Lifeline Queensland acknowledges the incredible contribution of volunteers
THIS YEAR’S NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK THEME IS ‘THE CHANGE MAKERS’
This National Volunteering Week, Lifeline Queensland is shining the light on our local volunteers and the critical role they play in giving people across the community – and across the State - hope and connection around the clock each and every day.
Lifeline Queensland Volunteer Experience Manager DJ Cronin said that this week is a fitting occasion to recognise the ‘Change Makers’ who have donated their time, skills, and expertise to support Lifeline over the past year.
“This week, we are taking the time to thank and recognise each one of our volunteers who is making a meaningful impact on the lives of others,” said DJ.
“These incredibly generous and dedicated individuals are the very heart of our service.
“From our crisis supporters on the phone and text services, to our Lifeline Retail and Bookfest volunteers, they are the backbone of Lifeline Queensland – quite simply we couldn’t do what we do without them.”
DJ added that the contribution of those who generously give up their time to make a difference in their communities means Lifeline can ensure no one has to face their darkest moments alone.
Those like Elizabeth Gough who has been a volunteer on our Crisis Support line in Ipswich for 38 years!
And our wonderful Lifeline Retail volunteers, such as Tanya and Rod Hastings, who do an incredible job helping Lifeline’s stores and its customers.
The nomadic couple, who travel across Queensland house sitting and volunteering at different Lifeline stores, started their volunteering journey in March 2020 after COVID hit.
“We got stuck in the Sunshine Coast so we decided to take up volunteering and have been doing it ever since,” Tanya said.
“We enjoy being able to give back to the community, and the social interaction that volunteering provides helps to keep us young,” she added.
DJ said funds raised in Lifeline’s stores and at its Bookest’s ensure we can train more volunteers and answer more calls.
“We welcome anyone who is interested in volunteering in our Lifeline Retail stores or as a crisis support volunteer,” said DJ.
“Volunteering at our stores can literally help save lives and a few hours a week can change lives, yours included.”
Across Lifeline Queensland, the network consists of 10 crisis support centres and 6,000 volunteers, in addition to 134 Lifeline stores and 1,819 shop volunteers.
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration and promotion of volunteering, running from 15-21 May 2023.
The week-long event recognises the vital support that the millions of volunteers across Australia provide to their communities and encourages people to consider volunteering.
Thinking of becoming a Lifeline volunteer? Find out more at lifeline.org.au/get-involved/crisis-supporter-volunteering or email our friendly Volunteering team volunteer@uccommunity.org.au.
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To find out more, or for interviews, please contact:
Lauren Barrett
lauren.barrett@ucareqld.com.au, 0423 652 588