Volunteering
These four women have found the secret to fulfilment
About five million Australians take part in volunteering activities and find they get as much as they give.
- by Dilvin Yasa
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Wildlife
WIRES risks mass exodus as internal warfare comes to a head
Australia’s largest and richest wildlife rescue charity has introduced a structural change that lessens oversight of what remains of the $100 million raised during the Black Summer bushfires and curtails the rights of volunteers.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Red tape’s strangling volunteering – creating more casualties than you’d think
Bureaucracy is making it ever more difficult to lend a hand – to the detriment of willing helpers as well as those in need.
- by Alan Attwood
‘I haven’t joined to preside over its decline’: Red Cross chief on charity’s future
A key challenge facing Andrew Colvin as he joins the Red Cross is how to replenish ageing volunteer ranks from younger generations.
- by Deborah Snow
At just 19 she’s one of Perth’s most celebrated volunteers. Here’s what she loves most
This week’s perspective comes from a young woman who has packed more into her life before 20 than some manage in a lifetime. Prepare to be inspired by her outlook.
- by Maisara Muzaffar
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Heritage
Ray of hope for beach shack owners in the Royal National Park
The beach communities at Little Garie, Era and Burning Palms in Australia’s oldest national park are heritage listed. Their licences expire in March 2027, and the government is yet to decide what happens after that.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Sydney’s undercover wartime lookout post reopens after ‘labour of love’
An abandoned, empty and crumbling military base will be opened to the public after a two-year restoration project.
- by Tim Barlass
Cocaine, porn, plastic bottles: What’s left behind on Sydney’s beaches
Roland Davies spent his life savings trying to clean up Sydney’s beaches with free coffees and a fire truck called Trish.
- by Andrew Taylor
Investigation
Governance
Freemason halls brought members together, now they’re tearing the organisation apart
Expulsions and conflict have beset the fraternal organisation as it looks for a way to survive amid diving membership numbers.
- by Charlotte Grieve
Alfred isn’t an easy house guest. But rescuers are racing to bring more wildlife home from fires
Firefighters have saved lives and towns across Victoria, but the race is now on to rescue wildlife hit hard in burnt forests, including vulnerable koalas.
- by Sherryn Groch
Busy parents could mean the death of the beloved school canteen
The traditional tuckshop lunch is in peril as schools face declining volunteer numbers, with some struggling to operate canteens and others forced to outsource help.
- by Hannah Kennelly
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/volunteering-jao