creek Festival and the Golden Bee Project where she continues to volunteer.
“I got to travel to Sweden in 2017 to represent Golden Bee Australia in an International Art Market in Stockholm,” Bernadette said.
Now also volunteering at Mundy Creek Landcare (CDTLI), Garbutt & Kowanyama Culture & Research Centre, in Kowanyama and remotely, Bernadette cites the regeneration of Mundy Creek Garbutt as one of the many highlights of her volunteering story.
“It’s very satisfying to see the continued growth of the trees we planted and all the benefits that flow from this – the birds and animals that visit or inhabit the area, the increased shade and physical beauty,” she said.
“I am particularly proud of the work I have lead at Mundy Creek. Also, the production of Alma Luke’s Bush Medicine Book which fulfilled an elder woman’s longstanding aspiration to write and publish a book for her community and the world about the healing powers of her traditional lands and its natural resources.”
“Whenever I become involved in community and contribute my skills and time to activities and projects that I know help to make the world a better, happier place to live in, I experience increased health and well-being. I meet many amazing people and experience a myriad of things that I would not otherwise experience had I stayed at home and focussed on my own small world.
“Volunteering is about making a commitment to something bigger than ourselves and our own insular world. When we work together collaboratively and collectively, opportunities arise, we achieve goals and our lives and communities are changed and enriched.
In short, it has brought me new and valuable relationships, opened my mind, toned my muscles, honed my skills and gladdened my heart.”
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.”
Our top picks for how YOU can support your community during the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 is causing great upheaval in our society. The physical distancing restrictions necessary to prevent the virus spreading are causing considerable financial and social stress to many sectors and groups within our communities. If you, however, find yourself with a bit of time on your hands, wondering how you can make a difference, here are our top 8 tips:
1. Give Blood:
Whilst blood isn’t necessarily required to treat COVID-19 patients, Australia still needs 29,000 blood donations every week to maintain supply for a variety of uses. Lives depend on donated blood, it helps people recover from surgery, accidents and even cancer. Regular blood donors may be self-isolating if they are in vulnerable groups so it’s up to the rest of us to bridge the gap. If you are generally well and healthy check out how to donate here https://www.donateblood.com.au/one-step-closer
2. Support food banks and charities:
As more people face financial hardship and food insecurity, these organisations will be relied upon more than ever to support people in need. Usual fundraising activities have been curtailed reducing their ability to maintain their community service delivery. If at all financially possible keep up your donations to local charities, not forgetting our furry friends who are facing hardship and food shortages.
3. Support local businesses:
The best way to keep people employed is for the public to keep buying businesses products/services. Restaurants, cafes and other discretionary goods providers are going to be hardest hit by the pandemic as people stop spending. When cafes are open for takeaway for example, it is important that people still buy their goods so they can stay open and minimise job losses and economic hardship. Another way to help businesses is to buy gift cards and give yourself something to look forward to when you are cashing them in with your friends.
4. Bolster the volunteer pool:
We are seeing some volunteers reduce their usual involvement, especially if they are in a particularly vulnerable group or have to provide increased support for family and friends. Whilst some not-for-profit activity is on hold, other volunteer roles are now in higher demand such as community transport, community visitor schemes, shopping trip support etc. Food banks and other community delivery services will also need more drivers as well as cooks to keep up with rising demand and adaptation of services that perhaps were provided in a community centre setting. Restrictions change daily and we will endeavour to keep our volunteer opportunity database up to date. https://www.vnq.org.au/quick-search/
5. Virtual Vollies
Volunteering online is a great way of helping the community while still adhering to self-isolation or social distancing requirements. It is just like working online, all you need is a computer and internet and you can volunteer your time and talents from your home. There are all sorts of volunteer opportunities that can be done online such as writing thank-you letters to web design and more. Even if you don’t consider yourself computer-savvy there will be opportunities to do check in phone calls to people who are more socially isolated than ever.
6. Write a note or a letter to someone you do or don’t know
It sounds simple but what a great way to connect with a neighbour, friend or older relative during this time. There are a lot of aged care facilities imposing visitor restrictions to reduce the risk to our older Australians who would love to hear from you! Why not encourage the children to write a letter to their grandparents/aunts/uncles complete with artwork masterpieces. Here are two great resources that you can use and distribute around your street or local neighbourhood.
