ANU+ encouraged me to join spaces that hold purpose and helped bridge the gap between academic learning and lived experience.
This semester, we proudly congratulate 24 ANU students who have successfully completed the ANU+ Award program, contributing an incredible 2,040 volunteer hours across 49 different organisations. Their dedication reflects the spirit of service and community that lies at the heart of the ANU experience.
These students have not only given their time but also strengthened connections across Canberra and beyond, embodying the values of care, reciprocity, and collective impact.
We recognise that volunteering is not a new concept in Australia; it is deeply rooted in the traditions of First Nations peoples, who for tens of thousands of years have practised 鈥榗ommunity giving鈥 as a way of life. These traditions of care, reciprocity and responsibility have shaped strong, resilient communities across this continent.
We are grateful to continue this legacy here on campus and in our broader Canberra community, ensuring that volunteering remains a vital part of how we learn, grow, and contribute together.
Among the many inspiring stories this semester, one that stands out is Olivia Lacey鈥檚 experience. Olivia, who also completed the ANU+ Award program this semester, chose to volunteer with two organisations close to her heart: Prosperous Mountain Dragon and Lion Dance (PMDLD) and A Gender Agenda (AGA). Reflecting on her journey, Olivia shared:
鈥淭hrough both organisations, I have discovered the kind of community I want to be a part of; one where differences are valued and contribute to the collective, rather than hidden. The core values would be cultural awareness, inclusivity and accessibility, similar in structure to both PMDLD and AGA, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds who want to contribute to creative and cultural exchange.
ANU+ provided a structured way to engage in roles that pushed me beyond the familiar, encouraging me to join spaces that hold purpose. The impact of these experiences goes beyond ANU+ hours to be logged, bridging the gap between academic learning and lived experience, demonstrating that community work is, in fact, an extension of intellectual education and growth. Moving forward, I aim to embody the lessons and skills gained through ANU+ into future communities I join over my lifetime.鈥
Olivia鈥檚 story highlights how volunteering through ANU+ is not just about hours, it鈥檚 about building meaningful connections, expanding perspectives, and shaping the kind of communities we want to live in. Volunteering benefits both the community and the individual simultaneously, offering opportunities for connection, skill building, and personal growth. Through ANU+, students can:
鈥&苍产蝉辫; Expand their networks and build meaningful friendships along the way
鈥&苍产蝉辫; Develop valuable skills that complement their academic studies
鈥&苍产蝉辫; Make a real contribution to causes that matter to them
This semester鈥檚 ANU+ Award recipients have shown what鈥檚 possible when people give their time, energy and care to something bigger than themselves. A huge congratulations to all of you who received the award this semester. Your efforts have strengthened the fabric of our community and set an example for others who aspire to make a thoughtful, lasting impact at ANU.
