My Community

Volunteering

Volunteering is the life blood of a small, regional community like ours. Without our valued volunteers there are many events and services that simply would not happen.

To foster a thriving volunteering culture in our community a working group of volunteers with the support of Break O’Day Council and Volunteering Tasmania developed a Volunteering Strategy

Our shared vision for volunteering in Break O’Day is:

Break O’Day has a strong culture of volunteering that provides meaningful community connections and values giving back.

Volunteer organisations have access to all they need to support a sustainable and thriving volunteer culture in Break O’Day.

How to use the Strategy

Pick a focus area to work through that is most important to your group

Find something that might be easy to start with

Take it to the committee at the next meeting to see how it can be incorporated into your organisation

Reach out to the council for support on how you might get started on using the strategy in a practical way

 

 

 

 

 

Are you looking for ways to volunteer in your community?

Express your interest

If you would like to some help to find volunteering opportunities, please complete Volunteer Expression of Interest form

Send to admin@bodc.tas.gov.au and we will send you information about current opportunities and let you know where else you can look.

Find a Community Group

You can also contact community groups directly. For a list of Community Groups in our area and their contact information see here.

Volunteering Opportunities

If you are a group or organisation and would like to promote your volunteering opportunity on this page.
Please send your details on this form. Or get in touch with community services at community.services@bodc.tas.gov.au or call 6376 7900.

Some Local Volunteering Opportunities – SCROLL

 

Some of the reasons why our wonderful local volunteers love giving back to their community…

“I volunteer to keep my brain active and I enjoy helping people” Amanda, St Helens Online Access Centre
“I volunteer to give back to the community” Dave, St Helens Online Access Centre
“I volunteer because I like to give back to community, love meeting new people, enjoy the

other volunteers’ friendship” Heather, Meals on Wheels
“I volunteer because of the great range of people I meet” Christine, St Helens Tip Shop
“I volunteer because I met Richard Flanagan at the St Helens Tip Shop” Glenny, St Helens Tip Shop
“I volunteer because I love cleaning and recycling” Volunteer, St Helens Tip Shop
“I volunteer to make people happy by listening to music. So get up and dance” The Tone, Star FM
“I volunteer because I love community” Caitlin, Youth Collective of North East Coast Tasmania
“To see people smile and be included” Bridget, Volunteering Tasmania
“To help communicate, encourage happy feelings and to improve health and friendship through gardening” Peggy, Scamander Garden Club
“My obligation as a member of this awesome community” Volunteer, St Helens Marine Rescue
“I volunteer to help those in need, protect, educate , prevent, save lives and property” Volunteer, St Helens Fire Brigade
“I volunteer because I need to for myself – mental wellbeing is essential to be healthy!” Volunteer, St Mary’s Op Shop
“I volunteer because I like to think I’m helping other people in my community” Volunteer, St Mary’s Op Shop
“I volunteer because it makes me happy and I enjoy contributing to my community :)” Volunteer, St Mary’s Op Shop
“I volunteer because Lions’ motto is ‘We Serve’ and I enjoy giving back to the community. Making new friends and meeting the public, talking about all of the Lions programs” Ursula, St Helens Lions Club

National Volunteer Week 18-24 May

This week we celebrate and recognise the incredible volunteers who make a difference across the Break O’Day community every single day. From sporting clubs and emergency services to arts, community groups, events, and local organisations — volunteers are the heart of our region.
Below you can find a series of Volunteer Spotlights featuring some of the amazing people who generously give their time, skills, and passion to support our community.
Each story highlights the important role volunteers play in making Break O’Day such a connected, supportive, and vibrant place to live.
Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page throughout the week as we celebrate and thank just some of our local volunteers for everything they do

