Local Volunteer News

Growing Together Baw Baw is a group of individual community members, school personnel and community organisations who work together to share skills, resources and information on community and school gardening.

Its aim is to encourage shared gardening across Baw Baw shire to not only enhance production of healthy and nutritious food, but also to bring people together in an active and social activity that makes them feel a valued part of the community. It is also about supporting the integration of gardening into schools’ curriculum to encourage community participation and student engagement.

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For the past four years approximately 24 year nine students from the Warragul Regional College have chosen to volunteer their time at Fairview Village as part of the Advance Youth Development Program.
These students volunteer two hours of their own time to visit Fairview one day per week for one term. Students use that time to be involved in and assist with specific projects at Fairview, such as gardening, painting and in 2007 and 2009 preparing for and helping with the Fairview Fete. Students also spend time each week getting to know residents by enjoying a meal and conversation around the dining room table at lunchtime, sharing life skills and experiences.

In 2006 Nathan Dubeld was a member of the 1st group of year nine students to visit Fairview. When the school group visits ceased for that year Nathan chose to continue visiting Fairview in his own time, specifically visiting two gentlemen residents whom he’d formed a strong friendship with. Over time both gentlemen passed away but Nathan chose to continue to be involved in life at Fairview. He not only spent time forming new friendships but also participated in various functions such as speaking at Fairview’s Anzac Day Service.
Nathan said he continued to visit Fairview because of the friendships, rewards and “absolutely fantastic” experiences. He said, “It’s not something you can walk away from”

Since 2006 Nathan has become an integral part of the Fairview community and in the last two years a much loved and important person in the life of Fairview resident Bessie Grigg, so much so that Bessie refers to Nathan as her adopted great grandson. His deb. photo sits on her bedside table. Bessie eagerly awaits Nathans visits. She is as proud as any great grandmother would be of his achievements. Bessie proudly shares Nathans news with other residents and staff. Bessie says that Nathan has been her best friend since her husband Cyril passed away.
Nathan says that he would like to encourage other local youth to get involved in volunteering at Fairview because the resident and young person can get a lot from the friendship. Nathan said whether it’s 20 minutes after school once a week, once a fortnight, or whenever you’ve got time, it was a rewarding experience. He said volunteers can sit and chat, play games, go for walks or participate in the various activities with their elder friend.

2009 has been a particularly exciting year. Bessie along with the Fairview community celebrated Nathan turning 18, gaining his driving license and also achieving entrance into Duntroon Military Academy.
Nathan will be leaving Warragul in 2010 to live in Canberra where he will attend Duntroon. Whilst the entire Fairview community is going to miss Nathan greatly our very best wishes and love go with this wonderful young man whom it has been our joy and such a great privilege to have had the opportunity to share the last four years of his life. As for Bessie she says that she has enjoyed every minute with Nathan but knew it was time he moved on.

Glynis Mitchell, Warragul resident was very keen to volunteer after retiring was not sure what type of volunteering positions were available. "There must have been something in the local Gazette, I think it may have been something like volunteers week and the Volunteering Baw Baw website was mentioned.
I had an idea that I would like to help with Vision Australia Radio (I had seen a flyer on the noticeboard at the library) but I didn't know for sure what type of volunteering positions were available. So the Volunteering Baw Baw website was very helpful. It was easy to access; it also detailed the various volunteering positions available with the various organisations. So you could have your pick, try them all, or just one. So it was great to see Vision Australia advertised. I completed the various details and emailed it off. Within a couple of days the Vision Australia Coordinator of Volunteers for Gippsland Esis Tawfik telephoned and arranged for me to come in for an interview and within a couple of weeks I was trained. So quick, so easy and now I am enjoying my new 'volunteering position' more than I ever thought I would.

Once the decision has been made to contribute to the community by volunteering the next question is often "with which organisation?" There are many worthwhile groups, local, state and nationwide to choose from depending on your skill set, interests and often what you personally are passionate about. The benefits of volunteer for the individual are being recognised as both improved physical and mental well being and of course quite often social wellbeing. The case of people actively seeking employment it a dual benefit to volunteer as skills are updated and kept fresh, the resume looks better and the organisation benefits also!

The one good thing about the Volunteering Baw Baw website, is that you don't have to think about what you want to do and maybe ring an organisation and put yourself into a position of accepting whatever is available. You can actually see what is available and consider what you would like to do - no questions asked and no 'pressure'.

"As Coordinators of Volunteers will attest, recruiting volunteers is no easy task. I have found the website invaluable in raising awareness of Vision Australia volunteer needs and a good medium for recognising the good work our current volunteers do" comments Esis Tawfik, Coordinator of Volunteers for Vision Australia

Volunteering Baw Baw is a new initiative set up by not for profit organisations throughout the Baw Baw Shire to promote and facilitate volunteering and community involvement in the Baw Baw Shire. We welcome organisations, sporting groups, support groups, large or small to utilise the website and promote volunteering opportunities. We encourage potential volunteers to make the website their first port of call when searching for volunteering opportunities.

Volunteer Profiles – John Claxton

John Claxton has been volunteering at Vision Australia Warragul for eight years. He epitomises what volunteering is all about. His enthusiasm, his unselfish and supportive approach makes him a valuable contributor.

With his quiet, unassuming manner he leads a walking group every Tuesday morning and helps out with whatever activities are planned for the day, whether it be a BBQ lunch or a special excursion.

John retired from his career in engineering at the age of 67 and now enjoys woodworking as a hobby. This has led John to taking basketry sessions with Vision Australia clients on Tuesday afternoons. He makes the wooden bases at home in his spare time.

“The clients look forward to their time spent at the day centre. It is a social outing for them, a place where they can enjoy good company, games, music, walks or learn a new craft such as mosaics, pottery or basketry. They take pride in what they do and are so appreciative. This is my reward,” John says.

John feels that people have been good to him throughout his life and he now wants to help others. Initially, he was terrified at the idea of volunteering at the centre but says that the training provided has given him confidence and the staff have been supportive. John now helps to train other volunteers.

John says “volunteering provides an outlet and a break from the routine of everyday life.” He enjoys working within a team and has made many new friends. “You get to know everyone and you become like a family. It’s a wonderful feeling to help people.” John adds that volunteering requires people skills. “If you want friends, be friendly.”