Meet Rowena, a volunteer with Heart Foundation of Australia, Leichhardt Wanderers Netball Club, The Womens’ College within the University of Sydney, sharing their story as part of our ‘Share Your Story’ Series.
Heart Foundation of Australia “I volunteer for the Heart Foundation as I have lived experience of life-threatening heart disease and want to ensure women know their risks.”
Leichhardt Wanderers Netball Club “I volunteer as a netball coach as so many girls stop playing sport during their teen years and I want to do my part to help them continue to enjoy all the benefits of social sport into adulthood.”
The Women’s College within the University of Sydney “I volunteer on the Council at the Women’s College within the University of Sydney as I believe that young women need safe, supportive environments to realise their potential as they start their adult lives after school.”
Personal Reflection on Volunteering
Inspired by Past Volunteers
“Across my formative years I benefited greatly from some wonderful, dedicated volunteers – whether they were club sports coaches and umpires, or school teachers volunteering before or after school opportunities, my parents and other parents doing canteen duty or committee members organizing carnivals, gala days, and jubilee celebrations.”
Giving Back
“As an adult, I’d like to think that I am paying that forward for the next generation, to ensure that my own children enjoy all the growth opportunities that volunteers facilitate, but in reality, the benefits I get from my volunteer roles far exceed the benefits to others!”
The Joy of Volunteering
“My volunteer roles bring me incredible satisfaction and joy. Volunteering allows me to contain my expectations of my paid work, and parenting, as I’m able to find learning and growth opportunities elsewhere. Volunteers aren’t paid financially, but we are richly rewarded with experiences, achievements, and new friends with similar interests. If you volunteer in an area that you feel passionate about then everyone benefits; volunteers are the zippers.”