Jasmin Snooks

My name is Jasmin Snooks and I volunteer within both junior and senior football. I first started volunteering with the East Coast Giants in 2015 before the club amalgamated with the East Coast Swans in 2021. Over the past 11 years I have volunteered in a number of different roles across the club including junior team manager for several teams over the years, interchange, bar manager and cleaner, social media, junior registrar, photographer, safeguarding officer, and helping support players, families and the wider football community. Whether it’s organising behind the scenes, helping on game days or any day of the week. simply being someone the players can rely on, I enjoy being involved wherever I can help.
 What inspired me to volunteer was seeing the positive impact sport can have on children, no matter their ability, as well as young people and families. I wanted to help create a safe, supportive and encouraging environment where people can grow in confidence, build friendships and enjoy being part of a team and community.
What motivates me to continue volunteering is seeing players develop not just as athletes, but as people. Watching confidence grow, friendships form and knowing you are helping create positive experiences for others makes it incredibly rewarding.
Volunteers have a huge impact within the community. Without volunteers, many local clubs and programs simply wouldn’t run. Volunteers help create opportunities, bring people together, support families and provide safe and welcoming spaces for people of all ages to connect and thrive.
If funding and resources were unlimited, I would love to see more programs focused on youth wellbeing and mental health within sporting clubs, along with improved facilities and opportunities to ensure everyone feels included and supported regardless of their background or circumstances.
If someone was interested in volunteering with our club or community group, I would encourage them to simply reach out, come along to a training session or game day and have a chat. There are so many different ways to help, and every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Follow us @East Coast Swans Football Club – St Helens Football Club
Thank you, Jazz, for the countless hours, care and passion you pour into our football community. No matter the role, you always step up with a smile and are someone so many players, families and volunteers can rely on. The impact you have both on and off the field does not go unnoticed, and our club and community are better because of everything you do.

Dylan & Tenille

Meet Tenille and Dylan, dedicated volunteers helping keep the Break O’Day community safe through their service with the St Helens Brigade of the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS). Dylan also volunteers with the local SES unit.

Dylan has volunteered with TFS since 2009 and currently holds the role of Brigade Chief, while also serving as Deputy Unit Manager with SES. Tenille joined the brigade in 2019 and is a Level 1 Firefighter who also manages the brigade’s social media and online community engagement.

Dylan says he first became involved after local brigade members encouraged him to give volunteering a go:
“I’ve always loved a challenge and thought it was a great way to contribute to the community.”

Over the years, Dylan progressed through the ranks into the leadership positions he holds today.

For Tenille, it was seeing the passion and camaraderie within the brigade that inspired her to join:
“I saw the enjoyment Dylan got from volunteering. He would come home talking about training nights, call outs and the camaraderie within the brigade.”

Originally joining in an operational support role while raising their two young daughters, Tenille soon decided to take the next step and become a firefighter herself.

Both say what keeps them motivated is the strong sense of connection within the brigade and knowing they are helping protect their community during emergencies.
“The brigade has become like one extended family — we support one another both on and off the fireground.”

The St Helens Brigade plays a vital role within the wider region, regularly responding alongside neighbouring brigades including Scamander, Binalong Bay, Falmouth and Pyengana during emergencies.

Tenille and Dylan say volunteers have an enormous impact within regional communities:
“Without volunteer emergency services in regional areas, it would be detrimental to the safety and wellbeing of our towns.”

If funding and resources were unlimited, they would love to see continued investment into emergency service resources, training facilities and community preparedness programs, particularly within rural communities. They also highlighted the need for an additional appliance or support vehicle at the St Helens Brigade to better support the brigade’s growing membership and response capability.

Interested in volunteering?
The St Helens Brigade welcomes new members and encourages anyone interested to come along to training nights every Tuesday at 7pm. No previous experience is needed, with both operational and support roles available.

Thank you Tenille and Dylan for your incredible contribution to keeping our community safe

 

Keri Sidney

Meet Keri Sidney, a passionate volunteer dedicated to supporting arts, culture, and local history across the Break O’Day community.

Keri volunteers as the Secretary and Founding Member of Break O’Day Artists Inc. and Treasurer of the Friends of the History Room and Museum. Her volunteer roles include organising exhibitions and workshops, managing communications, supporting local artists, preserving local history, and helping wherever she is needed.

