James Henderson, a student volunteer at RMIT University, was recently honored at the UniSport Australia Awards in Adelaide. As the past President of RMIT’s Surf Club and co-founder of Wattle, a youth-led environmental charity, James received recognition for his outstanding contributions to volunteering. At the ceremony, held during National Volunteer Week, James accepted the club leadership award on behalf of the RMIT Surf Club.
For James, volunteering began as a way to give back to his interests in sports and hobbies. However, it evolved into a platform where he could channel his passions into meaningful initiatives beyond academic pursuits. Through his volunteer work, James has actively engaged the RMIT community in surfing activities and fundraising efforts to support various causes, including providing access to clean water for remote communities in the Indo-Pacific region.
One of the highlights of James’ volunteer journey was organizing the Surf Club’s inaugural charity gig night, a successful event that raised funds for accessible surfing programs. He also led a panel on Sustainability at the Port Phillip Youth Summit, showcasing his commitment to environmental causes and community engagement.
Currently pursuing a double degree in Environmental Science and Environment and Society at RMIT, James aspires to focus on environmental conservation, particularly in creating and restoring nature corridors within urban landscapes. His academic choices reflect his deep-rooted passion for ecosystem protection and sustainable urban development.
Besides his academic pursuits, James is actively involved in running Wattle, an environmental charity that emphasizes urban rewilding and environmental education. Together with volunteers, James is spearheading efforts to restore native flora along the Yarra River in Burnley, aiming to establish a thriving nature corridor in the area, benefitting both the environment and the community.
James envisions reconnecting people with nature and fostering green spaces that enhance environmental sustainability and community well-being. His dedication to environmental causes and volunteerism exemplifies the impact that student volunteers can have on society and the environment.
For students interested in exploring volunteer opportunities like James, RMIT offers a platform to discover available roles and gain recognition for their volunteer experiences through programs like RMIT Plus. Volunteering not only enriches academic experiences but also empowers students to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.
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