Young Hands, Big Impact: Carter Shows the Power of Youth Volunteering in the Barwon South West
As the cost of living continues to place pressure on families across Greater Geelong, organisations like Geelong Foodshare have become an essential backbone of community support. Each year, Foodshare helps provide more than 2.5 million meals through a network of over 70 frontline agencies and programs, a remarkable effort powered by a dedicated volunteer workforce.
Among them is Carter, a young Geelong local whose commitment, curiosity and genuine care for others show just how much young people have to offer through volunteering.
Carter first found his way into Foodshare through an unlikely source: a night with the Scouts. “A fellow scout who was also a Foodshare volunteer organised an activity,” he explains. “It made me think about volunteering the following year for school.” His brother Hudson had also volunteered at Foodshare during his VM program at school, giving Carter a sense of the organisation’s impact before he’d even stepped through the door.
What he didn’t expect was how quickly he’d feel at home. “My first impressions were that it was a very welcoming environment,” he recalls. “I quickly felt like part of the team.” When his school program finished, Carter didn’t hesitate to return. “I decided to keep volunteering during school breaks because it was enjoyable, and gave me something to do outside of the rest of my life,” he says. “I liked the idea that I was making a small contribution to helping my community.”
In the warehouse, Carter learned fast. He spent his shifts sorting fresh fruit and vegetables from delivery trucks, unloading items, operating the cardboard crusher, helping out in the freezer, moving pallets and assisting wherever needed. “I’ve learned many new skills,” he says. “Stock rotation and management, the use of lifting equipment, and much more about those struggling with food insecurity in our local community. I believe this makes me a more empathetic person.”
What he didn’t expect to enjoy so much was the intergenerational nature of the volunteer team. “I loved the environment at Foodshare,” he says. “I love chatting with people of all ages.” The camaraderie became one of the main reasons he kept coming back. “The work is rewarding, but what kept me coming back was the feeling of community within the team.”
There were proud moments along the way too, including being nominated for Youth Volunteer of the Year, an honour that meant a lot to him. But for Carter, the impact is personal and immediate. “I love that I am able to have a small impact to help people who are struggling,” he says. “It is a privilege to help.”
Volunteering has even shaped how he sees community life. “I believe that if we can, everyone should try to contribute to their community,” he says. “It can be difficult to find the time, I know everyone is super busy, but it’s very rewarding and well worth doing.” His mum also volunteers weekly at the Little Teapot Café in Lara, a tradition of giving back that clearly runs in the family.
Carter is aware that young people sometimes underestimate what they can offer. “Traditionally I think young people think volunteering is for older people,” he says. “This is not the case; young people are welcome and can contribute a range of valuable skills.” For anyone who feels too busy, he offers reassurance: “Do what you can. It doesn’t have to be every week or lots and lots of hours; it all helps.” While Carter is currently taking a break from volunteering due to full-time work, he is looking forward to returning to Foodshare in the future. He’s also quick to highlight that volunteering can open doors, to skills, confidence, work opportunities and friendships. “Volunteering can teach you valuable work and life skills that are transferable to paid work,” he says. “You can make new friends, build networks, and mostly…it can be super fun.”
Fun is something Carter has experienced plenty of at Foodshare. He laughs as he recalls some lighter warehouse moments, from “playing basketball with the rotten squishy fruit” to “racing the cardboard-filled shopping trolleys.” But it’s the people who make the biggest difference. “The best moments are catching up with everybody’s news each week and working alongside each other.”
If he could convince a friend to come along for a day, he knows exactly what he’d say: “It’s fun, and there are always good snacks in the tearoom.” Carter hopes more people, young and old, realise just how welcoming and accessible Foodshare is.
“It is welcoming and there for everyone who needs help,” he says. His story is a reminder that volunteering doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as showing up, helping out, and sharing a laugh with the people around you. And when young people like Carter step forward, the impact ripples across the entire Geelong community.