Nominee for this year’s Chisholm Volunteer Awards, Kirsten Scott, doesn’t let her disability stop her from making a difference in her community.
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Kirsten has found it difficult to find meaningful employment, despite completing several tertiary courses.
Confident that she could still contribute to society she decided to volunteer, giving her time and skills to a number of organisations over the years including Epworth Hospital.
For the past three years she has worked at Burwood Neighbourhood House, where she is the receptionist and secretary for the committee. In addition to her administrative roles, she organises bus tours for the elderly and is valued for her computer skills.
She is adored by the ‘bus ladies’, who she takes out on social excursions and despite the age gap, they get on wonderfully.
“They are kind natured and appreciate the things I do for them and that I genuinely care,” says Kirsten.
This year Kirsten was recognised for her work as a recipient of a Chisholm Volunteer Award. Julia Banks, Federal Member for Chisholm and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop presented the award to Kirsten.
“I was really surprised,” says Kirsten. “I didn’t know that my boss had put me up for it until the week before.”
Volunteering gives Kirsten purpose and she is motivated by the positive feedback she receives from her coworkers.
“They say I’m doing a good job and that they’d be lost without me,” says Kirsten.
Kirsten’s faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a significant influence on her desires to serve in the community.
“The Church is all about service, so now it’s second nature to be serving others,” she says. “It makes me feel happy knowing that I’m helping people.”
Kirsten’s mother, Leona Scott says Kirsten credits her confidence and ability to keep trying to lessons learned at church.
“She has felt loved and supported by ward (congregation) members and now wishes to repay by happily serving others,” says Leona.
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