A changing of the guard

Communities are built on kindness and goodwill. As someone who works in social enterprise, I know the value of both money and meaning, and I can tell you that once you have enough money to pay for the things you need (as an individual or as an organisation), it is all the non-monetary exchanges that really matter.

I know how lucky I am to live, work and play in the Illawarra. Over the past few years I have seen the best of it – and, on occasion, the worst of it. I see all of the non-monetary exchanges that build our community up and am so thankful that I live somewhere with organisations like Green Connect, Flame Tree Community Food Co-op, Grand Pacific Health, Housing Trust, Multicultural Communities Council of the Illawarra, Flagstaff, Disability Trust, Greenacres, Homeless Hub and so many more.

I also see the time, energy and effort that goes in to make all of the good work happen, and often by volunteers, or by staff members who work well beyond what they are paid to do.

The last couple of years have demanded so much of the staff and volunteers of these organisations. The upheaval and uncertainty of rolling disasters have taken their toll on our collective energy and resilience. Our communities are still hurting but we are tired. The public good often comes at a personal cost and, for some staff and volunteers, there isn’t much left in the tank.

So here is my plea to every person reading this article…

Your community needs you. If you have time, energy, ideas, strength, passion and/or goodwill, now is your time to shine. Find something you believe in and lend a hand.

I work at Green Connect and we really need more volunteers on the farm, in the office and in the op shops. I am a volunteer director at Flame Tree and we really need more volunteers in the shop and doing all of the tasks that make the place run (social media, washing, waste management, governance and more). I know that beach clean-ups, bushcare groups, meal delivery services and community support organisations all need more help.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, try new things, build your skills and experience and confidence, and give back to the community you live in.

The people who have been making all of this happen for the last couple of years need a break, and need to know there’s someone else able to step in. Be that person. It could be the thing we all need to lift our spirits.

Kylie will be stepping down from her role as general manager of Green Connect at the end of July. Applicants are invited to contact her or apply online at www.green-connect.com.au

Green Connect Farm Tour

3 June, 9-10.30am, 6 Anna Ave Warrawong. Book online at green-connect.com.au/visit/

Discover the magic of the Green Connect farm! Just 13 minutes’ drive south of Wollongong CBD you’ll discover an 11-acre award-winning permaculture farm, hidden in an idyllic valley right in the middle of suburbia.

Green Connect Farm produces chemical-free vegetables, fruit, herbs, eggs, honey, nuts and free-range meat. Your 90-minute experience will include an interactive and informative tour around the 11-acre farm, as well as time to explore the children’s garden. You’ll visit the thriving market gardens, food forests and native rainforest, and seek out the free-range goats, sheep, pigs and chickens to offer them a pat and a feed!