From volunteering at local camp drafts to joining Conservation Volunteers Australia, and now as President of the RFDS Darling Downs Auxiliary, Libby Gardiner is the embodiment of community spirit.
“I grew up in a family where there was an expectation that we would make a contribution and be involved in the community,” Libby said.
“My first volunteering role was cooking at the Moree Show as a teenager, and I’ve never really stopped.”
For Libby, volunteering became not just a habit, but a way of life.
“I have been a part of the Children’s Medical Research Institute Quirindi Committee, and I was on that for 25 years,” she said.
“To me, volunteering is about connection and making a positive contribution to the lives of others.”
Libby’s connection to the RFDS began years ago, living in Charleville. At first, the hum of aircraft overhead in the night was simply noise until she understood the lifesaving mission behind it.
Eight years ago, Libby joined the Darling Downs RFDS Auxiliary. Today, as President, she’s a driving force behind its growth, helping coordinate a calendar of fundraising events across the region.
In recent years, the Auxiliary has chosen to specifically raise funds for the RFDS Wellbeing Out West program.
“As an auxiliary, we choose to specifically fundraise for the Wellbeing Out West program, because we are extremely aware of the fact that every 10 days in Australia, we lose a farmer to suicide,” she said.
“Having mental health support available is absolutely instrumental to the success of country communities.”
Wellbeing Out West provides free mental health education, one-on-one counselling and support to those living and working in remote and rural Queensland.
Earlier this year, the Auxiliary hosted another incredibly successful fundraiser for the program. The room was filled with energy, new faces, and a powerful sense of purpose.
“Most of the people that come to our events come from out west, and half of the room at this event had used the RFDS,” she said.
“I think what made it even more special and impactful was that by coincidence, the event landed on the weekend of the massive floods out west.
“Part of the mood on the day was that everyone felt they were doing something for those currently going through a difficult time in western Queensland.
“We all agreed this event had a different feel to a lot of our other events, and it was definitely one of the best functions we have had.”
From Mahjong and Bridge High Teas to manning gates at the Exhibition Gardens for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and everything in between, the Darling Downs Auxiliary is always buzzing with activity, all thanks to passionate volunteers like Libby.
“Volunteering brings people together and makes communities stronger,” she said.
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the incredible support of our community.
