When Gabriela Santos arrived in Australia from Brazil, she had to rebuild her confidence, professional network and sense of belonging from the ground up. Through volunteering and community participation, she found friendship, new opportunities and, almost a year later, secured her first paid role in Australia.

Dilnaz Billimoria joined Volunteer West's National Volunteer Week Volunteer Engager Network gathering to share reflections on volunteering, inclusion and community connection. Bringing together around 50 community members and organisations from across Melbourne's west, the event sparked meaningful conversations about how volunteering continues to evolve.

A room filled with music, conversation and volunteers working side by side. During our visit to Vinnies Soup Vans in Kensington, Bill and Lenie shared how simple, consistent acts of kindness can help build a strong sense of community.