If you asked Jill to describe Yeronga Community Centre in three words, she’d say: “Helpful, Friendly, Caring.”
Jill first got involved with the centre during the 2011 floods, when she wanted to help locally and support the recovery effort. With thousands of people coming through the doors, the recovery centre needed volunteers and Jill stepped up. She stayed alongside the centre as it moved locations throughout that year, and 15 years later, she’s still here at its permanent home.
Jill has been volunteering at Yeronga Community Centre since 2011, and what keeps her coming back is the people and the sense of purpose. She especially enjoys working in the kitchen, cooking meals for community members who need extra support. “It gets me out of the house and gives me a place to go every day,” Jill says. “The people are so lovely, and it’s nice to have community.”
On a day-to-day basis, you’ll often find Jill cooking meals, chatting with people while they wait to see staff, and being a friendly to familiar face in the open spaces. She plays an important role in creating a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable, seen, and supported.
When asked about her favourite part of being involved at Yeronga, Jill highlights the way the community shows up for one another. The centre provides a meeting place for many different groups, and for people living alone, that connection can make all the difference.
Some of Jill’s most memorable moments at the centre are tied to times of crisis particularly the 2011 and 2018 floods. The 2018 floods stand out, as the community was quick to respond, drawing on lessons learned from 2011. “It was special to see so many people help and get involved so quickly,” she says.
And for anyone thinking about volunteering, Jill’s advice is honest and encouraging:
“Come on down to Yeronga Community Centre. There’s a friendly bunch of people here that make the days so enjoyable. Be ready to work, the work can be intensive sometimes but you’ll make friends along the way. Be kind to everyone who volunteers; we all have a passion for helping and want to make a difference.”