Since moving to St Helens nine years ago, Keri says she was inspired by the passion and potential she saw within the community:
“When I arrived in St Helens, I saw how much passion and potential existed here — in our artists, our history, and our people. Volunteering felt like the right way to contribute, support others, and help build something meaningful.”

Keri says one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering is seeing the difference it makes:
“I love watching people grow in confidence, seeing exhibitions come to life, and knowing that our efforts help preserve local stories and support creative expression.”

Keri also highlighted the important role the History Room and Museum plays within the community:
“It’s a fabulous place for both tourists and locals — full of stories, artefacts, and memories. The volunteers there work incredibly hard to keep it running, and being part of that effort is very rewarding.”

Keri believes volunteers are the backbone of regional communities:
“They create opportunities, preserve culture, support wellbeing, and make things happen that simply wouldn’t exist without them.”

If funding and resources were unlimited, Keri would love to see a dedicated community arts and cultural hub established within Break O’Day — a space where artists, historians, and community groups could come together year-round to create, learn, collaborate, and celebrate the region’s creativity and history.

Thank you Keri for your incredible contribution to the Break O’Day community 👏

Interested in getting involved?
🎨 Arts: www.bodartists.com
📧 info@bodartists.com
🏛️ History Room & Museum: Visit the Information Centre or speak with a committee member to learn more.

Ash Edgar

Meet Ash — or as many in our community know her, “Miss Ash”

Ash is a Health and Physical Education Teacher at St Helens District High School, an avid runner, and the passionate Event Director behind O’Connors Beach parkrun
Three years ago, Ash brought parkrun to St Helens, creating a free weekly community event that now welcomes locals, tourists, shack owners, walkers, joggers, and runners every Saturday morning along the beautiful O’Connors Beach track.
“Running has brought me so much joy throughout my life, and starting parkrun was my way of giving back while creating opportunities for others to improve their wellbeing and feel connected.”
What started as an idea took almost two years of planning, fundraising, risk assessments, and community support before officially launching in May 2023. Since then, the event has continued to grow, with one summer event attracting more than 200 participants.
Ash says the most rewarding part is seeing people return each week, support one another, and celebrate personal achievements together.
“Our parkrun community is built on encouragement and connection rather than competition.”
Like many community initiatives, parkrun relies entirely on volunteers to operate each week. From timekeepers and marshals to barcode scanners and tail walkers, every volunteer plays an important role in making the event possible.
Interested in getting involved?
Follow @O’Connors Beach parkrun on Facebook or visit O’Connors Beach parkrun for more information.
Every Saturday morning
Event starts at 9:00am
First timers briefing at 8:50am
Thank you Ash, and all of our incredible volunteers, for helping create a healthier, more connected community

Adam Peaty

Here is what Adam has to say about volunteering for the Get In2 Gear Learner Driver Mentor program.

Hi, I’m Adam. I’m a mentor in the program “Get in2Gear” run by the Break O’Day Council. My role is to provide support and guidance to learner drivers when they are driving to accumulate the hours needed prior to their practical driving test.

Throughout my adult life I’ve always volunteered alongside paid work. I’ve been in this role for almost 10 months, after moving to the Break O’Day region in 2024. I was inspired to do the mentoring after I realised how life changing it can be for people living in rural areas to obtain their driver’s licence. It opens up so many more opportunities such as work, education, recreation or family connections.

I’m motivated to keep volunteering in this community because I want to contribute in a positive way to a region that I enjoy living in. I get the benefit of meeting lots of great people from different backgrounds on their journey to becoming licensed drivers. As well as that, I get to be driven all around this beautiful region in nice new car! We have an awesome person (Jenna) co-ordinating the program. Because she is so responsive and supportive, all the logistics around my role flow effortlessly. I also feel highly valued.

Volunteers have a massive impact within the community. Whether it’s in sport, health, the arts, environment, social wellbeing or emergency services, it’s just amazing what volunteers achieve! The quality of life and range of services in the region would be far less if it were not for volunteers.

