Longtime resident of the Tamworth Region Rebecca Cooke has decided to “share the love around” by volunteering wherever she can after suffering a personal setback a few years ago.
The Kootingal local told the New England Times she suffered a stroke on ANZAC Day 2022, which has left her unable to work a standard 9 to 5 job. However, this has only fueled her desire to get back out to the workforce in some form, keep busy and help others.
“I suppose it was just a side shoot; what can I do to get out of this rut? I was just sitting here and my mind was going 100 miles an hour,” Rebecca said.
“I suffered a stroke on my left side and cancer on my right, so I’m not able to drive anymore, but I’ve got my university degree, and I thought to myself, how can I use this degree to help people.”
Rebecca is a former teacher and marketing professional with a double degree in education: a bachelor of teacher, early childhood education and an adult teaching degree. Using her skills, she has been volunteering with the Smith Family as a tutor at the Learning Hub.
She also volunteers at the St Vincent De Paul shop in Taminda and has previously given her time at the Liberty Foodbank.
“I like to think I’m doing my bit, even though it’s not a paid job, even though I’m not an official taxpayer I’m still contributing to society, and feel good at the end of the day,” Rebecca said.
Helping those who fall through the cracks
Rebecca considers all volunteering worthwhile, but her role as a tutor brings her particular joy because it can be a life changing experience for the kids.
She fills the gaps in the education system by providing literacy and numeracy support to children who might otherwise not receive it.
“Sadly, I can’t enter a classroom anymore due to Work health and safety (WHS) reasons, I can teach kids literacy and numeracy though, catch the ones that fall through the cracks and might not get that help otherwise,” Rebecca said.
“All our school teachers do an amazing job teaching kids nationwide. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, some kids fall through the cracks and don’t get the support they need to keep up their basic skills in step with their classmates. That’s where we come in.”
According to Rebecca, the benefits of volunteering are that it helps everybody across the board. Other than the obvious benefits for the kids being taught these skills, she says giving back her time has given her “mental exercise,” along with the satisfaction that comes from helping others.
“I love the whole passion behind social change, rewarding careers, and job satisfaction, and there is nothing better than volunteering,” she said.
“I honestly, truly want to get back to work and do my part, but I don’t think I can. It’s a bit of a shame really, so I’ll do what I can with what I’ve got, and at the moment, that’s volunteering.”
Volunteers the backbone of society
Organisations across the State are crying out for volunteers as they struggle to fill vital positions and provide services to those in need. Rebecca thinks that volunteering as a whole can often be “underestimated and undervalued.”
However, she firmly believes that everyone should try to volunteer, as they are the backbone of so many industries, providing invaluable contributions, and acting as a safety net for whatever falls through the cracks.
“As much as some people might turn their nose up at it, volunteering is a pretty noble service I think. What would you do without it? You wouldn’t have your RFS or your SES, both vital services in the community,” Rebecca said.
“Every day is a pleasure; there hasn’t been a dull moment. If you can, I think everyone should get out there and try volunteering wherever they can. Meals on Wheels, SES, you’ve got so many areas crying out for volunteers, so why not?”
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