This philosophy forms the core of Geoff’s work as P&C President at Calwell High School. He wants people to know how great the school is and has geared his efforts towards not just supporting the school through fundraising, but also in the community more broadly.

Since joining the school P&C when his grandson started year 7, Geoff has worked tirelessly as a volunteer to support Calwell High. Geoff’s grandson is now in Year 10 and Geoff has since risen to become President. He is very clear on his role.

“One of our prime aims is to engage the community for the good of the school,” Geoff says. “The school is part of the community, so we’re looking for engagement opportunities with the community. It’s an excellent school - very open, very welcoming… we have an ongoing close relationship with the school.”

Geoff sees that the school’s P&C is not only about engaging with the school, but also engaging with the broader community about the school.
“We go out to Calwell markets and we run a BBQ – our main purpose of doing that is to be visible to the public… to talk to people.” Geoff said. “We spread the good will, and the good word about the school, and we make some money as well.”

Geoff’s approach aligns with the theme of National Volunteer Week 2025 – ‘Connecting Communities’. Volunteering creates lasting relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities, and school P&Cs and volunteers are part of what make our ACT public schools so special.

Geoff knows the value of volunteering as well as anyone.

“I’ve been volunteering for probably 50 years now,” he says. “I’ve always had that desire to help the community… always had the philosophy that you need to give something back. Over all those 50 years I’ve come to know that without volunteers some stuff doesn’t happen.”

“I get satisfaction out of volunteering. Supporting the school is our main aim, and that is very satisfying and very rewarding. The satisfaction that I’m contributing… I think I’m good at it and I see things happen.”

The Calwell High P&C fundraise, support the school publicly, raise awareness and also have some longer-term projects on the boil. Geoff mentions a plan for a community garden project at the school, with early engagement already happening across the region.

But Geoff believes that the people are the key to the school.

“I like being able to show support to the staff that work here,” Geoff said. “They rightly deserve somebody saying ‘I reckon you’re doing a good job there’.”

Perhaps that is why Geoff is greeted so warmly on his arrival, and why the principal’s office is so readily made available for use in this interview.

When asked what advice he might give to people considering becoming a school-based volunteer, Geoff answered in characteristic fashion.

“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” he quipped. “People can be worried about getting involved because they think the job will be too big. But any time people can give, any little bit, is valuable. There are jobs to fit everyone and the time they have.

“That’s why National Volunteer Week is so good, because it shows people that when you volunteer, people notice. You are appreciated. Volunteering is doing something positive.”

Thanks to our friends at ACT Public Schools for writing this fantastic piece for Volunteer Week 2025.

Published 23/05/25