Celebrating the Heart Behind Our Volunteers 

International Volunteer Managers Day – 5 November 

Every great volunteer program has something special at its core – an inspiring leader, a guiding voice, and a whole lot of heart. On International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay), celebrated globally on 5 November, we take a moment to recognise the incredible individuals who nurture, inspire, and empower our volunteers right across the National Trust of Australia (Queensland). 

This annual event, established in 1999, honours the profession of volunteer leadership and celebrates those who make it all possible - our Volunteer Managers. Their leadership ensures our programs thrive, our heritage sites stay alive with community spirit, and our wildlife conservation work continues to make a difference for generations to come. 

Across our organisation, dedicated Volunteer Managers are leading boldly with compassion, creativity, and courage - from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to Zara Clark Museum, the Royal Bull’s Head Inn and to every heritage property. Each one brings their own unique blend of experience and heart to the role. 

At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Helen Knight and Ashleigh Snow lead large and passionate volunteer teams that keep the Sanctuary flourishing. Helen believes that bold leadership means inspiring others to “think creatively and not be afraid to push boundaries,” helping volunteer programs evolve and stay resilient. Ashleigh echoes this, saying that bold volunteer management is about putting people at the centre of everything. 

Over at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Renata Cascaes and Gayle Morris guide volunteers who work alongside the veterinary team to raise funds and care for thousands of sick and injured native animals each year. Their work behind the scenes ensures that every volunteer feels confident and supported as they help deliver life-saving care. 

Gayle sharing her proudest moment as a volunteer manager was during the devastating Christmas storms of 2023, the volunteer team showed extraordinary dedication and heart. Despite widespread power outages and communication blackouts, including at the Wildlife Hospital, countless volunteers arrived to help care for the influx of injured and displaced wildlife. They adapted to every challenge - taking on unfamiliar roles, working extended shifts, delivering food and water, washing soiled hospital linen at home, and even helping transfer hours of handwritten records back into the system once power returned. Their selflessness and teamwork during one of our toughest times made it one of the proudest moments to lead such a passionate, committed group of people. 

In regional Queensland, Sharon Kinnear at the Royal Bull’s Head Inn leads with strength and inclusion, building a volunteer team that’s both passionate and proud. Her bold leadership helped the Inn secure second place in the Carnival of Flowers’ “Not for Profit” Garden Competition - an achievement she credits entirely to her volunteers’ dedication and pride in their site. 

At the Zara Clark Museum, Cindy Dunlop describes her leadership not as bold but dedicated. “The volunteering landscape has changed so much,” she reflects. “Having dedicated leadership shows our volunteers that we’re serious about the future of our group and gives potential new volunteers confidence that they’re signing up to something lasting.” Her best advice? “Become an extended family - enjoy the long chats and morning teas!” 

From heritage sites and museums to our wild heart at Currumbin, every Volunteer Manager across NTAQ plays a vital role in connecting people with purpose. Their leadership ensures that every volunteer experience is safe, meaningful, and full of opportunity - helping others build skills, confidence, and community. 

This International Volunteer Managers Day, we say thank you to all our Volunteer Managers leading boldly with heart across our organisation. 

Your work doesn’t just keep our programs running, it keeps our communities thriving.