Volunteering created new experiences for Helen Watkins

National Volunteers Week (NVW) is the largest annual celebration of volunteers in Australia. In 2021 the theme for NVW is ‘wave for a volunteer’ and is designed to recognise, reconnect and reimagine how we support the volunteers in our community. 

Squash, like many sports relies on volunteers who selflessly give their time and effort to the community week in and week out, forming a vital element of the squash community. 

Helen Watkins is one of those volunteers. Helen started volunteering at squash events in Queensland after retiring from her job as Manager of Griffith Accommodation at Griffith University in 2014. 

Volunteering has created new learning opportunities for Helen and allows her to watch people enjoying events from a new perspective. 

“It is a learning experience because you are communicating with people from all walks of life and you can learn so much by talking to different people,” Helen said.  

“You also learn how small and large scale events are run and it is fantastic to see people enjoying the events you are a part of.” 

Volunteering at events is a great way to get people involved in the community and Helen has found it has had some fantastic benefits for her and encourages everyone to come back to volunteering now that events are starting to return. 

“Volunteering is great for your mental health, because it motivates you to get out of the house and it can keep you involved in a sport you love, even if you can’t play anymore,” she said. 

“I have had the joy of watching squash continue to grow and watching participants enjoying the game at all levels,” Helen said. 

For new volunteers Helen’s advice is simple, relax and enjoy the process, it is hard but rewarding work and you can only get the best out of the experience if you give it your all.  

Squash Australia is thankful for all the volunteers that contribute to our incredible community and help us deliver events across the country.