TAFE NSW Port Macquarie student Kara Westaway is a single mum who is studying a Diploma of Community Services while raising her 11 year old daughter and is by no means wealthy. She does believe you should treat others how you wish to be treated and that’s what she’s doing this Christmas.

Miss Westaway and her daughter are giving up their spare time this Christmas to volunteer at The Neighbourhood Centre which provides a variety of community services to local families, adolescents and older people to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing.

Miss Westaway also volunteers at 4Life Care and Training whose services include a supermarket-style community pantry that assists 2300 low-income families within the community.

Miss Westaway said “No matter what we are doing or how down-and-out you are, it is important to remember that there are real people out there with bigger problems than you.

“I find it so important to instil this in my daughter so that she is aware of what is going on around her.

“We attended the Nation Dance on Friday at Town Beach with other local Indigenous people and I gave my daughter a loaf of bread and some devon and asked her to offer sandwiches to as many people as she could. She said initially she was embarrassed but she spoke to some really interesting people who were so grateful and really appreciated talking to her.”

Head Teacher of Community Services, Katrina Cameron said all TAFE NSW Community Services students are encouraged to volunteer and TAFE NSW can support them with getting involved with organisations who need help.

“Volunteering helps students engage with their local community as well as diversify their career prospects.”

The Centre for Volunteering, found every dollar invested in volunteering returns $4.50 in benefits to the community[i].

“It’s important for everyone to help out our own community and it’s a great way for TAFE NSW community services students to build on their practical skills and work experience,” said Miss Cameron.

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au