To mark National Volunteer Week, we're spotlighting the inspiring volunteers who make a difference in our community.
For long-time volunteer Lindsay, his journey of service has been shaped by the strong foundation laid by his parents and his early involvement in Scouting. On Tuesday night, he was recognised for his dedication, receiving a 10-year service award as part of Council's volunteer network.
Over the years, he has contributed his time and expertise across a wide range of organisations, from serving the community as a Justice of the Peace to providing hands-on support at Riding for the Disabled Tall Timbers in Gables.
We spoke to Lindsay about his decade-long volunteering journey, what has kept him motivated across the years, and the advice he has for others looking to get involved.
Lindsay Q&A:
How did your volunteering journey begin, and what roles have you been involved in over the years?
As a youth member in Scouting I learnt the value of service to other people, and my parents were wonderful role models in this respect.
I commenced being a Scout Leader in 1980 earning my Scout Leader Wood Beads in 1982 and am still serving in the movement as one of the Leaders at 1st Winston Hills Scout Group, instructing, training and encouraging Scouts and other Leaders in their skills, service and adventures.
Other areas of volunteering:
- In 1999 I took out an appointment as a Justice of the Peace in NSW, and have been serving at The Hills Shire Council Chambers and Libraries for the past 10 years; with an Affiliate Membership to the Cumberland Branch of the NSW Justices Association in 2018; and currently the Co-ordinator of the J.P. team at the Chambers and Liaison to the Libraries. With statistics recorded since 2017, I have served in this role for over 595 hours, and so far this year the Council Chambers J.P. team has served 1,327 clients, and attending to 4,331 documents, which is an amazing contribution assisting the people in our community.
- I joined Riding for the Disabled Tall Timbers, with 15-year service marked last year, assisting in the riding programs, grounds work, and fund-raising events.
- After playing softball for a number of years, I became a Scoring Official in 2018 for the Castle Hill Softball Club Inc., and in the recent summer competition scored for B Reserve, Mixed C, and the Over 35's Ladies teams.
- Since 2000 I commenced serving as a Kids Church Leader at Norwest Anglican Church, and currently serve with a team teaching and supporting years K - 3 students.
- In 2011 I joined the Hills Model Railway Society Inc., and since 2018 have served as the clubs Membership Officer and Public Officer and assist in administering the Club website.
What has kept you motivated to continue volunteering for so many years?
What keeps me volunteering is the sense of pride, satisfaction and joy felt in realising that, in some small way, I have assisted others; or mentored a person to develop a skill or confidence in their ability; or fulfilled a need in an organisation that is close to my heart; or just connected with others in a meaningful and useful way.
What do you find most rewarding about volunteering?
In volunteering, I feel so enriched with the thanks offered by people in appreciation for my time and efforts, and the personal reward and satisfaction felt in serving others, and also the tremendous relationships fostered with those other dedicated volunteers that I serve alongside.
Serving in the local community is invaluable, and there are so many wonderful volunteers, whose efforts go unnoticed, but they don't do it for personal gain or recognition.They do it to be connected and supportive of their community and the organisations that they are involved with.
How do you see volunteering contributing to the strength of the community?
I sense that volunteering is at the nerve centre of our society, with the number of people serving being a great indicator to the health, strength and growth of our community, and in this respect I think The Hills Shire is in very good shape.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?
I would encourage anyone considering volunteering their time, energy and talents, to connect with people and organisations that appeals to their interests and seek out in what capacity they can assist. Have a go, and you'll be surprised by how much you will enjoy the experience and look forward to the next occasion to serve.
Council has a range of volunteering opportunities available. To learn more, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search 'Volunteering'.
