by Lorna Gordon

January is always the month of resolutions, and most of them involve giving things up. Instead of giving something up, I’ m challenging you to start something new instead, by volunteering your time to a worthy cause.

With our super busy lives, the idea of volunteering can feel like one more commitment we simply don’ t have time for. But you can do as much or as little as you have time for, and helping others isn’ t just a way to give back, it can have surprising rewards.

Volunteering pushes outside our comfort zones, it means we have to show up, connect with new people, and help those in our neighbourhoods who are struggling. Whether you’ re packing food hampers, serving at a community event or visiting an aged-care home, every hour you give becomes part of something bigger than yourself. And in the process, you discover that you gain just as much as you give.

The challenge is finding the time, however, most organisations aren’ t looking for you give up days of free time every week, and an hour or two each month could make a huge difference. In return for helping out you make new personal connections, meeting people from different backgrounds, ages, and experiences that you may not come across in your day to day life. These interactions broaden your perspective and remind you of the kindness and resilience within your own community. Volunteering also boosts mental wellbeing, knowing you’ ve made someone’ s day a little easier can have a huge impact on how you feel about yourself. Being part of spreading kindness and helping others can offset the stress we see and experience every day.

You will also benefit by building confidence doing something new and developing skills you didn’ t have. You might discover a knack for event organisation, cooking, mentoring, or simply brightening someone’ s day.

Most importantly, it gives you a sense of purpose. No matter how small the task, your contribution matters and you become part of a community that looks out for each other.

So why not set yourself a challenge for the new year? Choose a cause, commit to it, and step into the rewarding world of volunteering. You may begin by helping others, but you’ ll quickly realise that what it gives back to you is just as valuable.

Volunteering doesn’ t just help others, it has many benefits for the volunteer too!

7- 25 JANUARY 2026

“ There wasn’ t a moment that didn’ t engage or entertain … the perfect family fare in a delightful setting” AU Review

“ You’ ll love this production no matter what age you are!” Sydney Morning Herald

Come along this summer and meet Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly, and Mr Toad as they bring Kenneth Grahame’ s immortal story of life on the riverbank to life in Sydney’ s Royal Botanic Garden from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 25 January 2026.

This critically acclaimed outdoor theatre production delivers music, songs, and laughs. There is fun for young and old as the Head Chief Rabbit transforms the audience into rabbits with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose.

The young‘ rabbits’ are encouraged to get involved in the action and are given every opportunity to scream out loud, sing along and become part of the adventure. With laughs and surprises for children and adults, this is interactive theatre at its best. Pack a picnic, pack the kids, and enjoy The Wind in the Willows- a perfect outing for the whole family WHERE: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney The show begins at the Main Pond near the harbourfront SEASON: 7 to 25 January 2026 TIMES: Wed 6pm; Thu, Fri, Sat 10.30am & 6pm; Sundays 11am PRICES: Midweek $ 25; Family $ 90 | Fri, Sat, Sun $ 30; Family $ 110 BOOKINGS: www. willowslive. com. au or tickets. shakespeareaustralia. com

14 ISSUE 127 // JANUARY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT