“Helping with whatever I can”: Steph’s volunteering journey

We’re celebrating the enormous contribution of Australia’s volunteers this National Volunteer Week (20-26 May), including Stephanie – a client at Yooralla’s Leongatha Community Hub.

When she’s not busy at the hub, Steph dedicates her time to volunteering across Leongatha, combining her own skills and passions with the opportunity to give back to the local community.

Steph has had an illustrious volunteering career, from St Vincent De Paul’s (Vinnies) to the Salvation Army (Salvos), to a local nursing home and the local library.

“I’ve been volunteering at the Salvos for almost eight years,” said Steph.

“I volunteer there [the Salvos], and at Vinnies. I sort and put tags on clothes, fix buttons, sort handbags, match shoes and socks and dust the shelves,” she said.

This year’s theme of National Volunteer Week is ‘Something for Everyone’, emphasising that there’s a place for everyone in the world of volunteering – where unique skills and interests can flourish.

Steph herself is an avid reader and writer, even helping staff at the Leongatha Community Hub to proofread their work – so naturally, volunteering at the library was a match made in book heaven!

“I catalogue books in the library,” said Steph. “It’s great, I have a huge library open to me.”

“I’ve just read ‘Ripley’s Believe it or not!’ and some chocolate baking books,” said Steph.

Volunteering has also given Steph the opportunity to give back to the community and make connections with other locals.

She has previously volunteered at a local nursing home, helping with cleaning tasks and supporting staff members to run activities – and making important connections with the residents there.

“I like volunteering because I can help with whatever I can, and help people who couldn’t help themselves,” Steph said.

We have no doubt that all of the organisations Steph volunteers for are incredibly grateful for her contribution!

This National Volunteer Week, Yooralla would also like to thank all of those who volunteer with our organisation. We also pay tribute to clients and staff who spend their time volunteering to give back to the community.

Interested in volunteering?

Yooralla has a variety of volunteering opportunities available across our sites and services. Use your skills and experience to enhance existing programs across Yooralla's wide range of services, to make a difference in the lives of people with disability. Read more about volunteering at Yooralla.

Volunteering as a pathway to employment

Volunteering is also a great way to learn skills and gain experience in a workplace, to find out what you like, before applying for a paid position.

As part of our customised employment program, with the support of our job coaches, clients can explore volunteering opportunities to customise their journey towards employment, considering their own personal circumstances and aspirations. Find out more about Customised Employment.