Cooper and Alysse are volunteer youth mentors with Healthy Cities Australia’s after-school program Active In-Betweeners. Inset: The pair when they attended the after-school program. Photos: Supplied.
If you’ve ever considered joining the thousands of Illawarra residents who volunteer, but don’t know where to start, this is the week to do it.
It’s National Volunteer Week and an expo will be held in Wollongong on Wednesday (21 May) featuring a variety of organisations that welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities.
At Wollongong Town Hall, more than 40 organisations that provide community, health, children’s, homeless and wildlife services will be on hand to answer questions and connect potential volunteers with opportunities that suit people’s lifestyles.
Forecast rain forced the cancellation of Kiama’s volunteering expo, was was planned for the Kiama Farmers’ Market on Wednesday.
Healthy Cities Australia runs a Youth Volunteering Program, giving young people who’ve left the free after-school program Active In-Betweeners an opportunity to return as mentors.
Alysse joined the Youth Volunteering Program after she left Active In-Betweeners and for the past four years has been a peer mentor, learning how to lead activities, support kids one-on-one, and advocate for youth health needs, particularly for neurodiverse children.
“I really like being a youth volunteer because of all the amazing opportunities and different experiences,” Alysse said.
“I also really enjoy working with the kids – it’s great to get to know each of them and their interests.”
Volunteering alongside Alysse is Cooper, who has also returned as a role model to the younger participants.
“The feeling of knowing you are doing something helpful to the community just makes me feel great,” he said.
Healthy Cities has a variety of volunteer roles available, from fair food, healthy eating and cooking skills to walking programs and community events to suit people of all skill standards, abilities and commitment levels.
Illawarra resident Joan Lynch started volunteering with Dress for Success Illawarra in 2023 shortly after retiring from full-time work.
“Retiring from a busy executive role left a big hole in my life – work had been a significant part of my identity,” she said.
“Dress for Success became the perfect vehicle. It gave me a space where I could keep learning and growing while offering support to women who need a helping hand.”
Since its establishment in 2009, Dress for Success NSW & ACT has provided free clothing, styling and coaching services to women to help them overcome bias and discrimination.
“For many women facing hardship, the barriers to rebuilding confidence and securing stability can feel insurmountable,” Joan said.
“Dress for Success steps in to bridge that gap, offering practical support and programs that equip women to face challenges and step into new opportunities. When women are empowered, families and communities thrive.”
Wollongong Acting Lord Mayor Linda Campbell said volunteers were the backbone of many not-for-profit organisations across the city.
“National Volunteer Week is a great time to acknowledge their work and the incredible impact they make in our community,” she said.
“The Wollongong Volunteering Expo is a one-stop shop for all things volunteering. It is a great way to hear from other volunteers, match up with organisations that share your values, and find opportunities that suit your needs and availability.”
