Volunteering on the Other Side of the World


Volunteering, for most people means being a volunteer at their local charity, or helping provide food for the less fortunate; but for a lucky few, volunteering can literally take you to places you’ve never been to before – like the other side of the world!

Anna O’Brien is a Canadian born volunteer who saw volunteering as a way to not only change the world, but to experience life. Ms O’Brien traveled to Australia to study a Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation where she has completed her student placement at the Life Stream Foundation.

“Over half of the volunteers in this country have or are studying tertiary qualifications, Ms O’Brien is just one of these,” said Ms Morgan

The Life Stream Foundation provides access to sport and recreation to people with an intellectual disability and Anna volunteers at the organisation to maintain and learn new skills in this field.

Her placement supervisor Betsy Adamson said that Anna has been helping the organisation gather evidence on quality assurance and has been out on program activities with members of the organization.

“Anna has considerable experience in working in the community sector with children and adults with multiple disabilities both here and in her birthplace” said Mrs Adamson.

“Volunteering has literally changed the world for me because I am now volunteering on the other side of the world!” said Anna.

If you would like to get involved with volunteering, contact Volunteering Queensland to find out more on 3002 7600, visit the web site on www.volqld.org.au.

To find out more about the Life Stream Foundation please visit www.lifestream.org.au