To mark National Volunteer Week, held annually in May, The University of Western Australia has taken time to recognise and thank volunteers for the role they play in the success of the University and our society.
UWA has a strong culture of volunteering, and volunteer numbers have been growing steadily in recent years. Thousands of volunteers are now involved in everything from mentoring and guiding students, to supporting our sports clubs and participating in research studies. This collective support from our alumni, career mentors, Emeriti Professors and community members has helped students, graduates and our researchers further UWA’s mission to seek wisdom and change the world.
“The Career Mentor Link program had changed my perspectives on my abilities and my career, so I can gain better knowledge on what I want to do and who I want to be in the future”, s Mary Tran, a UWA Bachelor of Commerce student, said. “Thank you to all career mentors in the program.”
Image: UWA Teach Learn Grow student volunteers in the Sunken Garden.
With this year’s theme, ‘Better Together’, reflecting the power of volunteering to bring people together and build better communities, the experience of PhD Candidate and Master of Clinical Psychology Student, Simone Harrington is significant. Simone has been involved in two mentoring initiatives in the School of Indigenous Studies and the School of Psychological Science – volunteering during a time when the number of Indigenous Psychology students has been increasing – and her efforts have served to inspire her peers.
“I connected with Simone and she really helped me out with my studies”, PhD Candidate James Hill said. “She inspired me to also become a mentor.”
Over the week, the University is getting involved with a variety of volunteering opportunities and celebrating the community of support. Highlighting events, opportunities and stories across social media and our communications, we hope to inspire more students and community members to get involved in volunteering.<
"Volunteers are vital to the prosperity of UWA and its mission to advance the welfare of our communities”, UWA Vice-Chancellor Amit Chakma said. “Our volunteers enhance student experience and employment outcomes, amplify world-renowned research and contribute to a vibrant campus community.”
“On behalf of our students, researchers, staff and the UWA community, I thank our volunteers for their contribution. We are a success because of the difference you make.”Professor Amit Chakma, Vice-Chancellor