Volunteering is the act of freely giving time, skills and effort to support individuals, organisations or communities without expecting financial reward. It plays a vital role in strengthening communities by addressing social needs, supporting essential services and fostering a culture of compassion and cooperation. Beyond the positive impact on those receiving assistance, volunteering provides significant benefits for the volunteers themselves, including opportunities for personal growth, improved physical and mental wellbeing, the development of valuable skills and stronger social connections. As a result, volunteering is widely recognised as a mutually beneficial activity that contributes to healthier individuals and more resilient communities.
The Thurgoona Community Centre is a welcoming community hub that provides a range of programs, activities and support services for people of all ages. The centre aims to strengthen community connections by offering opportunities for social interaction, lifelong learning, recreation and personal development. Regular activities include playgroups, fitness classes, educational workshops, community events and programs designed to reduce social isolation and promote wellbeing. The centre also supports local organisations and volunteers by providing a space where community members can meet, collaborate and participate in initiatives that foster inclusion and community engagement. Through tis diverse range of services the Thurgoona Community Centre plays an important role in enhancing the health, wellbeing and resilience of the local community.
Like many community organisations, the Thurgoona Community Centre relies heavily on volunteers to coordinate and facilitate its programs and activities. Volunteers are the foundation of many of the centre’s groups, contributing their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to create welcoming and supportive environments for participants.
One such volunteer is Lesley, the resident “Not So Senior Support”, who has been at the centre for years as a participant and more recently a volunteer too. Lesley attended the centres coffee mornings after a friend recommended then as an opportunity to meet new people.
She later joined the Red Rubies Craft Group and eventually accepted the role of group leader when the previous volunteer stepped down. Under Lesley’s leadership, the group has grown from five regular members to around ten.
In addition to leading the Red Rubies Craft Group, Lesley has made many valuable contributions to the centre. She created the artwork used to promote both the Red Rubies and Golden Oldies groups. Her volunteer role extends far beyond facilitating weekly craft sessions. She is responsible for maintaining attendance records, overseeing evacuation procedures, liaising with the Thurgoona Community Centre Coordinator, Sherylyne, collecting and reconciling attendance fees, creating puzzles and activities for members and even creating an epilepsy management plan for one group member and providing refreshers for emergency preparedness.
Lesley also organises several annual social events that help strengthen the group. Including an anniversary party to celebrate the reforming of the group post covid which doubles as a birthday celebration for all the regular attendees, a July soup day, a Christmas luncheon tailored to members’ dietary requirements and preferences and the much-anticipated Red Rubies Cup Day, a light-hearted event held the day before the Melbourne Cup. These gatherings provide members with opportunities to socialise and celebrate together beyond their regular craft sessions.
For Lesley, volunteering provides a strong sense of purpose, achievement and belonging. She enjoys the companionship of fellow members, values maintaining a regular routine and appreciates the opportunity to continue to keep up her computer, photocopier and laminating skills. Reflecting on the groups purpose Lesley explained:
“Red Rubies might be a craft group but really it is a good excuse to meet and have a cuppa and chat, it’s a bonus if you get any craft work done”
Although the group officially meets once a week, Lesley is busy in the background dedicating her time to planning, administration and facilitating activities, in addition to socialising with the group. Over the years the Red Rubies community has continued to grow and evolve as members join, move on or experience changes in their lives. The friendships formed within the group extend well beyond the community centre, with members regularly checking on one another, offering transport and providing ongoing social support.
Looking to the future, Lesley has no plans to stop volunteering. She hopes to continue leading the Red Rubies for as long as the group exists and when the time comes to step away from the leadership role, intends to remain involved as a participant so she can continue enjoying the friendships and sense of community that volunteering has given her.
Sophie Bill
Year 3 CSU Med Student
