Volunteering NQ names Jarah Scarsi volunteer of 2024

Volunteering NQ has made the difficult choice to pick the winners of this year’s volunteer awards. See all the winners here.

Jarrah Scarsi

Townsville’s volunteer of the year has been working with Happy Feat for more than a decade to “enrich the lives of others, challenge their abilities, and provide uncomplicated achievement”.

Jarrah Scarsi was awarded the gong at last night’s Volunteering North Queensland awards, with the dancer and choreographer named a winner alongside youth volunteer of the year, Conor Harley, lifetime contribution to volunteering winner Sandra Carter, excellence in volunteering management winner James “Jim” Besgrove and community impact award winner Happy Feet.

Ms Scarsi has managed to adapt and change to her environment, ensuring people of varying abilities are included and adapting her teaching methods to make sure everyone can participate.

During the Covid-19 pandemic Ms Scarsi developed online tutorials, and dance-along videos to keep dancers engaged.

Her work extends beyond dance, fostering personal growth, community bonds, and enhancing the wellbeing of participants.

Ms Scarsi’s work fosters creativity, self-expression and physical fitness within the community.

“Jarrah’s tireless efforts have left a lasting and positive impact, making her an exceptional candidate for the Volunteer of the Year award,” her nomination says.

“Her work enriches the lives of its members and magnifies the outcomes for the group beyond a single individual’s capability. She truly is an enabler of joy, achievement, self-worth, and belonging.

“She has a skill that can be used to enrich the lives of others, challenge their abilities, and provide uncomplicated achievement.”

Conor Harley, 22, has been named the youth volunteer of the year. Picture: Emily Devon

Youth volunteer of the year: Conor Harley

Mr Harley is a dedicated volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities. He has been involved with the organisation since 2017 through Southern Cross Catholic College school work experience program.

Mr Harley helps around the house doing deliveries, picking up items and helping ensure the operation runs smoothly.

“His hard work and selflessness are evident in his willingness to undertake any task necessary,” his nomination says.

Sandra Carter

Lifetime contribution to volunteering: Sandra Carter

Ms Carter has been a scout leader since 1967, dedicating 57 years to Scouts Australia.

In 2019, she joined Ronald McDonald House Charity North Australia, where she has served for 9 years. As a former teacher’s ad, Ms Carter took on the role of “Learning Legends” at RMHC, which helps children and families with learning, crafts and fun activities twice a week.

She has also trained and mentored many volunteers over the years.

Jim Besgrove

Excellence in volunteer management: James “Jim” Besgrove

Mr Besgrove has been managing volunteers since 2006, and has contributed a minimum of 152 hours a month with the Rural Fire Service.

He has been instrumental in modernising the brigades and ensuring the effective service delivery for a safer Queensland community.

As the Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland delegate, he listens to concerns, provides guidance and advocates at organisational and political levels.

His initiatives include welfare cube for firefighting crews in remote locations, a capability that was not previously existent with the Townsville area.

Mr Besgrove is the first volunteer in Queensland to take on level 3 incident training, putting him in a select group of personnel.

“Currently, with the Area Director’s assistance, Jim is focused on finding suitable roles for those unable to be operational firefighters, thereby contributing meaningfully to the organisation,” his nomination said.

The community impact award went to Happy Feat

Community impact award: Happy Feet

Happy Feat Townsville was established in 2010 and is a dance group for individuals with special needs.

The group aims to integrate individuals with disabilities into the community through dance, offering tailored tuition and promoting public awareness of disabilities.

Members of the group face various challenges including acquired brain injuries, down syndrome, autism, aspergers, and Charcot Marie Tooth Disease.

Happy Feet fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment through weekly dance sessions and regular performances at community events.

Earlier this year the group made a video ahead of international superstar P!nk’s concerts in Townsville.

Originally published as Volunteering NQ names Jarah Scarsi volunteer of 2024