IT might not be his dream job, but for Richard Powell-Morley working as a volunteer at Westvale Community Centre in St Albans is a step closer.
The 24-year-old Kings Park resident performs a range of tasks such as data entry at the centre.
He told the Weekly it’s helping him gain the experience required to embark on a career in the IT industry. Although he has a diploma in computing, Mr Powell-Morley has struggled to find full-time work since arriving in Australia from Wales in January last year. Working as a ‘virtual volunteer’ had helped him build relationships in the community.
“I help design the centre’s newsletter and program flyers and do computer presentations for events like Brimbank Council’s annual volunteers ceremony. It’s a lot of fun and gets my creative side going. I’ve got to know people locally and one day I hope it might help me get some paid work.”
Mr Powell-Morley is one of 326 council-registered volunteers who perform a range of jobs, such as weekly phone calls to elderly residents or people with a disability, to ensure they have social contact. He urged other residents to sign up as volunteers. “It’s a good way to broaden your horizons and it can open doors to employment.”
Details: 92494789.
