This week (19 May – 25 May) is National Volunteer Week, a chance to celebrate the everyday heroes who dedicate their lives to the selfless pursuit of helping others.
According to Volunteering Australia, more than six million Australians volunteer throughout organisations across the country, with many more estimated to volunteer in their local communities.
Spanning many sectors, volunteers are vital components of the workforce and remain vital to Australia’s wellbeing. At the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), we are blessed with a membership cohort willing to dedicate their valuable time to assisting us in many capacities.
Whether it be volunteering for one of our many committees, providing their voice to special interest groups, providing expert advice in consultations, and assisting with public engagement campaigns, their efforts provide enormous support to the ACA’s activities.
One particular area where the ACA members selflessly volunteer their time is student engagement, specifically donating their valuable time to speak at events and Orientation Weeks across the country, assisting the Association’s goal of increasing our student membership and ultimately ensuring the profession’s future becomes engaged members.
More often than not, such events take place in the evening, at the end of a long day in practice, when the thought of dinner and leisure time with family and loved ones is as appealing as any. Yet, members who offer their time and expertise still show up with a smile and a bright attitude that leaves an impression on the student attendees.
Speaking at a recent ‘Evening of Mentorship and Mastery’ event in Chatswood, member Dr Rebecca Bowring reveals there are multiple layers to her motivation for volunteering at such events.
“I love hanging around young people. They’re so excited,” she says. “They make me think about what I do, because sometimes I just do things automatically, and the questions they ask are extraordinary.”
“I do it because I wish there were people doing it for me. I graduated 30 years ago, and really, we just had to graduate and go out on our own.”
Dr Darren Little agrees, stating: “I love giving back. I like sharing my experience in practice because I wish I had that knowledge when I first graduated.”
“It’s really nice to have people you can ask specific questions to, not go to a seminar and hear someone talk to you,” Rebecca adds.
Similarly, Dr Aimee Mason, who volunteers on the Eastern Region Committee, as well as at student events, including this year’s Macquarie University O-Week, explains that her desire to volunteer is driven by her dedication to the profession.
“I volunteer because I love chiropractic,” she says. “I love the ACA and I want to give back. Part of that is I also get to volunteer at student events, so I get to run and speak at various events, which is amazing because it helps me connect with the students and connect with the profession.”
“Volunteering is valuable to me because it lets me give back to my profession that I love so much and that has given me so much. So, being able to contribute in any way, shape, or form to this amazing profession is such a rewarding thing!”
There are countless members like Rebecca and Aimee who contribute meaningfully to the ACA’s activities and provide their voice and assistance to matters of great importance to the wider profession.
Volunteers are a cornerstone of not only the Association’s many activities, but also those of the wider Australian community. From assisting at student engagement events like Rebecca and Aimee, providing insight into Government submissions, and completing ACA public engagement campaign surveys, right through to cooking the sausages at weekend sporting grounds, helping elections occur smoothly, or chaperoning school excursions, everyone has had a volunteer positively impact their life.
This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, ‘Connecting Communities’, aims to acknowledge the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers have in building inclusive and thriving communities. For more information and to view local events celebrating the week, visit www.volunteeringaustralia.org/#/
ACA members who volunteer on any of the Association’s respective committees are eligible for a special discount to attend this year’s Conference in Melbourne. More information can be found by searching ‘Don’t Miss Your ACA Conference 2025 Exclusive Offer’ in your email inbox. Interested in joining one of our committees? Nominations are now open for the 2025-2027 term, beginning 1 July. Complete an Expression of Interest form by Wednesday 28 May.