Inspire, Empower, Ignite Regional Volunteers Honoured At QLD Volunteer Conference 2025

In honour of two of the region’s most dedicated volunteers, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm have selected two outstanding recipients who embody a heart for volunteering.

Julie Nieslen, sponsored by Nigel Dalton, and Rebecca Cooper, sponsored by Amanda Camm, are attending the Queensland Volunteering Conference in Brisbane this week – the state’s largest sector gathering under the theme ‘Inspire, Empower, Ignite.’

The two-day conference provides evidence-based insights from national and international speakers, along with valuable networking opportunities. Topics include youth engagement, diversity, inclusion, leadership, governance, and volunteer engagement, aligned with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement and the National Volunteering Strategy.

Prior to the event, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP said, "We're sponsoring a dedicated volunteer from the Neighbourhood Hub in Evans Street.

“Julie manages volunteers who collect surplus food from supermarkets – food that would otherwise go to landfill – and ensures it reaches those in need.

"A volunteer is someone who steps up to help the less fortunate…the vulnerable, the sick, or anyone in need.

“Without people like Julie, our community wouldn’t be what it is today. I want to thank everyone who gives their time to help others – whether a little or a lot – because they do it out of love for their community."

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, sponsoring Australia Day Citizen of the Year Rebecca Cooper, praised her dedication to the Northern Beaches community.

“Rebecca has worked tirelessly for the Northern Beaches community. Her leadership and compassion to bring people together is something to be celebrated.

“This year’s theme is “Volunteering for Change” which highlights the power of local action, and we see it every day in our Mackay Whitsundays region,” added Ms Camm.

“We have so many incredible volunteers in our community, from Meals on Wheels in Proserpine making great food for our older residents, to the important work done to help transform the lives of our young people at Youth Space.

“Rebecca was thrilled and I’m looking forward to speaking with her again after the event to see what she has learned and what ideas she can bring back to the Northern Beaches.

Both Mr Dalton and Ms Camm acknowledged the decline in volunteer numbers over the past 15 years, citing busy lifestyles, cost-of-living pressures, and the impact of COVID-19.

“The Crisafulli Government has established a Volunteering Inquiry which will deliver a report to government in September, so we can begin removing those barriers and creating pathways to volunteering,” Ms Camm added.

“We want to make sure anyone who has a passion to make a difference in our community has every opportunity to become a volunteer. It’s such a rewarding role to have, making a difference and developing new skills, as well as social connection.”

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The Queensland Volunteering Conference, held on March 20 and 21, will offer inspiring, evidence-based educational content presented by national and international speakers, alongside fantastic networking opportunities, all while celebrating the invaluable contributions of regional volunteers. Photos supplied

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