If funding or resources were unlimited, I’d love to see options for people on limited incomes in our community to secure long-term housing such as a housing cooperative or similar to keep them living locally and part of their community. Currently, the main option is insecure private rentals, which are not predictable, in short supply and can end suddenly.

If someone is interested in volunteering with Get in2Gear they can contact Jenna at the Break O’Day Council.

Thank you, Adam, for the time, patience and encouragement you give to learner drivers in our community. The support and confidence you provide is helping people gain not only their licence, but also greater independence and opportunity for their future. Your willingness to give back to the Break O’Day community and help others achieve such an important milestone is truly appreciated, and the positive impact you are making will be felt for years to come. 💙

Marietta Hargreaves

My name is Marietta Hargreaves. I moved to St Marys almost four years ago from Sydney, where I worked for many years at the Sydney Theatre Company and prior to that at the Sydney Opera House in customer service roles.
Shortly after arriving in St Marys, I heard about a @Break O’Day Regional Arts (BODRA) meeting. I attended the small gathering and have been involved ever since.
BODRA is a small not-for-profit incorporated group made up entirely of volunteers. I quickly realised that if I wanted to see films in the hall, theatre performances, live music, monthly markets, Christmas Carols, the Winter Lights Festival and opportunities for local visual artists to display and demonstrate their talents, then I needed to volunteer and be part of the enthusiastic group helping make these events happen.
Our organisation exists because of the incredible support from the community and the dedication of volunteers who work hard behind the scenes to bring events to life. Volunteering can sometimes be challenging, especially with limited finances and the ongoing need for helpers, but it is also incredibly rewarding.
Within BODRA, I currently look after memberships, including membership renewals and communications regarding upcoming events. I also serve as Treasurer, keeping the books up to date and managing payments and finances. Alongside this, I assist with promoting events through Facebook, Instagram, posters, banners and word of mouth throughout the community.
Over the years, I have helped organise film nights in the hall, play readings, monthly markets and a successful pop-up art exhibition in a vacant shop in St Marys. I also assist with setting up and packing down events whenever needed.
Our next major event is the Winter Lights Festival on 20 June at the St Marys Recreation Ground — another wonderful community event made possible by volunteers.
If you have ideas, would like to get involved, or want to help make something happen in our community, we would love to hear from you. You can contact BODRA at bodregionalarts@gmail.com
Thank you, Marietta, for the passion, creativity and energy you bring to the St Marys community through your volunteering with BODRA. From organising events and promoting local arts to helping create opportunities for connection and creativity, your contribution helps make our community vibrant and welcoming. Your willingness to step in wherever needed and your dedication behind the scenes does not go unnoticed — thank you for helping bring arts, culture and community spirit to life.

