Volunteer Profiles

      

There is no such thing as a "typical volunteer". However, all ABV Volunteers are Australians, or Australian residents; all are qualified and have extensive and recent experience in their particular fields of expertise. Most importantly, all ABV Volunteers must possess the ability to train others and possess certain "core competencies". These include:

• Flexibility
• Communication
• Cross cultural sensitivity
• Facilitation, coaching, mentoring
• Managing activities including difficult situations and reporting
• Adaptability
• Managing time
• Rapport building

Click here for a more in-depth look at the skills required.

ABV Volunteers are skilled professionals, business and trades people who share their knowledge freely. All ABV Volunteers have a minimum of 5 to 10 years experience in their fields. People with qualifications (such as recent graduates) who do NOT have at least 5 years professional experience should consider applying to other agencies targeted towards younger Volunteers. While they receive no remuneration from ABV or its clients, all costs associated with assignments are covered, including flights, insurance, visas, accommodation, and a daily living allowance to cover food, transport and incidentals.

So there is no "typical" ABV Volunteer - meet some of our previous professionals below to get a sense of the many kinds of Volunteers who are registered with us:

• 

  Mike Dredge

  Born: 1947
  Skills: Marine biologist (retired)
  Experience: 30 years in fisheries and aquaculture
  Lives: Narangba, Queensland
  Assignments in: Tonga, Indonesia, PNG
  Quote: "I retired early and did not intend to spend my time polishing lawn bowls. I've always been a keen traveller and wanted to find a way to use my work experience and love of travel - so overseas volunteering was a win-win."

• 

  Stuart Andrews

  Volunteer: Stuart Andrews
  Born: 1960
  Skills: Zoo Keeper
  Experience: 15 years
  Lives: Perth, Western Australia
  Assignments in: Philippines, Indonesia
  Quote: "I always loved travel and found overseas experience enriching. [As volunteers] we feel we are changing people's lives - equipping them with skills they can use forever."

• 

  Sue Goodman

  Born:1946
  Skills: Home Economist (retired)
  Experience: 28 years
  Lives: Junction Hill, New South Wales
  Assignments in: Philippines
  Quote: "I really found [that I made] a small but significant difference in the lives of these wonderful people."

• 

  Sandy Hudd

  Born: 1952
  Skills: Social worker, International Development Consultant
  Experience: 32 years long term management positions; humanitarian aid in Cambodia and Kosovo
  Lives: Maleny, Queensland
  Assignments in: Indonesia, Thailand
  Quote: "I wanted to continue long-term stints overseas but didn't want the pressure of consultancy work. (ABV volunteering) is worthwhile work, interesting, and I feel I can make a contribution."

• 

  (Mr) Val Sutherland

  Born: 1937
  Skills: TAFE teacher - Trades
  Experience: 56 years (retired)
  Lives: Belmont, Victoria
  Assignments in: Vanuatu, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia
  Quote: Val comments on building a large playground system at the National Rehabilitation Centre and Orphanage Centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia - "The reward from this activity was the smiles on the faces of the children at the Centre when the playground was completed."

• 

  Fred Cook

  Born: 1937
  Skills: Education Management & Fundraising
  Experience: 48 years
  Lives: Bangor, New South Wales
  Assignments in: Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, Nauru, Fiji
  Quote: "One thing I've discovered about volunteering in developing countries is that it often feels like you're learning more from the people you're helping, than you're actually teaching them! In that respect the process enriches your own life tremendously."

• 

  Felix Riedweg

  Born: 1942
  Skills: Architect & Urban Planning
  Experience: 38 years
  Lives: North Ward, Queensland
  Assignments in: Indonesia, Cambodia, Samoa, Cook Islands
  Quote: "I am convinced that ABV is a good program, so whenever I am asked, I just say yes. Every assignment is worthwhile."

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Volunteer:

Inspired to use your skills to make a difference on an overseas volunteering project? Click here to submit your application now!