Gerringong’s Joelie Robson was honoured at the Volunteer of the Year awards in the Youth Category, a recognition that highlights her dedication and passion for making a difference in her community. Her journey into volunteering began somewhat serendipitously, yet it has grown into a deep commitment that touches many lives.

Joelie’s volunteering journey began with the local Rural Fire Service (RFS). “I started volunteering with my local RFS to find a way to give back while learning some skills outside of education,” she says. After going straight from school to university, she was searching for something meaningful to do. Little did she know that this initial step would ignite a passion that has only grown stronger over time. “I’m kind of the only person in my family who’s done it, and I’ve just sort of fallen in love with it,” she adds.

The excitement and high-stress environment initially drew Joelie to the RFS. “I also work in hospitality, which is a different kind of high-stress environment but still similar. It was during the 2019-2020 bushfire season that I really kicked myself into doing it. It turns out I’m very good at working under stress,” she reflects. But it’s not just the fires that keep her engaged; being first responders to a wide range of emergencies has deepened her love for the work. “I love being on the frontline,” Joelie shares, highlighting her passion for being directly involved in emergency situations and making a tangible impact.

Joelie’s commitment to volunteering is closely linked to her academic pursuits. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Criminology, and is currently completing her honours year. Her thesis focuses on the barriers to using respiratory protection for volunteer firefighters, a topic that stems directly from her experiences with the RFS. “Social science looks at our relationships with each other, our behaviours, and our decisions, especially under stress,” she explains. This academic interest has evolved into a broader passion for people-centred recovery and emergency preparedness.

Diverse Volunteering Involvements

Joelie’s volunteer work extends far beyond the RFS. She is involved with several organisations, including:

• Rural Fire Service (RFS)
• St. John Ambulance
• Disaster Relief Australia
• Volunteer Rescue Association
• Rio Tinto Global Centre of Excellence (supporting Type 1 diabetics)
• Graduate School of Medicine at UOW (as a simulated patient)

Each of these roles allows Joelie to give back to her community in different ways, and her passion for frontline work is evident in everything she does.

As Joelie continues her honours year, she is also preparing for a new academic adventure in paramedicine. “I’m putting my feet in every sort of avenue and seeing what really fits me,” she says. Her experiences with the RFS and other organisations have shaped her understanding of the importance of both frontline work and research.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed, and she has been encouraged to apply for a Churchill Scholarship to further her studies and gain international experience. Joelie’s commitment to volunteering and her passion for social justice are sure to make a significant impact in the years to come.

Joelie’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of volunteering and the difference one person can make. As she continues to explore new avenues and contribute to her community, she serves as an inspiration to others, particularly young people who may be looking for ways to get involved and give back. Her journey is just beginning, and the future is bright for this passionate volunteer.