Rachael McGiveron 

Here is what Rachael McGiveron the President of the St Helens Netball Association Tasmania has to say about volunteering:
My name is Rachael McGiveron, and I currently volunteer as President of St Helens Netball Association. Over the years I have also volunteered in many other roles within the association, including umpiring, coaching, organising events, fundraising, umpire convenor, canteen manager, summer mixed roster convenor, NetSetGo co-ordinator and supporting our association, players and families wherever needed.
I started my netball journey playing for St Helens Netball Association as a primary school child and began volunteering as a teenager. Although I had a few breaks away due to schooling/work commitments and later a few years before my children started their netball journey. Overall I have volunteered with the association for more than 20 years. Netball has always been a big part of my life, and volunteering felt like a natural way to give back to a sport and community that gave me so many opportunities and friendships growing up.
What originally inspired me to volunteer was seeing the positive impact local sporting organisations can have on young people. SHNA provides a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where players can build confidence, friendships, teamwork, and resilience. I wanted to help create those same experiences for future generations.
What continues to motivate me is seeing children and families enjoying being part of our netball community. Watching players grow in confidence, develop skills, and create lifelong friendships is incredibly rewarding. I also love seeing the wider community come together through sport. Volunteers play such an important role in regional communities like ours, and I believe strong community organisations help strengthen the wellbeing and connection of the entire town.
In my experience, volunteers are the backbone of the community. Without volunteers, many sporting clubs, community groups, and local initiatives simply would not exist. Volunteers give their time, energy, skills, and passion to create opportunities for others. They help build connected, supportive communities and often provide opportunities that may otherwise not be available in regional areas.
If funding and resources were unlimited, I would love to see the creation of inclusive wellbeing spaces that encourage connection, imagination, and sensory experiences for all ages within our community. One idea I would particularly love to see brought to life is a sensory-scape section incorporated into the beautiful Bay Walk.
This space could be designed to awaken the senses through colour, movement, sound, light, and play. Imagine “Symphony Streams” — cascading waterfalls designed to create gentle melodies as water flows across different levels, accompanied by soft natural soundscapes of rustling leaves and calming water sounds. There could also be glowing gardens and illuminated pathways that transform the space from day to night, creating a magical experience for families, children, and visitors alike.
The key focus would be creating a space that is enjoyable and calming during the day, but truly comes alive at night through interactive lighting, sound, and artistic features. It would be a place that promotes wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and community connection while also becoming a unique attraction for our region.
If someone was interested in volunteering with St Helens Netball Association, we would absolutely love to welcome them. There are many ways people can get involved, whether it is coaching, umpiring, helping on game days, assisting with fundraising and events, helping in the canteen, or simply lending a hand where needed. People can contact SHNA through our email sthelensnetball@gmail.com and a committee member will contact you about how you can become involved.
Thank you, Rachael, for the incredible dedication, care and passion you have given to the St Helens Netball Association over the past 20+ years. From player to volunteer, coach, umpire, committee member and now President, your commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for players and families is truly inspiring.
Thank you for everything you continue to do for netball and for our wider community, your impact reaches far beyond the court.

Marko

Marko is a passionate volunteer with Libraries Tasmania who has been volunteering in the community for just over a year.
Through his volunteer role, Marko supports people with technology and digital literacy, helping community members build confidence online.
After completing university studies, Marko was looking for a meaningful way to reconnect with the community, meet people, and make a positive difference. Volunteering provided the perfect opportunity to combine his passion for helping others with practical support that has a real impact on people’s everyday lives.
Whether helping someone navigate technology or simply making people feel welcomed and included, Marko believes volunteering plays an important role in strengthening community connections and creating a greater sense of belonging for everyone.
Alongside his volunteering with St Helens Library Tasmania, Marko is also passionate about advocacy and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly within rural and regional areas where visibility, connection, and support can sometimes be limited.
Marko has created a local community group called NETas Pride, focused on creating safe spaces, building stronger community connections, and improving access to support and resources across North East Tasmania.
He believes positive role models and inclusive community spaces are incredibly important, especially for young people living in rural communities who may not always feel represented or supported.
For anyone interested in volunteering with Libraries Tasmania, Marko encourages people to reach out to their local library to learn more about available volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved.
Thank you Marko, for helping create a more connected, inclusive, and supportive community for everyone

Jason Barr

Meet Jason, a dedicated volunteer with the East Coast Swans Football Club – St Helens Football Club who has been coaching the U12s football team for the past three years and volunteering within the Auskick program for around seven years.

As a coach, Jason mentors young players, both girls and boys, helping them develop their football skills, teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship. Between training twice a week and game days on Sundays, Jason plays an important role in supporting the next generation of local footballers. 🏉

Jason says his children inspired him to get involved in volunteering, giving him the opportunity to share his passion, knowledge and love of the game with young players while supporting their growth and enjoyment of sport.

What keeps Jason motivated is seeing the positive impact football has on young people’s lives. Watching children start out in Auskick at five years old and grow into confident, competitive players both on and off the field is something he finds incredibly rewarding.

If funding and resources were unlimited, Jason would love to see greater investment in sporting pathways for young people living in rural communities, particularly programs such as the Devils program. Increased support for regional families would help ensure young athletes have the same opportunities to pursue their sporting goals, regardless of where they live.

