Meet Helen, a Wildlife and Horticulture Volunteer Operations Manager at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and NTAQ, whose leadership champions creativity, growth, and courage. In this Share Your Story – Volunteer Managers Edition feature for International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay), Helen reflects on how bold leadership means evolving with community needs, inspiring innovation, and creating lasting pathways for volunteers to thrive.
Why Bold Leadership Matters in Volunteer Management
Like any program in an organisation – volunteer programs can sit in a comfortable corner. I believe that volunteering – to continue being a vital asset to a company – must keep up with community change, growth and new ideas.
This provides not only a ‘refresh’ to current volunteer team members but also attracts new volunteers whose expectations align with the new growth. Bold leadership inspires others to think creatively and to not be afraid to push boundaries. This enables volunteer programs to flourish and volunteers to remain resilient, forward-thinking and engaged.
Volunteering changes lives! This statement has always been at the forefront of my passion in volunteer management. I have seen many volunteers come through the CWS program and into paid employment as wildlife keepers – both inside the organisation and outside – having gained invaluable experience in animal husbandry. Every time I play a part in this progression, I am reminded how the power of experience is critical to building a successful career.
Proudest Achievement as a Volunteer Manager
Volunteering isn’t just about giving back, it is about building confidence, leadership and community. I could say that my first Volunteer to employment moment was my proudest but in truth every time I see this happen, I feel extremely proud of all who take a part in this achievement. Sometimes it just takes someone who believes in you and Volunteering can provide a fantastic pathway to realising dreams and future employment!
One piece of advice for fellow Volunteer Managers
Volunteer management isn’t just about schedules and rosters — it is about creating space for connection, growth, and impact. The ripple effect of a strong leader can change the culture of an entire program which can future proof successful volunteering across your community. Don’t be afraid to make changes, think outside the box and follow your intuition! You will never know unless you try!
View the full collection of our Share Your Story series and be inspired by the many ways Volunteer Managers are leading with courage, care, and creativity.
