Our Community, Our Volunteers

Students build confidence through hands-on learning

By Hailey Wight

May 15, 2026

Students at Gowrie Street Primary School with cook Chelsea Smith and Lighthouse volunteer coordinator Belinda Senini. Photo by Contributed

THE GREATER SHEPPARTON LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT IS CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT HANDS-ON LEARNING AND HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

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Whether you love cooking, reading, woodworking or tinkering, your experience could help school students across Greater Shepparton build confidence and real-world skills.

At Gowrie St and Mooroopna Park, volunteers are currently helping prepare healthy snacks and lunches for students each day.

One of the volunteers, Rosey Kilmartin, said she wanted to feel like she was doing something worthwhile.

“Volunteering has been amazing, I am way more confident than I was at the beginning,” Rosey said.

“Getting out of the house, socialising, making new friends, and feeling valued is giving me a purpose at my stage in life.”

Other volunteers work alongside students in hands-on learning programs, assisting with woodwork, bike repairs and practical learning projects.

These programs allow students to develop skills outside the classroom, with the encouragement and guidance from volunteers, improving their engagement, confidence and wellbeing.

Volunteer Peter Sexton helps students with hands-on learning projects.

“Some young people I’ve met get upset if things don’t go right,” Peter said.

“I feel like I'm helping guide them through dealing with imperfections.

"Whenever I see them on the street, they remember me and have a chat, which is nice,” he said.

The Lighthouse Project welcomes volunteers who enjoy cooking, in classroom reading support, woodworking, tinkering, or working with their hands.

People who are handy with basic tools such as drills and hand saws, and who enjoy mentoring young people, are encouraged to get involved.

Volunteer coordinator Belinda Senini said volunteers had given almost 20,000 hours to young people across Greater Shepparton through Lighthouse programs.

“I love watching the volunteers build connections with our community and finding meaningful ways to give back,” Belinda said.

“Without them, we could not do what we do.”

Individuals, community groups, and workplaces looking to give back to the local community are all welcome to inquire.

All volunteers are required to hold a current Working with Children Check and Police Check.

Some schools may have additional requirements, however, the Lighthouse Project’s staff support volunteers throughout the process to ensure a smooth and welcoming introduction.

Anyone interested in volunteering or wishing to learn more can email volunteer coordinator Belinda Senini at bsenini@gslp.com.au or visit www.gslp.com.au/people/our-volunteers.

– HAILEY WIGHT