Namrata: Starting again and finding connection through volunteering

When Namrata arrived in Australia in February 2025, she was beginning a completely new chapter in her life. She had left her home country, her family, and the work she knew, and moved to Australia to build a new life with her husband.

With more than three years of professional experience in social media and marketing, Namrata knew she had strong skills. Still, starting again in a new country was not easy. Job applications often led to rejection, and over time, the uncertainty began to weigh on her confidence and motivation.

Rather than withdrawing, Namrata made a deliberate choice to keep moving forward. She turned to volunteering as a way to stay active, build confidence, and connect with others while finding her feet in Australia.

Namrata during our coffee catch-up, sharing the wonderful news that she will be stepping into full-time work next month. We are so proud to see her next chapter unfold.

Namrata volunteered with Volunteer West from August to December 2025, supporting our marketing work and developing a social media content calendar to guide our planning. Through this experience, she gained local references, practical insight into Australian workplaces, and a renewed sense of purpose.

During her volunteer placement, Namrata secured part-time employment with UN Women Australia. Despite reaching this milestone, she chose to continue volunteering with us until the end of her commitment, reflecting her strong sense of responsibility and connection to the team.

Last month, Namrata came back to visit and shared some exciting news with us. She has since secured an additional role and will be moving into full-time work from February. She shared how different life feels now compared to her early months in Australia. Without the constant pressure of job searching, she is finally able to slow down, explore Melbourne, and enjoy her new home with greater confidence.

Reflecting on her journey, Namrata shared that volunteering helped her feel grounded during a time when everything felt uncertain. Showing up regularly, contributing her skills, and being welcomed by others made a meaningful difference. Her family in India and her husband are proud of how far she has come.

Namrata also shared that Volunteer West was her first workplace experience in Australia, one she will always remember as an important stepping stone during a significant transition in her life.

Her story is a reminder that volunteering does not guarantee a job. However, for many people new to Australia, it can offer something just as important: connection, confidence, and momentum when they are needed most.

We are so proud of Namrata and the journey she has taken. It has been a privilege to walk alongside her during this chapter, and we wish her all the very best as she steps into what comes next.