A Heart For Serving With Cindy-Jo Zahmel

Meet Cindy-Jo Zahmel – a woman whose integrity and passion for serving others shines through in everything she does.

On weekends, you might just find Cindy in the heart of Mackay, volunteering with Mackay Street Chaplaincy, a Christian-based organisation that offers practical support to those in need while enjoying the city’s nightlife.

As a member of the Mackay Street Chaplaincy team, Cindy and her fellow volunteers provide essential services to the public from 10:00pm to 3:30am on Fridays and Saturdays. Whether it's offering a cup of cold water, a listening ear, or simply waiting with someone for a cab, Cindy’s presence is a comforting reminder that help is never far away.

“The chaplains are part of the Safe Night Precinct organisation, where we go out on Friday and Saturday nights, setting up in the city heart to assist people out for the night,” she said.

“We provide cold water, lollipops, and basic first aid, and basically offer a safe space for those who need to rest or wait for a taxi – just little things like that to make sure everybody’s okay.”

Alongside police, security, and nightclub venues, Cindy helps provide a safety net for the community, ensuring everyone can enjoy their night out with peace of mind.

Cindy’s interest in this role began just over a year ago when she saw an advertisement on TV, which then inspired her to join.

"It just looked like such a great group to be a part of, and I definitely wanted to contribute,” she said.

Since then, Cindy has not only volunteered but also taken on the role of a dedicated committee member, furthering her commitment to the cause.

She says that volunteering has always been a fulfilling part of her life, offering her the chance to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

“A lot of people appreciate what we do, and it’s really fulfilling to know that our presence can make a difference,” she said with a smile.

Cindy encourages others to take the leap into volunteering, noting that many organisations offer observation or training sessions to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

“Just put yourself out there and see how you go,” she said.

In addition to her work with Mackay Street Chaplaincy, Cindy supports the community initiative with Orange Sky, occasionally serving breakfast to individuals doing their laundry on Monday mornings from 6:45am to 8:00am before heading to work. Alongside this, she is also an active volunteer at her local church, C3 Mackay.

“Helping others is definitely something that brings me a lot of joy,” Cindy shared.

She hopes to continue expanding her involvement in community activities and is even considering further studies in chaplaincy.

If you’re ever out on a Friday or Saturday night between 10:00pm and 3:30am, you just might spot Cindy and the team, offering their kindness and compassion…one cup of water at a time!

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Cindy-Jo Zahmel is a dedicated volunteer with Mackay Street Chaplaincy, offering support and comfort to those in need during the city's nightlife, while also contributing to community initiatives like Orange Sky and her local church, C3 Mackay. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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