_Together for National Volunteer Week
At Knight Frank Australia, all our people can access two days of paid volunteer leave per calendar year and two hours every three months for blood donation. We caught up with some of our team members to see how they use their volunteer leave to make a difference in their community.
Rhiana Weller, Senior Leasing Executive in North Sydney shares her experience volunteering with Sea Shepherd and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Volunteering has become a really important part of my life. I’ve always cared about the environment, and that curiosity led me to Sea Shepherd. From there, my journey into environmental volunteering took off.
I first came across Sea Shepherd at a metal music festival called UNIFY years ago. Their logo caught my eye – it’s bold and a bit edgy – and when I found out they were all about protecting marine life and oceans, I was in. I started helping with beach clean-ups and fundraising, and I’ve never looked back. One of the most rewarding parts is seeing families get involved. We sort and weigh every bit of rubbish we collect, and that data goes to the CSIRO. It’s eye-opening – especially for kids, to see how much waste they find on a beach they might visit every weekend.
More recently, I’ve been volunteering with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Once a month, we head out to Kamay Botany Bay National Park to do bush regeneration – clearing invasive weeds like lantana and bitou bush so native plants can thrive. One day, I spotted a whimbrel, a ground-nesting bird with five little eggs in an area we’d recently cleared. I still haven’t been able to identify the species, but seeing the impact of our work right in front of us was such a buzz.
I’ve also started volunteering with Centennial Parklands, doing quarterly bird and bat surveys. It’s just me and a bunch of lovely retirees counting birds together. It’s peaceful, grounding and a great way to learn more about local wildlife.
Volunteering has influenced my work life, too. In leasing, I always encourage reusing existing fit-outs rather than ripping everything out and starting fresh. It’s better for the environment, more cost-effective for landlords, and can benefit tenants through rental abatements. It’s a small way to bring my environmental values into my day job.
Outside of work, I also try to get my fiancé, family and friends involved. I’ve got five nieces and nephews, and I love encouraging them to come along to beach clean-ups. It’s a great way to spend time together and teach them about looking after the planet.
If you’re considering volunteering, my advice is simple – just give it a go. Find something you’re curious or passionate about. You don’t have to commit to anything huge. Every little bit helps, and you’ll meet some amazing, like-minded people. I’ve made great friends through Sea Shepherd, and we’ve even got a group chat where we share updates and support each other.
Volunteering has taught me that we all have a role to play in protecting our environment. It all counts whether it’s clearing weeds, picking up rubbish, or simply spreading awareness. And it feels good to know you’re making a difference.
Anna Elliston, Department Coordinator - Office Leasing in Melbourne shares her experience volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
As an Event Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Victoria for the past few years, I’ve had the chance to meet families who directly benefited from RMHC services. Despite the obvious stress and emotional strain these families face at home, they remain incredibly positive. These families taught me to look at the bigger picture beyond my own situation and understand the importance of positivity in everyday life, including at home and work. Meeting these families and seeing firsthand how RMHC operates has been an eye-opener, and they constantly inspire me to volunteer whenever I can.
I use my two volunteer days to volunteer at my favourite events as they arise, including Melbourne Cup Week and the Australian Open in Melbourne. Registering as an ‘Individual Volunteer’ or participating as a ‘Corporate Group’ with work colleagues is easy. The compliance requirements differ for becoming an individual volunteer, and there’s a bit more involvement with registering as an individual or event volunteer since there’s usually direct contact with families who use RMHC services.
Last November, I volunteered at Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, selling Pin & Win medals to the public on Oaks Day and Stakes Day during Melbourne Cup Week. It was an easy gig because, in most cases, people were looking for us to buy these popular medals. While I was exhausted at the end of my day, volunteers, alongside racegoers, were treated to a concert with Ricki-Lee, and we were also able to watch the main races of the day.
I’ve found volunteering to be tiring but very rewarding. The people I meet along the way at events are usually inspirational. The RMHC families have taught me how to appreciate life in the face of adversity, and I must admit their positivity rubs off on me.
I’d encourage everyone to volunteer in any capacity that suits them best and with any charity they’re passionate about. It’s rewarding in so many ways. I’ve learned to appreciate my life, kids, and work, especially after liaising with the families using RMHC services. I’ve learned that happiness and laughter are choices in life, and sometimes, you can improve a person’s day just with a smile.