Interested in volunteering with the East Coast Swans?
🏉 Come along to a rostered home game at the St Helens Sports Complex and see what it’s all about, speak with Jason, or email sthelensfootball@gmail.com to find out more.

A huge thank you to Jason for the countless hours, energy and heart he puts into supporting local young people. Volunteers like Jason do so much more than coach sport — they help build confidence, friendships, resilience and a strong sense of community. The positive impact you are making on the lives of local kids and families does not go unnoticed, and our community is incredibly lucky to have people like you giving back so generously. 👏

 

 Jenny Wells 

Meet Jenny Wells, President of Suncoast Arts and Crafts 🎨🧵Suncoast Arts and Crafts is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting local artists and craft makers within our community.Jenny joined the organisation as a member more than 13 years ago and has been volunteering for approximately 10 years. Over that time, she has held several executive roles including Secretary, Treasurer, and currently President.

In addition to her leadership role, Jenny also volunteers in the retail space at the Suncoast Arts and Crafts shop located at 34 Quail Street, St Helens.
“It is very rewarding presenting a vast array of artwork and handcrafted items created by our skilled and creative members to both locals and visitors from interstate and overseas.”

Like many community organisations, Suncoast Arts and Crafts relies entirely on volunteers to continue operating and supporting local creatives.

Jenny says attracting volunteers can be challenging, but encourages anyone interested to stop by the shop and have a chat with the volunteer on duty to learn more about how they can get involved.
Importantly, you do not need to be an artist or even a member to volunteer.
“Enthusiasm and a passion for promoting the local area are equally important.”

Volunteers are provided with training and ongoing support, making it a welcoming and rewarding way to contribute to the community

💙Thank you Jenny, and all the volunteers at Suncoast Arts and Crafts, for supporting local creativity, connection, and community spirit.💙

Clair Norton


Clair is a local Army veteran who volunteers with the @St Helens–St Marys RSL Sub-Branch, where she previously served as President and now volunteers as Treasurer.

Clair is passionate about supporting veterans, commemorative services, and the wider community, and has been volunteering with the RSL for several years.

“I value the connection, mate ship, and community that comes from being involved with veterans of all ages and their families.”
Clair says she was inspired to volunteer as a way of giving back to the people who supported her when she transitioned out of the Army — her local RSL Sub-Branch.

“Being part of the RSL allows me to stay connected to my military past while continuing to contribute and support others in a meaningful way.”
What continues to motivate Clair is supporting an organisation that has given so much back to veterans and their families over many generations.
“With an ageing membership base, it’s important as a younger veteran to help keep the RSL tradition alive and the doors to the East Coast Veterans Centre open.”

For Clair, the RSL is about far more than commemorative services it is about bringing people together, providing support, reducing isolation, and creating a strong sense of belonging within the veteran community.

If funding and resources were unlimited, Clair would love to see expanded wellbeing and connection programs for veterans and their families, particularly psychosocial activities that strengthen social connection and support both veterans and their loved ones.

Clair also strongly encourages younger veterans to consider becoming involved with the RSL. “Younger veterans bring new ideas, perspectives, and experiences that help keep the RSL strong and relevant for future generations.”

Whether through volunteering, attending commemorative services, or simply connecting with other veterans, Clair believes involvement helps create a stronger and more connected veteran community.

Thank you Clair, for your service, leadership, and ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and families across our community ❤️ Your dedication, compassion, and willingness to continue serving others after your military career is truly inspiring. The time and care you give to supporting veterans, preserving important traditions, and creating a welcoming and connected community does not go unnoticed. Our community is incredibly grateful for the positive impact you make and the support you provide to so many people across the East Coast. ❤️

 

Tony Lawson-Brown
Tony volunteers with the @St Helens History Room, where he helps acquire new donations, repair damaged items, and assist with a wide variety of day-to-day tasks that help preserve and share the region’s rich local history.

