Meet Aggie, one of our skilled volunteers

Aggie working and having a laugh with a community member from Nyinkka Nyunyu, Northern Territory.

We’re so thankful to have skilled volunteers like Aggie!  

Bringing her background in journalism, Aggie has been volunteering with our community projects for two years now.  

“I’m impressed by the philosophy of Community First Development. Self-determination is the key to a better future with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Volunteering has allowed me to witness first-hand the devastation caused by heavy-handed interventions in Indigenous communities. I’ve learned to take time to develop trust and mutual respect for an effective outcome.  

I recently visited a community and spent the first couple of days tagging along on school pickups to get to know my mentee, an Elder. While I was learning on the job, he relaxed and gained the confidence to help direct the training to achieve project goals together. I’ve also had the privilege of teaching reading and writing in English via Zoom to someone who speaks more languages than I could ever hope to master!  

You always get more than you give as a volunteer in Indigenous communities. It fills a gap in my heart to experience people’s generosity, kindness, and cheeky sense of fun.”  

- Aggie, Skilled Volunteer. 

If you’re interested in volunteering with us, or want to learn more about our volunteer placements, please visit our Volunteers page here.