More than 650 Curtin volunteers will travel to regional and metropolitan sites across Western Australia, Malaysia and Singapore this September and October to work with local communities as part of John Curtin Weekend.
The six-week long initiative, now in its 19th year, is organised by Curtin Volunteers! and is one of WA’s largest annual community projects.
John Curtin Weekend coordinator Ms Maureen Meredith said the project was a great opportunity for Curtin students to become involved in volunteering and dedicate their time to help out local communities.
“This year the volunteers will visit regional or metropolitan sites of their choice over the six weekends in September and October and work on various projects alongside local community members,” Ms Meredith said.
“The volunteers have the opportunity to learn the value of helping others and the importance of a strong community spirit, in particular in the regional community towns.
“Each year we are amazed at the generosity and incredible contribution of our volunteers and also the ongoing support from the wider Curtin community.”
During this year’s John Curtin Weekend, 16 transmedia production students will also be travelling with the volunteers to chosen sites across WA to film the community projects as part of their coursework.
Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Jill Downie said John Curtin Weekend was a fantastic initiative that showcased the dedication and commitment of the volunteer team at Curtin.
“The John Curtin Weekend initiative has grown significantly over the last 19 years and the success of the project showcases the amazing work Curtin is doing in the volunteering space,” Professor Downie said.
John Curtin Weekend is held to honour Australia’s wartime Prime Minister, John Curtin, and also ties in with the John Curtin Medal which is awarded to members of the community who demonstrate his qualities of vision, leadership and community service.
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the John Curtin Medal ceremony and also coincides with the University’s ‘50 Years of Innovation’ celebrations – recognising the combined history of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), which opened its doors to students in 1967 and Curtin University, which opened in 1987.
Curtin Volunteers! is a student-driven hub which has been part of Curtin University for 23 years.
For further information about John Curtin Weekend, visit http://life.curtin.edu.au/leadership-and-community/john-curtin-weekend.htm.
