Volunteer Spotlight: Minori, Tash & Olivia

Meet Minori

“I’m really grateful that I decided to join HCA as a volunteer. Every week I gain valuable experience, learn new things, and feel proud to be part of something that makes a positive difference in the community.” 

Why did you decide to become an HCA volunteer?  

I’ve always wanted to give back to the local community and make a positive impact. I also love working with children and supporting their learning, growth, and happiness. As someone interested in pursuing further study in public health, I wanted to gain hands-on experience and learn more about the field. Healthy Cities Australia felt like the perfect place to combine all of these passions. 

How did you first get involved with Healthy Cities Australia? 

I first became involved with HCA during my third year at university when I was looking for volunteer opportunities focused on community wellbeing. I was really inspired by their mission of creating healthier communities through meaningful programs and activities. 

What has your experience as a volunteer been like so far? 

My experience so far has been amazing. It’s so rewarding to see children learning something new each week and growing in confidence. I’ve also met many kind and passionate people through volunteering, which has made the experience even more enjoyable. 

From your perspective, what is the best thing about being a HCA volunteer? 

The best thing about being a volunteer is that I learn something new every week alongside the children. As an international student studying International Relations, I didn’t have much background knowledge in public health or child development, so this experience has taught me so much. I’ve learned about healthy habits, how to create a safe and positive environment for children, and I’ve become much more confident working with young people. I know these are skills that will benefit me throughout my life. 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with HCA? 

Just go for it! It’s a wonderful experience in a supportive environment with a great team. You’ll gain valuable skills, knowledge, and confidence that can help you in many areas of life and future career paths. 

Any additional comments you’d like to share? 

I’m really grateful that I decided to join HCA as a volunteer. Every week I gain valuable experience, learn new things, and feel proud to be part of something that makes a positive difference in the community. 

Meet Tash

“I’ve really appreciated how supportive and welcoming the HCA team has been.”

Why did you decide to become an HCA volunteer?  

I decided to become a HCA volunteer because my interest in public health led me to desire practical experience outside of university. I was primarily driven by my passion for helping children develop healthy habits early whilst realising I enjoy working in community-based programs.

How did you first get involved with Healthy Cities Australia?

I came across HCA through an online listing and applied because it aligned with my health promotion interests. After my application was considered, I underwent the onboarding process and was welcomed into the role.

What has your experience as a volunteer been like so far? 

So far my experience has been positive and engaging, working with children aged 8-12 and supporting activities around healthy eating and physical activity has been rewarding. I’ve also learned how programs are delivered in real settings.

From your perspective, what is the best thing about being a HCA volunteer? 

What I’ve enjoyed most is seeing children actively participate and enjoy learning, being part of improving community health outcomes and gaining hands-on experience in health promotion whilst building communication and collaborative skills.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with HCA? 

From my experience, I’d tell them that it’s a great entry into the public health rewarding working with children and you gain real-world experience and confidence within an encouraging and supportive environment.

Any additional comments you’d like to share? 

I’ve really appreciated how supportive and welcoming the HCA team has been.

Meet Olivia

“One of the most valuable parts of volunteering with HCA has been the opportunity to be involved in a variety of tasks and responsibilities.”

Why did you decide to become an HCA volunteer? 

I decided to become a Healthy Cities Australia volunteer because I wanted to give back to the community and be involved in meaningful programs that support local families and children. I also wanted to gain experience, meet new people, and contribute to creating positive social connections. 

How did you first get involved with Healthy Cities Australia? 

I first got involved through a friend who had previously volunteered with Healthy Cities Australia and shared positive experiences about the organisation. After hearing their recommendation, I looked into the organisation through its social media platforms and learned more about the programs and community impact. I was inspired by the meaningful work being done and decided to apply as a volunteer. 

What has your experience as a volunteer been like so far? 

My experience as a volunteer has been very enjoyable and rewarding. The team members have been welcoming, supportive, and friendly, which made it easy to feel comfortable and involved from the start. I have especially valued the opportunity to work closely with others, collaborate as a team, and learn from people with different experiences. It has been a great environment that is both positive and meaningful. 

From your perspective, what is the best thing about being a HCA volunteer? 

From my perspective, the best thing about being a HCA volunteer is the opportunity to grow personally while helping others. Through volunteering, I have been able to build confidence, develop communication and teamwork skills, and gain valuable experiences while contributing to the community. 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with HCA? 

I would say definitely take the opportunity and give it a try. Volunteering with HCA is a rewarding experience where you can make a real difference in the community while also growing personally and professionally. The team is incredibly supportive, welcoming, and passionate about the work they do, which makes it a positive environment to be part of. If you want to contribute to something meaningful, meet great people, and create lasting memories, HCA is a wonderful place to start. 

Any additional comments you’d like to share? 

One of the most valuable parts of volunteering with HCA has been the opportunity to be involved in a variety of tasks and responsibilities. From supporting events and engaging with participants to working closely with team members and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes, each experience has taught me something new. It has inspired me to become more adaptable, confident, and proactive, while giving me a better understanding of how meaningful community programs are delivered. 

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Interested in volunteering with Healthy Cities Australia? Get started here!