Meet the Wormald and GAAM volunteers making a difference
National Volunteer Week celebrates the people who dedicate their time and skills to supporting communities across Australia. Held from May 18-24, it is the country’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. This year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer”, recognises the important role volunteers play in strengthening community resilience and encouraging more Australians to get involved.
At Wormald and GAAM Emergency Products, that contribution extends beyond the workplace. From volunteer firefighters and surf lifesavers to community safety advocates, many of our team dedicate their time to helping others, protecting communities, and making a difference.
To mark the week, we spoke with several employees about what inspires them to volunteer, the challenges and rewards that come with it, and why giving back to the community is important to them.
Te Whiti Baker – Fire Safety Trainer, SA, Wormald
CFS Meadows Volunteer
Te Whiti Baker has volunteered with Meadows Country Fire Service (CFS) in the Adelaide Hills for more than nine years, balancing volunteer commitments alongside work, including interstate Strike Team deployments during fire seasons.
“Balancing everyday life with volunteer commitments during fire season can be challenging but the experience has been incredibly rewarding,” said Baker.
“I’ve learned some valuable skills along the way. I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone, and your community will be forever grateful.”
Michael Reiff – Electrician FIFO, SA, Wormald
CFS SA Volunteer
Michael Reiff volunteers with the South Australian CFS, inspired by a desire to support others in need.
“I want to give back to our community and help where I can. I also might need to rely on volunteers to assist me if I’m ever in a similar situation, so why not get involved and help others now,” said Reiff.
“If you can volunteer, then do it because it can be very rewarding to give back to your community.”
Jordan Vollmer – Sales Manager, QLD, Wormald
Area Coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch
Jordan Vollmer volunteers as an Area Coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) and serves as the Brisbane North representative for the State NHW Community Advisory Committee, continuing a family tradition of community volunteering.
“I found that both my job and volunteering with Neighbourhood Watch help improve community safety, making both meaningful to me,” said Vollmer.
“It’s worth the skills you learn, the people you meet, and the outcomes you and your fellow volunteers achieve. It’ll put a spring in your step and you can’t help but smile.”
Craig Gamble – FST Sales Manager, WA, Wormald
Volunteer Surf Life Saver
For Craig Gamble, volunteering as a Surf Life Saver combines community service with a passion for the outdoors and belonging to an active team environment.
“You get to be part of another group of similar-minded people from many different backgrounds,” said Gamble.
“Being on patrol, I get to spend more time at the beach around active people. I would definitely recommend getting involved.”
Michael Mottley – Project Manager, NSW, Wormald
Volunteer Surf Life Saver
Michael Mottley has been involved in surf lifesaving since the age of five as a nipper and has spent the past 26 years actively patrolling beaches, including 16 years in state operations.
“I’ve always loved the beach and giving back to my community,” said Mottley.
“If you’ve got skills or time to offer, it’s worth putting them to good use. It’s rewarding, you’ll learn a lot, and you’ll meet good people along the way.”
Daniel Brear – Portables Technician, NSW, Wormald
Co-founder of an all-girl’s football program
Daniel Brear co-founded an all-girls football program in New South Wales four years ago after seeing a need for more opportunities for girls in the sport. What began with four players has now grown to almost 70 girls in Auskick junior teams. Daniel volunteers alongside his wife, with all three of their daughters now involved in the program.
“We’re really proud of how far the program has come and seeing some of the girls progress into the GWS Giants Academy,” said Brear.
“Volunteering gives me immense personal satisfaction. It keeps me active and gets me out of mowing the lawns on a Saturday morning.”
Stephen Riley – Sales Manager, VIC/SA/TAS, GAAM Emergency Products
CFA Volunteer
Stephen Riley has dedicated 44 years to the Country Fire Authority (CFA), beginning as a junior member at 14 years old and now serving as Captain of Eltham CFA. Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Stephen has spent decades volunteering as a firefighter to support his community.
“It’s great to join a volunteering service and meet lots of people, while assisting others who need help or support,” said Riley.
“This is where I met my wife, as she was a CFA firefighter.”
Nicholas Pang – Operations Manager, VIC, GAAM Emergency Products
CFA Volunteer
For the past four years, Nicholas Pang has volunteered with the CFA, driven by a desire to give back to the community and learn new skills. He credits the support of his family for helping him balance volunteering with work and life responsibilities.
“This type of volunteering is not something you can do alone,” said Pang.
“When you volunteer, it is not about you. It’s about how you can help regardless. If you join with this mindset, you will enjoy the journey and find it very rewarding.”
Thank you to our volunteers
This National Volunteer Week, Wormald and GAAM thank all volunteers across Australia for their role in supporting safer, stronger communities. We are proud to recognise the contribution of our own people who continue to make a difference both in and beyond the workplace.
