Community service volunteer - Menessia Nagie

Menessia helps to launch the Red Cross Emergency 4 point REDiPlan for people with a disability, their families and carers.

Menessia Nagie jumps at every opportunity to get involved in his community. "It's how I form my networks and meet people from all levels of society," Menessia says. "You must have competent communication and networking skills, to help you achieve any future success."

Menessia, who recently graduated with Bachelor of Arts/Social Science (Human Services) degrees found volunteering a useful tool in gaining work experience. "During my studies, I started volunteering at the Red Cross Night Café, a homeless youth service in Brisbane. The Night Café was keen for my knowledge and experience with Indigenous youth."

Through volunteering, opportunities arise and Menessia became involved with the first Homeless Connect event at Brisbane's City Hall. Here he met the CEO of Volunteering Queensland and shortly after was invited onto the Board. His networking skills had opened yet another door.

Menessia acknowledges his mother for motivating him to give and help others, particularly those in need. "Through her example I inherited the compassion to be a volunteer. I see it as something quite necessary to my life," he says.