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Meet Katie
Conversations with a super star
Katie has always wanted to volunteer, but with full time work and three kids, how do you find the time?!
We talked about how she got involved in Sustainable Neighbourhoods and how it brings a sense of community and a way to do good in the world. “I’d never done volunteering. I’ve always meant to though. I wanted to become more involved in the community – it was on the to do list.”
“I work full time and have 3 kids, so haven’t got that much time.” “When my family and I had just moved back to the Lake Macquarie area, a flyer appeared in the letterbox, advertising the start of the Five Bays Sustainable Neighbourhood. I thought ‘This is it - This is what I’m going to do!’.”
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Katie, second from left, at the Lake Mac community owned renewable project launch
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“I was a bit worried at first that I wouldn’t be able to contribute. Now that I’m here, I think ‘Why haven’t I been doing this for ages?’”
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Katie says being involved with the Five Bays Sustainable Neighbourhood has really broadened her thinking. “I’m learning a lot about community and sustainability. It’s great to learn from other members who have lots of experience.”
“I didn’t know there was so much going on already. The group is a great conduit into all the good work people are doing. It made me realise how active a lot of people are in the community.”
“Sustainable Neighbourhoods is such a great way for people like me who aren’t sure where to start and a great place to get involved.” |
Enjoying a visit to Council's Green Waste Facility at Awaba, along with a group from Aspire Supported Holidays.
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Katie has been a member since the group was established in 2018, and is grateful for the people she’s met. “I think it’s just spending the time with like-minded people. The other group members are such genuine, caring people, and are a pleasure to be around.”
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Christmas celebration with the rest of the Five Bays team
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“You know, it’s the best pick me up after work – knowing that I can get together with like-minded people, and that we are doing good in the world.”
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“Everyone can contribute what they can. You don’t need to be at every meeting or event. You can just come when you can, and chip away at little projects. It’s better than doing nothing.”
“I enjoyed being a part of the Living Smart Festival. We got to meet with Sustainable Neighbourhood members from all around the City, and had some great interactions with the public. I met one lady whose husband had just moved into an aged care home, and she was a little sad and lost. The opportunity to chat made us both feel good, and provided that sense of community.”
“Another huge highlight for me was having a stall at Council’s screening of the 2040 film. Damon Gameau the director came up and introduced himself, to say that the work we’re doing is really important! That was great!”
“I think Sustainable Neighbourhoods is a great example of ‘think global, act local’. Its sounds like a cliché, but it’s key. We may not be able to change the whole world (yet), but you can contribute in your community.”
“If you’re thinking about getting involved, just do it! Come to a meeting, and see what it’s all about.” |
Enjoying a group social gathering on the Lake
A visit to Centennial Coal to learn about the water quality treatment process
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