Volunteers are at the heart of everything that EWB does. EWB has approximately volunteers who are involvedin everything from technical projects overseas and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to running fundraising events and supporting local organisations to implement engineering projects.
Aurecon Engineer Steven Bondio is an EWB volunteer from Brisbane who took a three month break from his corporate office to volunteer as an Engineering Officer with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. His role has taken him to some of the most remote and northern island communities in Australia.
“Each island was a new adventure because the geography and culture varies greatly between the different island clusters. Some of the project site visits included the repair of fishing jetties and barge ramps, road construction, desalination plant maintenance and soil testing for a future sea wall. When I am in the office on Thursday Island I compile my site notes and liaise with contractors, consultants and suppliers.”
“As an Australian you do not need to go overseas to volunteer. There are Australians in our backyard that need a hand to strengthen their communities. This was particularly evident to me from witnessing the effects of sea level rise to a low lying community,” he said.
GHD Process Engineer, Casey Magee, uses her spare time to volunteer as EWB’s Corporate Partner Galvaniser in South East Queensland. Her role involves engaging EWB’s QLD Corporate Partners, assisting them to get their workplaces involved in EWB through events and fundraising, and making them feel like they are a part of the bigger EWB family. For Casey volunteering is an opportunity to actively live the values she feels strongly about – community, sustainability, respect, learning and quality.
“Volunteering with EWB has connected me with lifelong friends and inspirational mentors that I would never otherwise have met. Being part of such a passionate and committed group of people has motivated me to dream big and work hard in all aspects of my life,” she said.
This week ( – May) marks National Volunteer Week. This year’s campaign theme “Celebrate the Power of Volunteering” is all about appreciating and understanding the work of volunteers across the nation.
“Volunteering is something that provides so much value to our communities and ourselves. It’s always difficult to find the extra time, but I believe that looking back over our lives, it will be the times when we’re of service that we will experience the most growth, happiness, and fulfillment,” said Casey Magee.
Find out more about current volunteer opportunities or join your local Chapter.
EWB Queensland volunteers and corporate partners take part in the EWB Touch Rugby Tournament to raise money for EWB.