Tony has been volunteering with the History Room since 2006 and says his passion for history, combined with a desire to give back to the community, inspired him to get involved.

“I love volunteering in the community. It’s a great way to be part of the community, meet new people, and feel useful.”
Through his years of volunteering, Tony has seen firsthand just how important volunteers are to keeping local organisations and community groups operating.

“I think volunteers are the backbone of St Helens. Many community groups would not survive without a dedicated group of volunteers.”
Tony believes the St Helens History Room is an incredibly valuable resource for the community and an important part of preserving local stories and heritage for future generations.

If funding and resources were unlimited, Tony would love to see an expansion of the History Room to help continue growing and protecting this important collection.
For anyone interested in getting involved, Tony says there is truly a role for everyone.

“Come in and we can get you involved in the History Room. There is a job for everyone, big or small.”

Thank you Tony, for your many years of dedication to preserving and celebrating the history of our community 💙 Your passion, commitment, and countless hours of volunteer service have helped ensure the stories, memories, and heritage of the St Helens region are protected for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Volunteers like you play such an important role in keeping local history alive and creating a strong sense of identity and connection within the community. The care and pride you put into the History Room does not go unnoticed, and our community is incredibly fortunate to have someone so dedicated to preserving its history and sharing it with others. Your contribution over nearly two decades is truly appreciated and valued. 💙

Sam Pini

Meet Sam Pini 💙Originally from the Northern Territory, Sam moved to Pyengana around three years ago and has quickly become heavily involved in volunteering across the local community.
Sam currently volunteers as the Secretary of the St Helens Online Access Centre, one of the Deputy Unit Managers at St Helens SES, and is also involved with the newly formed Dorset Rural Youth Club.

Through her role at the St Helens Online Access Centre, Sam helps bridge the digital literacy gap within the community by supporting people to navigate devices, online platforms, and digital services.
“We help people access technology, troubleshoot issues, stay safe online, and learn about common scams.”

The centre also provides access to community computers, printing, and scanning services so people can get online and complete important tasks without needing to own their own equipment.
At State Emergency Service Tasmania, Sam is part of a multi-skilled volunteer unit trained to respond to motor vehicle crashes, storm and flood damage, and search and rescue operations.

Alongside these roles, Sam is also passionate about supporting and connecting young people through Dorset Rural Youth an organisation that provides leadership opportunities, training, and community connection through events across Tasmania, including Agfest.

Sam says volunteering has always been part of her life, beginning as a cadet with St John Ambulance Australia while she was still in primary school.

“My parents were my biggest inspiration to volunteer, as they were both heavily involved in volunteer roles while I was growing up.”
What continues to motivate Sam is the strong sense of connection that volunteering creates.

“I love helping people in the community and meeting incredible people through the different volunteer roles I’m involved in.”
In Sam’s experience, the impact volunteers have within a community is invaluable.

“If you help one person, they often go on to help multiple others with what they have learnt.”

If resources and funding were unlimited, Sam would love to see more practical long-term support for smaller volunteer organisations, including multi-year funding and subsidised community spaces, allowing volunteers to focus more on supporting the community and less on operational pressures.

Interested in getting involved?
💻 St Helens Online Access Centre
Email: help@shoac.org
Website: SHOAC Website

🚨 St Helens SES
Volunteer information: SES Tasmania Volunteer Page
🌾 Dorset Rural Youth
Join online at Rural Youth Tasmania

💙Thank you Sam, for the incredible contribution you make across so many areas of our community 💙 Your willingness to give your time, skills, and energy to support others is truly appreciated. From helping people build confidence with technology, to supporting emergency responses through SES, and creating opportunities for young people through Rural Youth, the impact you are making within our community is enormous. Volunteers like you help strengthen community connections, build resilience, and make the East Coast a better place for everyone. Your dedication and passion do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do. 💙

Tanya Greenwood

Meet Tanya 🎨✨

Tanya has been volunteering with Break O’Day Regional Arts for more than 10 years, helping create opportunities for creativity, connection, and community across the region.

