By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
It was a day full of heart and energy at the Knox Community Arts Centre on Tuesday, 29 April, as volunteers and community groups gathered for the second annual Inclusive Volunteering Awards and Conference.
Hosted by Eastern Volunteering (EV) Strengthening Communities, the event recognised the inspiring individuals and organisations from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs – spanning Yarra Ranges, Cardinia Shire, Knox, and Maroondah – who are dedicated to making volunteering inclusive for all, regardless of background, ability, or age.
From the tennis courts of Ferntree Gully to the shelters of Ringwood and community kitchens in the hearts of Melbourne Eastern suburbs, volunteers have been busy making a real impact.
Their work tells a powerful story of connection, empowerment, and compassion.
One standout story came from Ann Bailey, treasurer at Ferntree Gully Tennis Club.
A familiar face in the local tennis community for over 40 years, Ms Bailey has seen the club evolve in remarkable ways.
Her recent involvement in the club’s All-Abilities program, which allows children with disabilities to take part in tennis, has filled her with a new sense of pride.
“When we started, the idea of an inclusive program seemed like a dream,” she said.
“But over time, the club embraced diversity, and now the All-Abilities program is one of the things I’m most proud of. The kids come in, light up, and start building confidence and skills. It’s amazing to see them engage and connect with everyone.”
The program has been a huge success, bringing joy to kids from all over the Dandenongs creating lasting memories through inclusive tournaments, and making sure that everyone has a place to belong in the world of sport.
Meanwhile, in Ringwood, the Croydon Hills Community Care (Maroondah Winter Shelter) has been providing vital support for rough sleepers for nearly a decade.
Founded by Scott Hawkins and a dedicated group of volunteers, the shelter offers a warm bed, meals, and essential services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community.
“We run on volunteers,” Mr Hawkins said.
“About 400 people help us each year, and it’s their generosity that keeps us going. We rely on local churches and community support to make it all happen.”
Despite the challenges brought on by Covid-19, when restrictions made it harder to provide traditional support, the shelter adapted and became a vital food distribution point in Melbourne’s east.
Mr Hawkins is proud to see the community shift from viewing homelessness as a problem to seeing it as something that can be solved together.
“Back in the day, people would avoid rough sleepers. Now, they know their names, and they understand their stories. It’s been an incredible change,” he said.
In the Yarra Ranges, Feed One Feed All (FOFA) founded by Lillie Giang, is also making waves.
What started as a response to the 2021 storms in the region, which left many without power and shelter, has now become a thriving charity.
Ms Giang and her team prepare and deliver thousands of meals each week to people in need, relying entirely on volunteers.
“We produce up to 1200 meals a week for 21 agencies in the area,” Ms Giang said.
“But every day is a challenge. We’re constantly looking for food, volunteers, and transportation.”
However, with the help of a local businessman, Nick Kritikos who was moved by the cause, FOFA is gaining more support.
Mr Kritikos who initially donated and later became more involved, has been using his platform to raise awareness of food insecurity in the region and rally support from others.
“The contrast is stark,” he said.
“While some people are stressing over land tax, others are struggling to feed their kids. We have to connect the dots and share these stories – volunteering makes a difference, no matter how small.”
Mr Kritikos’s involvement is a perfect example of how people from all walks of life can come together to make a difference, whether through financial support or by giving their time – or both.
FOFA is a community food project that not only provides meals but also offers a sense of belonging.
The 2024 Foodbank Hunger Report revealed that 3.4 million households across Australia have experienced food shortages in the past year.
“Many Australians are falling through the cracks in a national emergency, hiding in plain sight. We’re facing a food insecurity crisis. Last year, we cooked 43,000 meals, but even if we cooked 200,000, the need would still be there,” Mr Kritikos said.
“Our meals go to all kinds of people – Aboriginal communities, the elderly, those recovering from illness, mental health struggles, and people who’ve temporarily fallen out of work. Many can’t afford to lose their mortgage or car, so they cut back on food.”
“One story that really stuck with me was about a guy from Monbulk driving a BMW. The volunteers were surprised to see him at the food pantry. When they asked, he said, ‘I’ve just lost my job. Food is always the first thing we cut. I can’t feed my kids.’ For two or three months, he came back for food. Then, one day, he showed up with his trunk full of groceries and said, ‘Thank you. You saved my house, and you saved my family.’”
Abby Haynes, a volunteer at FOFA, spoke about how the organisation changed her life after a tough period with her mental health and dealings with Centrelink.
“Here, I’m not just ‘the girl with bipolar’. I’m Abby. I can be myself, ask questions, and still feel valued,” she said.
“It’s given me a sense of purpose.”
Then there’s Mervyn Lim. Retired and feeling a bit adrift, Mr Lim was invited along to FOFA by a mate.
“I started with a bit of cooking,” he chuckled.
“Now I’m doing logistics, training – you name it – what began as a hobby turned into a second family.”
“It’s a safe space. No one judges you. You feel like you belong.”
The conference wasn’t just about handing out awards – it was about sharing these kinds of stories that show how inclusive volunteering really can transform lives.
For Ms Haynes, Mr Kritikos, and Mr Lim, FOFA isn’t just a volunteering gig. It’s where they found connection, purpose, and a place where they’re embraced for who they are.
As Mr Kritikos put it: “You don’t have to be rich or a big-shot to make a difference. Just get involved. If I can do it, anyone can.”
The stories shared that day really highlighted how volunteering can make a difference, not just for individuals but for the whole community. Whether it’s at Ferntree Gully Tennis Club, the Maroondah Winter Shelter, or FOFA, volunteers are creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong and are genuinely supported.
At the awards, the chairman of EV Strengthening Communities, Ranjit Gajendra, emphasised that sustaining such initiatives requires more than just passion – it requires long-term funding and support.
“Collaboration and celebrating great work are key. This second year is just the beginning of showcasing the positive impact happening in our communities,” he said.
“We need long-term commitments, not just year-to-year uncertainty.”
“Volunteering is in our DNA, but to continue these efforts, we need stable resources and funding.”
As the event wrapped up, it was clear that these volunteers and organisations are creating a more inclusive, compassionate world.
They’re not just offering services – they’re offering hope, dignity, and a place where people can truly feel like they belong.
For anyone looking to get involved, the message was clear: there’s always a way to give back. Whether at local clubs, shelters, or community groups, volunteering doesn’t just make a difference – it connects us all, and that’s something everyone can be part of.
The Inclusive Volunteering Awards and Conference also acknowledged the contributions of a wide range of community organisations that are making a difference across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
These included Baptcare, Caladenia Dementia Care, Communities Council on Ethnic Issues (Eastern Region), Community First Responders Foundation Ltd, Croydon Hills Community Care (Maroondah Winter Shelter), EACH, Feed One Feed All, Ferntree Gully Tennis Club, Interchange Outer East, Knitted Knockers Australia, Knox Community Chess Enthusiasts, Manningham Australian Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Manningham Whitehorse L2P program, Maroondah Volleyball, Melbourne East Disability Advocacy, Mitcham Charity Knitters, Mooroolbark Community Garden, Mountain District Radio Inc 3MDR, MVC Boxing, The Boroondara Family Network, Underneath My Umbrella, Women Support Incorporated, Women’s Federation for World Peace Australia, and Yarra Valley ECOSS.
