We find out how Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid (NINA) volunteer Luke got involved in volunteering and what it’s brought to his life.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in Wollongong in 1981 and lived most of my life in Wollongong and several locations across the Illawarra. I spent four years living in Queensland on the Sunshine Coast, and yes, that name is true as it was sunny almost every day!

I used to run my own gardening business that I had for 14 years. I probably fell into that line of work as that’s what my father used to do. I would help him whenever he was really busy or had a job that needed two people on site. Unfortunately I had to cease trade in 2022 as I was losing clients due to Covid putting a strain on people’s spending as well as the period when we had unexpected rainfall on the east coast of Australia. So I’m now residing back in Wollongong and currently looking for work.

We find out how Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid (NINA) volunteer Luke got involved in volunteering and what it’s brought to his life.

Why did you start volunteering and how did you come to be volunteering at NINA?

After I relocated back to Wollongong, I spent a couple months off to reorganise my life and next career change. I was looking for volunteering opportunities and found out about NINA through a friend.

I started volunteering with NINA to get back some self worth, I wanted to be proactive and do something to help others while I was also looking for work. I was also keen to drive the NINA bus to get more driving experience in a light rigid vehicle as some extra knowledge for my next career change.

What volunteering work do you do at NINA?

1 to 1 transport, also driving the NINA buses to social support groups, shopping trips and outings.

I drove a group of clients to the Bowral Tulip Festival as well as a Melbourne Cup lunch outing to a local bowling club. I also do some Meals On Wheels deliveries.

How do you juggle volunteering with other commitments?

You can make your own schedule with NINA. I let the team know when I am available and they fit in transports around that. So, if I had a job interview or other commitment NINA works around my availability.

Also, there are some breaks during trips – once I drop off a client to their appointment I can go run an errand and then return to the client to take them home.

What have you got from being a volunteer?

Volunteering with NINA has built my self belief. I have got a sense of purpose. Providing a service and helping the elderly clients or clients with disabilities has made me feel like I’m making a difference to the lives of people in my community.

I’ve built great rapport with some clients and we’ve had some nice chats and the atmosphere on the bus to groups is always fun – I’ve enjoyed ensuring the clients have a good day out.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

Yes absolutely! If you work part time or are a part time carer you would be able to find a balance between your own commitments and volunteering at NINA. You can just give the time that works for you, even if it is for a shorter period while you are in between other commitments.

The impact that volunteering has, can be so important to the client, NINA and the volunteer.

For more information, visit NINA from Monday–Friday (8.30am-4.30pm) at 18 Walker Street, Helensburgh. Phone 02 4294 1900 or check the website