Volunteering in the Western Suburbs of Brisbane

What our local Volunteers say…

Volunteers from our local community groups were invited to provide feedback on volunteering.

Here are the summarised key points expressed by 42 individual volunteers in our local area. Thank you to everyone for participating in this feedback!

This feedback was obtained to support our feature article about National Volunteer Week 18-24 May 2026. 

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering in the Western Suburbs of Brisbane brings many rewards, both big and small.

One of the main benefits is the strong sense of social connection and belonging that comes from being part of a group. Volunteers often find that helping others makes them feel good about themselves and gives them a purpose, especially after big life changes like retirement.

Staying active, both in mind and body, is another key benefit.

Many volunteers enjoy the friendships they make and the chance to meet people from all walks of life.

Being involved in community groups also helps people stay connected to what’s happening locally – and lets them contribute to making their area a better place for everyone.

The satisfaction of giving back and seeing the positive difference you make in other people’s lives can be very rewarding.

For many, volunteering is a way to stay engaged, active, and happy.

Many appreciated the opportunity to form friendships, strengthen community ties and be part of something bigger, with personal growth and satisfaction coming from seeing their efforts make a difference.

Helping out, learning new skills and working alongside like-minded people, and most feel they gain as much as they give.

Most people mentioned they are motivated to volunteer by a desire to give back, help others or create a positive local impact.

Why Did I Start Volunteering

Many people begin volunteering to keep themselves active, both mentally and physically, after retirement.

The motivation is often to stay engaged, keep the mind stimulated, and find a new sense of purpose in daily life.

Volunteering provides a meaningful way to remain involved in the community and continue giving back, which can be very fulfilling as life circumstances change.

A key reason often mentioned was to give back to my/the community.

“If I expect my community to support me/my business, then it only makes sense that I support them. I believe you get back what you put in.”

Challenges of Volunteering

While volunteering is rewarding, it also comes with its own challenges.

One of the most common issues is burnout, which happens when you take on too much and start to feel exhausted.

Sometimes, volunteers can feel overwhelmed by the demands placed on them, especially if there aren’t enough people to share the workload.

Group dynamics can also be tricky, with strong personalities and different opinions coming into play.

There may be ‘officious leaders’ or ‘snarky’ individuals who make things less enjoyable. Learning how to navigate these personalities while staying focused on the positive aspects is part of the challenge.

It’s okay to step back when you need a break, and it’s important to keep your boundaries so you don’t lose the joy of volunteering. Remember, you’re not alone and many others feel the same way at times.

Main challenges mentioned were managing time and balancing volunteering with other responsibilities.

Expectations – both their own and those of the groups they support – can be demanding.

And sometimes organisational changes, limited resources or differing opinions cause difficulties.

Still, most volunteers find these issues manageable and believe the positives far outweigh any negatives.

Tips for New Volunteers

If you’re thinking about volunteering, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

First, take your time to settle in and learn how things work. Listen, and absorb when you’re starting out – every group is different.

Be open to new experiences and people, but also keep your own boundaries.

Don’t be discouraged if you come across difficult personalities. There will always be a few, but if you stay kind and true to yourself, you’ll find your own group of friends.

Give it time and be patient – you will find your tribe.

Remember to look after yourself and don’t be afraid to say no when you need to. It’s important to set limits and remember that you can’t do everything.

Volunteering is about giving your best, not doing everything.

Volunteers advised that newcomers should choose roles that match their interests, and be open to learning.

Reaching out to local groups or attending events is a good way to find opportunities.

Building connections, embracing the social side, and communicating availability are recommended.

Every contribution matters and volunteers are reminded to enjoy the experience.

Most importantly, enjoy the experience, keep up the good work, and know that what you’re doing truly matters.

Quotes from some Volunteers:

Ross McKinnon AM: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of every community. Without Volunteers we would not have the Australia we all know and love.”

Erin de Brincat: “Volunteers are the heart of any community, and everyone is richer for their efforts… it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make someone else’s life better in some way… “

Peter Klekner: “Volunteers are important to fill the void where help is needed.”

Valerie Simons: “Volunteering brings people together. It creates purpose, connection and hope in our communities.”

Meegan Hardaker: “Volunteering is a way to give back, but you also get so much in return.”

List of Contributor Names and Community Groups:

In no particular order

JILL LINCOLN – Dayboro Boomerang Bags, Dayboro Art Gallery, Dayboro Garden Club, Dayboro Heart Foundation Walking Group
KATH KEMP – Art&Eats event, Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club, Topology Creative Hub, Trek2Health, The Gap Creative and others.
MONIKA JANDA – The Gap Sustainability Initiative
ALASTAIR WALLACE – Des Connor Junior Parkrun.
BRUCE BARKER – Trek2Health
ROSS MCKINNON AM – Shed Happens for Men
FANNY DE BUSSEROLLES – People For Nature and The Gap Sustainability Initiative
KYM BIERENBROODSPOT – too many to list!
JUDITH MAESTRACCI AM – The Gap Repair Café.
ALEX BARTA-DOUGALL – The Gap Repair Café, Ferny Grove Repair Cafe (Transition The Grove)
ERIN DE BRINCAT – The Gap Repair Café, Boomerang Bags The Gap and Surrounds, Brisbane West Eco Fest, New Groove Jazz Ensemble
LINCOLN – The Gap Repair Cafe
ALEX STATHAKIS – Gap State School’s P&C secretary.
COLIN BUSHELL – Art&Eats event, Trek2Health
CATH WULFSE – The Gap She Shed
PETER KLEKNER – Repair Café the Gap
JANET ANGEL – Reservoir Frogs Theatre Company
PADMA NARSEY LAL – Boomerang Bags The Gap and Surrounds, Repair Cafe The Gap, Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap
ALAN CHENOWETH – Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN)
ROS – Mitchelton & Districts Garden Club
PAUL BECKMANN – Serenata Singers in The Gap
PETER COOPER – Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club
VALERIE SIMONS – Rotary Club of Paddington
JEFF HILDER – The Gap Pioneer and History Group Inc.
TIM BOYD – Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap
DON WILLSHER – Brisbane Tramway Museum
TRISH FERRIER – Brisbane West Senior Citizens Centre.
CAROLYN – Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club
ALLAN TURNER – Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club, Red Hill Bowls Sports & Community Club and the Choices Program at the Wesley Hospital
ROGER VEALL – five Repair Cafes at The Gap, Grove, Woolloongabba, Redcliffe and Sandgate.
MEEGAN HARDAKER – Yoorala Street Community Garden
MICHELLE PEILE – Balaangala Community Group
SANDRA CLARK – Brisbane North Cake Decorators Branch inc
MARGARET MCCORMACK – Newmarket VIEW Club
RENEE MUMFORD
KAZ WILLIS – Valley District Cricket Club & All Abilities Cricket Program Founder
GLENYS – SOWN
LINDY SUGARS – Ashgrove Historical Society, Ashgrove West UC, Body Corporate committee.
ARJEN LENTZ – The Gap Repair Cafe
MARIO – Newmarket Bocce Club
And other contributors who preferred not to provide their names.