Meet the Roma volunteers generously giving their time
Meet the many faces generously volunteering their time to keep Roma ticking. Here’s their remarkable stories.
Community News
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The Roma community is filled with many selfless residents who sacrifice their time and energy for the benefit of others.
To celebrate their tireless efforts, we’ve listed some of the region’s hard working volunteers.
In no particular order, keep reading to see who made our list.
David Hickey
First on our list is long time rugby union volunteer David Hickey who has dedicated his time to coaching, managing and sitting on various community committees across the region.
Mr Hickey, who has held numerous executive positions since the age of 18, has represented regional areas as a rugby administrator at a state level.
“I have been involved in rugby since I was 11 when I learnt to play at TSS, playing in the A’s right through school.” he said.
“I have coached and managed school, junior and open teams from under-12 right through to Open A Grade sides, and I was fortunate enough to be selected to coach the Queensland Country U19 side.
“Though I do very much appreciate the support and recognition I am given within the club for my efforts, I do get a little embarrassed as I can never find the words that I would deem sufficient to demonstrate my appreciation.
“I volunteer for the satisfaction it gives me, of seeing others enjoying themselves.”
Mr Hickey’s altruistic nature goes farther than rugby union, and includes Roma’s notorious Easter in the Country festival.
“Whatever the organisation and the activity, nearly all the organisations I volunteer for facilitate the provision for enjoyment for others through entertainment of some description, whether it be the rugby, Easter in the Country and any of the others I become involved with on an adhoc basis,” he said.
“Having said that, I would like to say that for me it is all about giving back, and paying forward.
“Put me in a round room and I will have fun. I have had a lot of fun and enjoyment in my life.
“I do not consider the time I spent doing these activities as work.”
Mr Hickey said what he loved most about volunteering was learning new things and working hard to see a plan come to fruition.
“Throughout all of this, I have been fortunate to meet a lot of people, people I am very grateful to have met, people who have become my dearest friends and part of my rugby family,” he said.
Tamsyn Sward
Despite only moving to Roma in the pas year, avid volunteer Tamsyn Sward has already created positive change within the community.
Wanting a change of scenery, Ms Sward made the move from Brisbane to the country and now plays a big role in preventing period poverty in southwest Queensland.
In her volunteer role with Share the Dignity, she collects personal hygiene and feminine period products donated throughout the year and distributes them to local organisations and schools registered with the charity.
“My job is to go in and check how much has been collected, count it all, log it on the website and distribute,” she said.
“It’s all about trying to prevent period poverty, and we even have Mum and Bub bags designed for women fleeing domestic violence or new mums who don’t have what they need.”
Ms Sward said her favourite thing about volunteering is all the connections she’s made with people.
“You can’t say you know a place until you make connections with people - volunteering does that,” she said.
“I recently started going to Pinaroo (aged care home) and visiting the residents, say hello, talk to them and spend a bit of time with them.
“They’re very opening and welcoming and happy to have someone visit the residents, it’s important to make connections and if half an hour of my time chatting to an older person who’s lonely and struggling helps them, that’s a good thing.”
Ms Sward’s biggest piece of advice to people thinking about volunteering is to reach out to local community organisations.
“There’s a lot of opportunities available in Roma and you don’t know where it’s going to lead you, you’ll make friends and meet people,” she said.
“It’s not hard to do, it’s a matter of being available and a lot of places are flexible - you don’t have to go all the time or spend hours there.”
St John’s year 3-12 students
St John’s students from years 3 -12 volunteer each week in a variety of ways.
A large group of students visit Pinaroo nursing home, where they interact and enjoy games with the residents.
Another group of students host an afternoon tea at school for Roma residents called ‘Tea and Talk’. During this time, they share afternoon tea and enjoy a range of activities bridging the gap between generations in Roma.
Students also volunteer on weekly to provide a cooked breakfast to residents of the Vincentian Village, offer interaction and develop new relationships.
“Volunteering to help others is central to the Sisters of Mercy charism at St John’s school and is what living the Spirit of St John’s looks like in action,” St John’s business manager Belinda Hayward said.
Helen Dillon
Chief steward of horticulture Helen Dillon said what she loved most about dedicating her time to the Roma Show Society was getting more kids involved.
This year she oversaw the creation of a new junior category - the seedpod animal creations, which was hugely successful.
Ms Dillon said despite all the volunteers’ hard work, they’re always looking for more people to put their hand up.
“A lot of people want to help but don’t know how, even if it means people come and help us set up the grandstands,” she said.
Alanah Ladbrook
Fourth generation Roma Show member and competitor Alanah Ladbrook has spent two years in the top job as president of the society.
“This is my second year as president. I have in the past served as secretary of the Maranoa Branch of the Stockhorse Society and chief instructor, treasurer and president at both Roma and Injune Pony Clubs,” she said.
Niomie Corkett
Many readers may recognise Niomie Corkett, who is known for her role as senior pastor alongside her husband at Heartchurch Roma.
In this role, Ms Corkett co-ordinates Mainly Music which connects mothers, women and families with events and ladies’ nights.
Ms Corkett has also dedicated her time to Eva’s Place which provides free mentoring, counselling and support services as well as being the community and ministry manager for the Roma Salvation Army.
Angela Prenzler
Collection queen for Share The Dignity, a charity that fights against period poverty, Angela Prenzler gathers women’s sanitary products to give to those in need.
Your say:
Jennifer Berryman
“Jennifer contributes to the Roma Community by giving her valued time and volunteering every week to help out at our Local Vinnies store. She is thoughtful and compassionate. Helps out with all aspects of the sale of goods which in turn helps to make a profit to fund and assist out locals with services and much needed programs. Thank you Jennifer.” - Kieren Coulahan
Stephanie Sando
“Stephanie Sando the Show Secretary. Paid for a tenth of work she does, volunteers the rest. Above and beyond.” - Alanah Ladbrook
Sarah Holt
“She is super mum in my eyes, I honestly don’t know how she does it. She’s an inspiration to me. A hard working mum, who also gives her valuable time up to help/work on numerous committees and does a great job at that. Sarah has my vote!” - Bel Ricketts
“Sarah Holt is definitely the super mum of Roma I’d say - pony club, camp drafts, on all the committees and wrangle three kids. And stay sane!” - Jessie Townsend
“She is totally dedicated to her work and all committees she is a part of. Nothing is ever too much. I am grateful to have her as a sounding board and friend.” - Jessica Cosh
She volunteers not only in just Roma, but many towns across the southwest including Dalby.
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