Tanya says she was inspired to start volunteering as a way to give back to the community, help create a fun and vibrant place to live, and support others to share their creativity and talents with the wider community.
What continues to motivate Tanya is the strong sense of connection volunteering creates, along with the opportunity to help make positive change within the community.
Through her experience, Tanya believes volunteers play an incredibly important role in ensuring activities, programs, and supports are available to the community that otherwise may not exist.

If funding and resources were unlimited, Tanya would love to see a dedicated arts and cultural hub created to showcase the history, creativity, and artistic talent of the Break O’Day region — a welcoming space for the community to connect, create, and celebrate local culture. 🎭🖌️

Interested in getting involved with Break O’Day Regional Arts?
✨ Come along to one of their events, including Winter Lights 2026, or email bodregionalarts@gmail.com to find out more.

💙Thank you Tanya, for the passion, creativity, and dedication you have given to our community over the past 10 years. 💙 Volunteers like you help bring communities to life by creating opportunities for people to connect, express themselves, and celebrate local talent and culture. Your contribution helps make Break O’Day a more vibrant, welcoming, and creative place for everyone, and the positive impact you make within the community is truly appreciated.💙

 

Liz Dean

Hi my name is Liz Dean & I have lived in the Break O’Day area for over 26 years & love all the wonderful things available for us to do in our beautiful area.

A lot of these activities become available through the efforts & passions of a huge number of volunteers & for those volunteers I am truly grateful.

I have been volunteering for as long as I have lived in BOD:

Grassy Bottom Regional Arts, St Marys Online Centre, St Marys Op Shop, Break O’Day Regional Arts & NOW  primarily with the:

“With One Voice Break O’Day Choir”  & I LOVE it!

The choir meet weekly on a Tuesday night during the school term at the Falmouth Community Hall @ 5pm and contribute to building a healthier, more connected community.

We share song, companionship and offer a shared supper each & every week – it nurtures mine and many others souls.

I am one of a number of hardworking people who bring the joy of singing to the community.

If you would be interested in joining to help or just to sing please contact us.

Email: contact.wovbod@gmail.com

or contact me on: 0439 001 533

Fostering a culture of volunteerism in Break O’Day

When we worked with our volunteering community to develop a Volunteering Strategy for Break O’Day we identified some things that volunteer organisations could use to ensure their volunteers feel connected and safe in their roles. Here are some of the things volunteers told us:

 

  • They felt reassured when the organisation had clear policies and procedures in place.
  • When considering volunteering, potential volunteers have to weigh up the costs, transport and time required to participate and people with disability with must also consider accessibility to facilities and activities.
  • When deciding whether to volunteer, potential volunteers wanted to understand what the expectations of the volunteering role was so they could make an informed decision around committing to volunteering.
  • A Volunteer Organisation that provides a welcoming and safe environment that embraces diversity and inclusivity is highly desired by potential volunteers.

 

To help Volunteer Organisations in Break O’Day give their potential volunteers the information they need to make an informed decision – we have put together the following resources:

 

Guide to Onboarding_ Induction Checklist

Orientation for New Volunteers

Template_Volunteer Role Descriptions_Feb 2021

Writing a Code of Conduct

 

Additional Resources

Volunteering Tasmania website

Volunteering Profile 2029: Break O’Day Local Government Area 

 

National Volunteer Week 2025: ‘Connecting Communities’

National Volunteer Week 2025 will recognise the connections we create when volunteering and how volunteering creates connected communities.

Find out more

Volunteering Australia

Volunteering Tasmania

International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day (IVD) mandated by the UN General Assembly, is held each year on 5 December. It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.

Apart from mobilising thousands of volunteers every year, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program contributes to peace and development by advocating for the recognition of volunteers and working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming.

UNV coordinates International Volunteer Day on 5 December every year to recognise and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe. Every day, volunteers dedicate time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, drive climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Find out more about International Volunteer Day at Volunteering Australia

Learn about the Sustainable Development Goals at wellbeingaction.org/live-simply-and-well