Community People
Throughout Queensland thousands of young people volunteer their time, skills and enthusiasm in activities as diverse as chatting online to people who need help, to planting trees for regeneration projects. Young people represent the fastest growing group of volunteers in Australia.
Research shows that young people volunteer to reach out and make a difference to others, acquire new skills, have fun and meet people. The young people profiled in this edition demonstrate the benefits of volunteering not only for the individual but the organisation and the broader community.
Each year the Department of Communities presents the Queensland Young Volunteer Awards to recognise outstanding volunteers, some of whom are featured in the following pages. Nominations open during Youth Week in April and following this year's award presentations a speaking tour will kick off with six award winners visiting six state high schools to promote the benefits of volunteering.
We will continue to encourage young people to volunteer as people who start volunteering early in life tend to continue to do so for the rest of their lives.
Linda A. Apelt
Director-General
Barb Rosendale - Volunteer
In addition to running a fishing business with her partner and working in the travel industry, Cooktown's Barb Rosendale gives her time to local groups including the Cooktown Volunteer Coastguard and a youth group that supports disengaged youth.
For Barb, volunteering is not only a way to give back but it is a chance to pursue her interests. "People should find something that they're interested in outside of work to round out their personality," she says.
Spina bifida has not stopped Barb from pursuing her love of the ocean. As an environmental studies student she volunteered with the Wilderness Society and Friends of the Earth.
"It's not until you take that step that you realise you can actually influence what happens around you."
Alan Huynh - Volunteer tutor and youth advocate
Knowing the challenges that his migrant parents overcame on arrival to Australia 30 years ago drives medical student Alan Huynh's commitment to helping young refugee students.
"It is a background which resonates with many of the young people I work with."
Alan's 'work' includes tutoring young students with a refugee background, creating social projects and advocating on behalf of marginalised youth. He instigated the Partners in Peace project between International House (a residential college at the University of Queensland) and Milpera High School which will see volunteer university students mentor a group of young refugees on a youth leadership camp.
Alan received the 2008 Queensland Multicultural Award for the Outstanding Young Achiever as well as the Australian Human Rights Commission's Young People's Human Rights Medal.
Robyn O'Connor - Duke of Edinburgh volunteer
A life of adventure and seeing the positive impact the Duke of Edinburgh award had on her daughters prompted Rockhampton teacher Robyn O'Connor to volunteer as the program's local committee chairperson, program coordinator and expedition instructor.
Robyn takes young people camping and bushwalking where they develop skills, character and attitudes that help them throughout adulthood. "My family loves camping and bushwalking and I could see that many young people didn't have similar opportunities," Robyn says.
"With Dukes, winning is not beating someone else, but achieving the award."
In being involved I hope to help young people do the hard yards and have fun while learning perseverance, endurance and a great sense of satisfaction. It is very rewarding to see young people set goals and attain them."
Tayeb Pishban - Volunteer marketing assistant
Tayeb Pishban's volunteer work is giving this international student valuable skills that he plans to use to help improve life in Iran. Tayeb's work complements his MBA and marketing studies as it entails promoting Volunteering Queensland through events, radio and magazines.
"Volunteering gives young people experience and boosts their employment prospects. It also helps the community and the economy," Tayeb says.
Tayeb is gaining experience and making contacts that he hopes will improve his long-term job prospects. His goal is to develop strong organisational, management and planning skills.
"Australia is a developed country compared to Iran, where poor management is one of the problems. For example, I was there during severe flooding and there was no response — even from the government.
"I hope to return to Iran and share my experience."
Homa Forotan - Volunteer tutor
"It is the sense of responsibility of individuals that makes a society worth living in," says Homa Forotan, the 2008 Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year.
Since arriving as a refugee from Afghanistan in 2005, Homa has devoted herself to her community and her studies. She speaks at schools about acceptance and inclusion, tutors refugee students, gained an OP1 and is completing a biomedical science degree. She hopes that she can set an important example for others and overcome some of the false stereotypes about immigrants in Australia.
"The award means a lot to me as it not only portrays a positive image of refugees and immigrants who now call Australia home but it shows that Australian Muslims too are committed to the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of Australia."
Pat Mullins - Volunteer director
Studying international relations at university sparked Pat Mullins' devotion to breaking the cycle of poverty through volunteering. For the past three years Pat has volunteered with the Oaktree Foundation, an organisation run by young people that builds relationships and enhances education in poor communities. Now Queensland director, Pat coordinates activities, trains and supports volunteers and raises awareness about the need for change. He has also visited Papua New Guinea, working on a teacher training program.
In 2008 Pat received a Young Queensland Volunteer Award. "It was really exciting to win the award. It made me think about all the other volunteers and people who've helped and it's re-inspired me to continue," he says.
Sarah Moran - Volunteer youth ambassador
A love of helping others is certainly at the top of the list for Queensland Young Volunteer Award winner Sarah Moran. It all began with a realisation that Sarah could support other young people just like her. "With a friend I set up Brisnet, a network of university students from rural and regional areas who are helping each other settle into life in Brisbane."
Sarah is also a youth ambassador, volunteers with the web-based mental health service Reachout! and produces the satirical radio show Are You*th Being Served.
"I guess I have a passion for volunteering. It's a great way of making good things happen for others by doing the things that you love."
Matthew Cooke - Volunteer health advocate
Holding leadership roles at the community, state and national levels motivated Nhulundu Health Service chief executive officer Matthew Cooke to volunteer on the Queensland Youth Council (QYC).
"The QYC provides insight into government and political environments and gives me the opportunity to share my thoughts for youth participation and development," he says.
Matthew also volunteers with the Bailai Aboriginal Corporation for Land and Culture; Gladstone Ports Corporation Indigenous Liaison Committee; Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council; and National Aboriginal Community Control Health Organisation.
He says volunteering is vital to most social services. Matthew was named the Young Leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in 2007 and Young Leader of the Year at the 14th Deadly Awards in 2008.