When university student Satya Vinod Tondapu moved from India to Australia in 2022, he didn't know anyone, but volunteering helped him connect with his community and build a network. or signup to continue reading An engineering student at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Mr Tondapu said he volunteers twice a week to give back to the community that gave so much to him. "I don't expect anything in return from the volunteering," he said.
"I need to give something back to the community, and service and respect to the community and the people and culture over here." Mr Tondapu credited his various roles on university councils and organisations to volunteering, as it prompted him to step out of his comfort zone and meet new people. National Student Volunteer Week runs from August 5-11, and Mr Tondapu said he will be advocating the cause and helping out on campus with various activities.
chief executive officer Jane Hedger said there are numerous benefits to volunteering, such as learning new skills and being a point of difference to future employers. "We know that employers in the future look at volunteering experience positively as those young people have real-life work experience," Ms Hedger said. "It's a great gateway to .
.. meaningful careers.
" Ms Hedger has spent 25 years in the volunteering sector, but began at an early age in the regional community she grew up in. Her first role was at pony club shovelling horse manure, as she was too young to participate in the show jumpi.