Ariana Doolan Highlights the Importance of Volunteers in Pumicestone

Volunteers play an invaluable role in shaping our communities, and the Pumicestone electorate is no exception. From sporting clubs to community groups, environmental initiatives, and support services, local volunteers dedicate countless hours to make our region a better place.

Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan MP is proud to be supporting a Queensland Parliament inquiry which aims to understand the challenges they face and find ways to ensure volunteering continues to thrive in Queensland.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community,” said Ms. Doolan. “Their dedication, generosity, and selflessness are what make Pumicestone such a special place to live. Whether it’s our sporting clubs, Bribie Island’s community organisations, or local events, volunteers are behind it all. This inquiry is our chance to listen, learn, and support them better.”

Volunteering has deep roots in Pumicestone, particularly on Bribie Island, where community involvement has always been a cornerstone of island life. Over the decades, Bribie Island’s volunteers have built an enduring legacy, from surf lifesaving to environmental conservation and vibrant arts and culture programs. These efforts have fostered a spirit of collaboration and resilience, shaping the identity of the region.

BIEPA and TurtleCare Sunshine Coast volunteer Darren Jew works tirelessly up to 70 hours a week during turtle season.

“Bribie Island’s nature needs as much help as it can get, to balance the pressures imposed on it.”

He said he sees the benefits of volunteering are for Bribie Island’s nature.

“Doing things that would otherwise have been left undone.”

Darren is one of many volunteers that the community needs to help continue the work that would be ‘left undone’.

The Committee is calling on individuals and organisations to share their experiences and insights by making a submission. Areas of focus include:

• The value volunteers bring to organisations and communities.
• Barriers and challenges faced by volunteers.
• How to improve the volunteering experience and encourage participation.
• Opportunities to expand emergency response volunteering.
• The role of First Nations volunteers in Closing the Gap.

Darren said he believes more recognition is needed to help volunteers be willing to continue.

“I think the benefits the community receives from the combined volunteer effort should be better acknowledged.

“The best run, most productive volunteer programs are run by professional volunteer coordinators… so having more of those would be helpful.”

Submissions are open until 5pm, Friday, 28 February 2025, and can be made online Inquiry into volunteering in Queensland.

Ms. Doolan encourages all volunteer organisations in Pumicestone to participate. “This inquiry is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions of our volunteers and address the challenges they face. By strengthening support for volunteering, we can ensure this vital part of our community continues to thrive for generations to come.”

For more information on the inquiry and submission guidelines, visit Committee Details | Queensland Parliament.

End Press Release