We are thrilled to announce that Denise White, Chair of the South East Queensland Area Advisory Group (AAG), has been formally recognised as a volunteer who inspires others to enrich their community.
Each year, Angie Bell MP, Federal Member for Moncrieff, Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Shadow Minister for Youth, hosts the Central Gold Coast (Moncrieff) Volunteer Awards. These awards honour Gold Coast locals for the significant work they do.
This year, the spotlight shines on Denise.
Reflecting on her volunteering journey Denise shared:
Volunteering has always been a part of my life, inspired by my family’s deep connection to community service. My parents were dedicated to ensuring my sister’s independence and wellbeing, which naturally led our family to become actively involved with Endeavour Foundation.
“From a young age, I was part of fundraising events and community activities, like Working Bees, where we would trim trees and mow lawns. It was our way of getting to know my sister’s friends and her community.
“My first independent volunteer role was at the Gold Coast Show, where I sold soft drinks to raise money for Endeavour Foundation.
“As I retired, I became more involved in the committee side of things, which led me to join Endeavour Foundation as a volunteer and eventually take on the role of Chair of the Area Advisory Group.”
When asked about her nomination for the Central Gold Coast (Moncrieff) Volunteer Award Denise expressed, “Being nominated is truly an honour. I was shocked and humbled to be recognised for something I love doing. It motivates me to continue this important work.
One of my proudest achievements was advocating for a safer pathway near my sister’s home. She lived with her friends for 30 years and over time the path near her home became unsafe with cracks and potholes, especially for those with accessibility issues. I worked with the Gold Coast Council to create a beautiful, wide and accessible path that is now friendly for people with walking support needs or in wheelchairs.
She also offered these words of encouragement for anyone interested in volunteering:
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do. If you’re thinking about it, just take that first step. The impact you can have, no matter how small, is immeasurable. It’s not about making a huge difference all at once – it’s about seeing a need and doing something to help, for the benefit of others.
Looking ahead, Denise shared, “I plan to continue my work as Chair of the Endeavour Foundation Area Advisory Group and explore new ways to support our community. There’s always more to be done and I’m eager to be part of it.”
We are grateful to Denise for her unwavering dedication and selfless contributions over the years to our organisation. Her relentless efforts have not only enriched the lives of our community members but also ignited a spark in others to join hands and effect change. Denise’s passion and commitment have left an enduring legacy, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Her work continues to be a shining example of the impact one person can make through compassion and a sense of purpose.
Visit our website to learn more about our Area Advisory Groups across our service regions. You can also visit our Fundraising and Grants intranet page for ways you can get involved.
Our Fundraising team is always on the lookout for #TeamPossible volunteers for events and fundraising initiatives throughout the year. If you’re interested in volunteering, please email the team at [email protected]. They would love to connect with you! 🙌
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