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The 2009 Queensland Young Volunteer Award winners were selected by a panel of judges based on their achievements and the benefits to their communities as a result of their volunteering activities.
Blake Dabron
Blake is a volunteer with the Australian Wildlife Hospital. He works outdoors assisting with the rehabilitation of koalas and birds that have been in long term care. Blake also prepares food for the animals, helps out in the administration area when needed and trains new volunteers. He demonstrates initiative through problem solving.
David has volunteered at the Greening Australia community native plant nursery for six years. As well as caring for the plants, David organises team meetings with the volunteers to discuss concerns and find solutions. David, who has a learning disability, also mentors another volunteer with the same learning disability.
Staicee has raised funds for charities in Toowoomba for 10 years. Staicee raised more than $20 000 for the Challenge Cancer Quest, makes and sells jewellery and donates the profits to charity, held ‘A Girls Night In’ and ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ for the Qld Cancer Council and has organised numerous stalls and innovative opportunities to collect donations.
Alissa is a music therapist who established the SPACE centre to provide young people with disabilities and their families access to health and rehabilitation services as well as innovative social activities. SPACE is a unique model of disability service that is helping to provide meaningful experiences for young people with a disability. Alissa works voluntarily in the community to break down the traditional boundaries which have existed for people with a disability. She has inspired many other volunteers to contribute to the centre’s activities.
Sixty Kingaroy SHS student volunteers work within 18 service organisations such as Meals on Wheels, Lions, Rotary, Quota, St Vincent de Paul, Blue Care, Tourism Information Centre and the Show Society. They become associate members of these local volunteer organisations, attend meetings and take part in working bees and other projects. The school’s Indigenous students have a high level of participation in the volunteer program.
Ryan supports young people with a disability aged seven to 18 years in an integrated community access program run through Family Support Group Australia. Through the ‘Just for Kids’ program, Ryan mentors young people as they take part in activities to assist their social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Every Saturday Ryan takes his ‘buddies’ to have fun with swimming or hydrotherapy, bowling or movies, workshops and events.
Daniel volunteers with a number of organisations including the Oaktree Foundation, Brisnet and Reach Out. Daniel is the overseas volunteer coordinator for Oaktree and spent six months in South Africa rolling out the ‘Schools 4 Schools’ program. Daniel is committed to volunteer governance roles within Brisnet and Business Icon and assisted in raising awareness about mental health issues through the Reach Out road trip promotion.
Dakota is a young performer who volunteers his time at community events. He sings at church meetings and activities, performs for the elderly at local retirement homes and for day care groups during school holidays. Dakota is assisting the Police Citizen’s Youth Club to organise a community event for young people aged 14 years where they can be entertained in a safe environment.
The Peace in the Park team organised two successful community events that provided entertainment for young people and opportunities for local performers. The events were a day of entertainment for 10 to 25 year olds and a ‘Peace Wave’ music program. The team organised all aspects of the event management including planning, negotiations with council, marketing, rosters, merchandising, sponsors, booking performers, managing venues, organising catering, handling payments, paperwork, stage management and signage. The team also ran the ‘Small Day In’ fundraiser in the lead up to the events which was attended by 80 locals and looks set to become an annual event in the community. The Peace In The Park team has also created positive opportunities for other young volunteers.
Last updated 8 September 2009
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