Lending a hand

NARRE Warren volunteer Judy Owen knows how good it feels in giving up her time to help others.
It maybe volunteering at the Commonwealth Games or helping local youth through troubled times in her role as a youth referral officer – Judy thrives on doing more than her share of good deeds.
Now the 58-year-old has been rewarded for her impressive dedication with a trip to Qatar for the Asian Games later this month.
Judy was one of only 16 people selected from Australia to help coordinate the volunteers at the Asian Games after she impressed Commonwealth Games officials with her organisation and leadership skills.
The excitement is evident in Judy’s voice as she reels off her role in overseeing the medal presentation for the three-week long event staged in the city of Doha.
“My feet haven’t touched the ground since I found out a few weeks ago that I was going,” Judy said.
“The incredible part is when you look at how many people helped out at the Games and to get selected from that many is great.”
The organising committee will meet all of Judy’s expenses during the Asian Games and there is time scheduled for sightseeing.
But the camaraderie and teamwork between volunteers is what draws Judy to volunteering.
“We will all get along like a house on fire.”
Judy was also keen to push the message of volunteering and highlight how much enjoyment one can gain from giving up just a few hours to help an individual or an organisation.
“It’s all about encouraging people to volunteer. You get together and meet great people and you have incredible experiences when you are volunteering,” she said.