HERE are some of the Redland’s Commonwealth Game volunteers who are excited to step into their roles in April.
Jodie Jones is volunteering as a fleet driver for the Commonwealth Games.
“I’ll be stationed at the fleet central depot. The reason I applied was I was think to my self; ‘wow wouldn’t this be a once in a lifetime opportunity’, so I applied,” she said.
“Then I got an email for an interview and I was so excited. After I had the interview and I had to talk myself up, I thought no way I was going to get any future email then I got an email to say I was successful. I couldn’t believe I was going to be part of the GC2018 games. It’s going to be an experience I’ll never forget!”
Lauren Folster feels honoured to be selected as a volunteer.
“The Gold Coast will showcase an incredible games experience for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
“Volunteering at the Commonwealth Games will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am excited to be a part of it as a GC2018 Commonwealth Games Volunteer.”
Natalie Oakland is a Games Shaper first responder volunteer.
“I have always loved the Commonwealth Games, and to become a volunteer in our home state was something that was too hard to pass up,” she said.
“After filling out the form I was just excited that I got to the interview stage, then after the interviews I never expected to get chosen as a first responder, even though I’ve been nursing for 30 years, it is always someone else, so when it was me, I have been floating on a cloud since.
“I can’t wait to work in the games village and poly clinic, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I will thoroughly embrace every moment of every day of my games experience.”
Nicole Tummers is part of the Fleet Depot North team for the Gold Coast games.
“Assisting the drivers and helping visitors get where they need to be, making sure the Games experience is an enjoyable one,” she said.
“I volunteered because my mother has been a volunteer at past games and it’s an experience not to be missed.
I’m good with lists and organising and meeting new people. I look forward to showing the world just how fabulous our games will be.”
Marie-Claire Cox is looking forward to the experience of a lifetime at the games next month.
“I’m going to be a team member in the Spectator Services. Helping to ensure spectators have an unforgettable experience at these games will be my aim,” she said.
“This will be a dream come true. I’ve always admired people who would give their time for such special events.
“I am ecstatic at being chosen for these games and it will be an amazing experience that I will be able to share with my family for years to come.”
Single mum Bronwyn Storey wanted to be involved in a big event so close to home, which is why she applied to be a volunteer.
“I am a single mum with 3 kids and wanted to be involved with such a massive event close to home,” she said
“My childhood friend was a volunteer from the Sydney Olympics and has cherished the experience so much I didn’t want the opportunity to pass me by. Luckily I have the support of my family to help with my children while I am driving the VIPs around the coast. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Malcolm Gill is volunteering with the Spectator Services team at the Belmont Shooting Complex.
“The workforce that I am proud to be part of, will be present at Belmont Shooting Complex, providing support, to management, to insure the spectators’ arrival with the correct ticketing to enter the venue,” he said.
“So all can enjoy what the 2018 Games have to offer in a safe environment.”
Alisha Owen is in the technology team at the Commonwealth Games next month.
“My role involves ensuring athletes are able to perform and have confidence that their efforts will be recorded, published, and broadcast to a global audience,” she said.
“Along with supporting the media of the Commonwealth, including press and broadcast, to report on and communicate the games to the world. I am responsible for the planning, implementation, installation and testing and operating of technology systems and services.
“I decided to apply as I believed this would be an amazing opportunity to give back to the community and watch the games first hand by volunteering as something like this may not occur again until a very long time, and to miss a given chance like this would be a mistake.”
Julie Greenwood is another Games Shaper volunteer.
“I am looking forward to dedicating my time and experience to ensure we provide an amazing games on a local and international stage,” she said.
“It brings a sense pride and passion to be part of this experience and I am truly looking forward to being a part of the team that shapes the Commonwealth Games.
“I look forward to expanding my skill set and working amongst a new team that will present me with challenges to work through.”
Carina Crockford is a ‘serial’ volunteer and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will be the the fifth time she has helped at multi sport events. She has volunteered at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics in basketball and wheelchair rugby, in 2005 at the Melbourne Deaf Olympics, the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and many more events.
“I have met some amazing people along the way and formed some lifelong friendships,” she said.
“I have a very supportive husband, John and two equally supportive adult children who have blessed us with five grandsons! I love to pitch in and get a job done! I like to engage people from all walks of life which, in turn gives me purpose.
“I recently retired from my professional roles of a basketball official and I am looking forward to watching the next generation of officials come through the ranks. To be involved one last time on ‘home turf’ is a bonus and a fitting way to end my ‘technical’ duties around a basketball court.”
Stephen Collins is a fleet driver for the games. He will be based at fleet depot central.
“I will be driving athletes, officials and games family members to venues during the games, from the Commonwealth games village and other locations. I recently retired from driving buses for Transdev in the Redlands for ten years,” he said.
Tell us your story
If you’re volunteering at the Commonwealth Games we’d love to hear from you.
Fill out the form below attach a photo of yourself and tells us why you decided to volunteer and what you’re looking forward to at the games.