Volunteering ACT

It’s refugee week.

We are sharing more words from Kent, as he’s worked closely with so many refugees. This is what he said...

‘Working with refugees has taught me about resilience.

I’m a volunteer at the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Service. I’ve been helping there since I retired in 2009.

In Australia we live in a very prosperous world. It’s an organised, safe, environment for most, and we don’t appreciate just how well off we really are.

I've learnt to understand how tough life can be for a lot of people who have come from dreadful circumstances. Many have suffered terrible discrimination and danger before coming here.

Refugees have a lot of experiences, knowledge, and different cultures that can enrich your life. And all of these people coming to Canberra want to contribute in some way, shape, or form. We should give them the opportunity!

I welcome refugees. We have a lot to learn from them.’



[Image description: A man with white hair clasps his hands on the desk before him and smiles warmly at the camera. He's in an office with another desk and a door behind him and some white tulips and a laptop are at the edge of frame.]

Today is World Food Safety Day. The theme this year is ‘from burden to solutions – safe food everywhere’. 🌍️

Nearly 100 Canberra families go without food every day, according to the VolunteeringACT survey of Canberra food relief service providers 2025. As the cost of living crisis deepens, a growing number of families are turning to local food pantries, but many are finding that there is not enough help available.

VolunteeringACT’s survey results come on the back of the 2025 OzHarvest Community Needs Survey, which showed that in Canberra, the number of people requesting food support for the first time was 37% of visitors — the highest rate in the country.

Food pantries rely upon donations to keep shelves stocked. With more people accessing food services, food pantries need your help.

Here’s how you can help!

🕛️ Donate time: Give a few hours of your time to help out a local food pantry or food relief service provider.

💰️ Donate money: Your financial donation will put food in the hands of hungry Canberrans. Every dollar is greatly appreciated.

🍞 Donate items: Place some extra non-perishable items in your trolley and donate them directly to your community food pantry.

You can read the survey results, policy submissions and our reports on this issue here: https://volunteeringact.org.au/food-relief-network/