Gia and Eddie are living proof of how volunteering can open doors to new friendships, build confidence, and foster a deeper connection to the community. Gia, a Vietnamese international student in Melbourne, found solace and companionship after arriving in Australia by volunteering at The Couch, an international student centre. Her initial step into this world of giving began at a conference, and a year later, she’s still thriving.
“I love connecting with people, that’s what keeps me coming back every week,” Gia shares, recalling how meeting others facing similar challenges made her feel less isolated. Volunteering hasn’t just given Gia new friends—it’s helped her sharpen her public speaking and English skills, making her more immersed in Australian life.
For Eddie, a second-generation Egyptian-Arabic speaker, volunteering began as a natural extension of the community spirit instilled by his family. “I joined in because all my friends were doing it! But both my parents have also volunteered. I could see how it made them feel, and that has had a big influence on me,” Eddie reflects.
From engaging with seniors at aged care centres to organising recreational activities for youth and distributing care packages, Eddie’s journey as a volunteer has been diverse and deeply rewarding. His confidence has soared, and he encourages others to overcome the initial nerves that come with trying something new. “It’s a lot easier once you have people with you. You may not know how to start, or you might be nervous about it, but doing it as a group makes it a lot easier,” he says.
Both Gia and Eddie have experienced personal growth and newfound skills through their roles. For Gia, volunteering is all about sharing from the heart and building connections. Eddie highlights the fulfilment it brings, a sentiment he believes others would find if they took the leap into volunteering.
Gia advises those interested to find a role that resonates with their passions, ensuring the experience will feel natural and rewarding. Eddie echoes this, encouraging young people to explore opportunities in areas that excite them, whether it’s sports, animal welfare, climate change, or working with vulnerable groups.
Volunteering, as Gia and Eddie have discovered, isn’t just about giving—it’s about receiving in ways that are unexpected yet deeply enriching. For anyone curious about taking the first step, there’s a world of opportunities waiting to be explored.
Visit volunteering.gov.au to learn more.
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