Celebrating Volunteers – Thank You!

As part of Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the everyday heroes who give their time, energy, and heart to serve others.

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We caught up with a few volunteers, to find out why they do what they do.

Ngaire: “I promised God that if I got out of here that I would recommit my life wholly and solely to him,”

One of those volunteers is Ngaire Callaghan — a woman whose story reminds us that sometimes, a quiet promise can change everything.

Ngaire regularly volunteers at Hope 103.2 during appeal, taking phone calls.

“Well, particularly with volunteering for Hope, it actually came out because I made a promise to God,” Ngaire told Hope Mornings’ Ben McEachen this week.

After a difficult time in hospital, she remembers looking up at the sky and making a vow.

Volunteering at Hope 103.2 became one way Ngaire lived out her promise to live “wholly and soley to Him”.

“I promised God that if I got out of here that I would recommit my life wholly and solely to him,” Ngaire said.

Volunteering at Hope 103.2 became one way Ngaire lived out that promise, and with a gift for conversation and compassion, she found her place among the team.

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“I like speaking on the phone… I like talking to people… That’s one avenue that I can do what I promised,” she said of taking calls during Hope Appeal.

But her service quickly became more than a task.

“I love the environment… I love the people—they’re family now.”

With a gift for conversation and compassion, she found her place easily among the team.

It’s a community of encouragement and shared faith, and for Ngaire, it’s been life-giving.

She also sees volunteering as a way of giving back.

“What I got out of that was I just felt I was giving back to the community that was supporting our boys,” she says, referring to a time when her own family needed help.

Volunteer Week is a reminder that these small acts of service ripple outwards.

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

“The one little action that you do creates a ripple effect that can trigger something off in somebody else or even within yourself,” Ngaire said to anyone considering volunteering.

And she’s clear about what matters most: “Volunteering is not our monetary work… it is anything that we can give—time, our talent, and obviously our treasure.”

Through all of it, her faith is central.

“My life is more than where I am at the moment… God’s got a purpose for me… God’s got bigger plans for us.”

Stuart: “Prayer provides the power to build others up”

As part of the Hope 103.2 prayer team, Stuart prays for the team here at Hopeland as well as our listeners, and any specific prayer needs which are sent through.

“I am part of the prayer team as I’m in a constant state of prayer, and always trying to help others,” he told Brittany Garcia from Community Relations.

“Prayer is relationship, communicating, understanding, learning, sharing, being close to God.”

“It’s difficult to write that, as it sounds like I’m trying to build myself up.

“But prayer, which is relationship with God, provides the power to build others up.

“Prayer is just that – relationship, communicating, understanding, learning, sharing, being close to God.”

Rosemary: “Volunteering isn’t just for special people”

When Rosemary arrived in Australia 26 years ago, she was new, alone, and adjusting to a different life.

Instead of waiting to feel settled, she saw an ad asking for volunteers to visit lonely people — and said yes.

I’m “a lonely person visiting another lonely person,” she told Ben McEachen.

The decision to serve was the start of a lifelong habit.

“Love your neighbour as yourself,” she quotes as the foundation for everything she does.

From helping strangers in hospitals to flipping sausages for breast cancer awareness, Rosemary gives her time — not because she has extra, but because she sees a need.

Her approach is simple: just act; whether it’s giving $11 for parking, moving a neighbour’s bin, or chatting with someone who seems down, Rosemary believes anyone can volunteer — not just the naturally generous.

As a Christian, her faith drives her.

“Love your neighbour as yourself,” she quotes as the foundation for everything she does.

Listen to Rosemary’s conversation with Ben in the player above.

But she’s quick to point out that volunteering doesn’t require a title, a program, or a platform. It’s the everyday kindness we often overlook.

Whether it’s stacking dishes at work or giving someone a lift, Rosemary reminds us that we all have something to give.

And in giving, we don’t just help others — we often find joy, purpose, and even opportunity ourselves.

Rosemary is a Multicultural Liaison Officer with NSW Police, has an Order of Australia Medal and was named 2021’s Australian of the Year awards Local Hero.

Listen to Rosemary’s conversation with Ben in the player above.

Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron: “Volunteering is a two-way street”

Rev Stu says he is constantly amazed at the dedication and compassion of volunteers, and particularly the 1000+ people who volunteer with Wesley Mission.

“Volunteering at Wesley Mission is a two-way street — while our volunteers give of their time and skills they also receive the joy of making a difference in someone’s life,” he said.

“Every volunteer is a catalyst for change, whether they’re offering a listening ear, sharing life skills, or simply being there for someone who needs support.”

“Our volunteers save Wesley Mission millions of dollars in service costs.”

Rev Cameron says the impact of volunteers extends far beyond the people they directly support.

“Our volunteers save Wesley Mission millions of dollars in service costs however their true value is measured in the profound, life-giving impact they make.

“A few hours a week can transform lives—both for the people we serve and for the volunteers themselves.”

If you’re interested in exploring volunteer opportunities at Hope 103.2, we’d love to hear from you!

From all of us here at Hope 103.2, thank you to everyone who volunteers their time and skill. You are appreciated!

Images: all photos supplied and used with permission.