Stephanie Gould: Nowras covergirl volunteer
Australians are world-renowned for their community spirit, good nature and willingness to lend a helping hand when it's needed most. These qualities are being proudly recognised by Sensis on the cover of the Nowra Yellow™ and White Pages® directory, which this year features Stephanie Gould from Nowra, a volunteer with more than 10 years service to the community.
Stephanie is a shining example of this year's cover theme Champions of our Community and, when nominated by the local Nowra community, she was humbled to learn of being selected to feature on the cover. Recognition for more than 10 years service to the local community has really touched Stephanie and her family and she feels proud to be an ambassador for community volunteering.
Stephanie has been a volunteer at David Berry Hospital since the age of seven. The hospital specialises in rehabilitation and palliative care and having a grandmother who worked as a diversional therapist gave her the chance to work with stroke patients who needed help with learning to use their limbs again. Stephanie saw these times as fun and enjoyed chatting with patients as she helped them to heal. At age 14, Stephanie became the youngest member of the hospital's Volunteer Auxiliary. Working as a volunteer gave her the inspiration to study nursing.
Stephanie recently received a $2,000 State Government grant during NSW Youth Week to implement an anti-racism/community harmony project within the Nowra community. She has worked with the local council for nine months to implement new programs at the Nowra Youth Centre and has upgraded the centre's programs with the funds.
The programs include Cooking and Lifestyle which involves classes for young people, especially young mothers living on their own. It teaches simple cooking, craft and other home economics classes. Another program, Label Free Youth, enables young gay and lesbian members of the community to gather in a non-discriminatory environment.
Stephanie also helps out at the Berry Country Women's Association (CWA), where she is the only youth representative. Stephanie was awarded the 2006 Shoalhaven Young Citizen of the Year Award for her extensive volunteer work.
The future for Stephanie is exciting with her current traineeship in Aged Care Nursing with the Illawarra Retirement Trust. She plans to nurse in the UK and she really enjoys being known as the covergirl on theNowra Yellow™ and White Pages® directory!
"Nowra is a tightknit community, so to be recognised on the front cover of the Nowra Yellow™ and White Pages® directory is a real honour," Stephanie said. "I really appreciate the opportunity to step forward and represent such a progressive and vibrant community that draws life and inspiration from its heritage, the land and its generous people."Did Stephanie inspire you to volunteer? Find out how you can become a volunteer.