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-townsville/living-in-townsville/being-neighbourly https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10163194559985324&set=gm.582700855665916&type=3&theater&ifg=1
7. Check out your local Community Radio station
Community radio stations have their finger on the pulse in your local community and bring a rich mix of culture and entertainment that you will find refreshing in these trying times. Community radio stations also depend heavily on volunteers and local support especially from businesses who are also doing it tough and may have to withdraw or downsize their financial contributions. By engaging with these community groups we are demonstrating our solidarity in supporting services that mean a lot to listeners who are doing it tough. So tune in! https://www.triplet.com.au/
8. Look after your community by looking after yourself
If you find yourself in lockdown why not try 14 ways in 14 days, a Corona Connection Chain Campaign initiated by the Kindness Kommunity. Focussing on what you can do rather than what you can’t is a useful mindset shift to improve mental health and resilience. Check out some ideas that the people of Townsville have been coming up with… ukulele anyone? #14for14campaign https://www.facebook.com/thekindnesskommunity/
Rest assured, Volunteering North Queensland is working closely with our not-for-profit members in this unprecedented time to gather information on what the volunteering sector needs right now so we can provide well thought out, targeted support. We will be updating our volunteering opportunities to reflect the changing nature and needs of the community. In the meantime, we need you to look after you.
Postponement of NQ Volunteer Conference 2020
Following advice from Queensland Health and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy on the COVID-19 virus relating to large gatherings of people, the management committee has made the difficult decision to postpone our inaugural NQ Volunteer Conference that was scheduled for 22-24 May 2020.
This was an extremely hard decision considering the work, effort and resources already committed to the event but the health and well-being of our communities are ultimately our main priority.
The management committee and the rest of the Volunteering North Queensland team are currently looking into potential dates and delivery platforms to bring this great event to you.
We will endeavour to update all delegates, sponsors and other stakeholders with information personally and directly over the coming weeks.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and we continue to be humbled by your support.
Volunteer Consultations
In response to our changing social and economical landscape, Volunteering North Queensland is cancelling all face to face volunteer consultations until further notice. We are still accepting Expressions of Interest through our website and we are conducting volunteer consultations over the telephone. We are liaising with our not-for-profit member organisations and working hard to respond to the needs of our community and keep volunteering well and truly alive; at a time when Queenslanders need it most.
Possible funding opportunity to attend the NQ Volunteer Conference!
Do you know of community groups in your area who are looking for funding to get an initiative off the ground? Share the news!
Applications are now open for the 2020 Ergon-Energex Community Fund.
Queensland has been doing it tough over the last year – fire, flood, drought and severe weather have taken a big toll. Ergon is particularly keen to hear from community groups who are working to support communities impacted by these adversities to get back on their feet.
More than $100,000 in funding is available to not-for-profit community groups and like organisations across the state whose projects need a helping hand to get them across the line. Individual grants of up to
$5,000 are available this year, the People’s Choice bonus will see one lucky recipient receive an additional $5,000 funding.
Application is made online at: energex.com.au/communityfund OR ergon.com.au/communityfund
Applications close 5pm, Friday 27 March.
If you have any queries relating to the Community Fund, contact communityfund@energex.com.au and a member of the team will be happy to assist by return email or phone call.
2020 NQ Volunteering Awards Open
The third year of the North Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award will again occur in National Volunteer Week 18-24 May 2020. The event will be inclusive of the inaugural NQ Volunteer Conference at the Gala dinner on Saturday, the 23rd of May 2020.
These awards acknowledge the contributions volunteers make throughout our community through their generosity, compassion and commitment to making a difference:
Heart of Volunteering Award
The heart of volunteering award acknowledges a volunteer that practically outwork the definition of volunteering, “…time is willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.” Nominations for volunteers whose attitude and actions are exemplary and an inspiration to others are welcomed.
Youth Volunteering Award
The Youth Volunteering award acknowledges a volunteer under 25 years of age that practically outwork the definition of volunteering, ‘…time is willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.’ Nominations for volunteers whose attitude and actions are exemplary and an inspiration to others are welcomed.
Volunteer Impact Award
The Volunteer Impact award acknowledges a volunteer whose contribution has made a significant difference to an individual, group or community over a short or long period of time. Nominations for volunteers who have made a significant difference in the lives of those they serve are welcomed.
Volunteer Achievement Award
The Volunteer Achievement award acknowledges a volunteer for whom the very act of volunteering is an achievement. Nominations are welcomed for volunteers that give their time in the face of challenging circumstances either personally or the activities undertaken.
We encourage leaders of volunteers and co-volunteers to nominate, including previously nominated volunteers, that you believe are deserving of recognition for their volunteering contribution.
The closing date for nominations is Monday 29 March 2020. Nominees will be shortlisted and announced at the NQ Volunteer Conference Gala Dinner.