For Sascha, volunteering isn’t just something she does, it’s part of who she is. It’s how she connects, contributes, and creates real, lasting change in the world around her.
As a long-time member of the
City of Melville Youth Steering Group (YSG), Sascha has spent the past three years championing ideas that inspire young people and strengthen her community. Whether it’s helping shape youth-led events or ensuring voices are heard in the decision-making process, Sascha brings passion, energy, and vision to everything she does.
But her impact doesn’t stop there. With dirt on her hands and purpose driving her forward, Sascha also volunteers with the
Friends of Wireless Hill and
WA Wildlife, playing an active role in hands-on environmental projects that help restore and protect the local ecosystem.
Outside of volunteering, Sascha is a triathlon competitor and live music lover, someone who thrives on connection, action, and creativity.
Her journey into volunteering started in high school, sparked by a growing awareness of the climate crisis. “In terms of sustainability, people mostly talk about stopping or reducing things. I believe it’s equally as important to talk about giving back to the earth, through rehabilitation. Since then, Landcare has been a passion of mine and something I actively advocate for.”
That belief, in healing, giving back, and nurturing both people and planet, has guided Sascha ever since. She sees community not just as something we’re part of, but something we all have a role in shaping. Whether she’s helping organise Youth Markets, running workshops, or pulling weeds in a local park, she’s always focused on bringing people together.
At the heart of it all is connection. “When I first started with the YSG, we didn’t have the capacity to host any big events. It’s been amazing watching the group grow and seeing what we’ve achieved over the years. This year’s Youth Market Day was a huge success and it was great to see our work come together.”
Volunteering has also been deeply personal for Sascha, offering not just purpose but healing. “For me, volunteering is the best thing I can do for my mental health. When everything that’s happening in the world makes life seem pretty depressing it’s great to know you’re doing something that’s making the world a better place.”
And through this journey, she’s found a powerful source of inspiration: other young people just like her. “I know so many young people who have so much passion for what they do. The other members of the YSG, my friends and people I’ve met through volunteering all inspire me every day with their unique and creative ideas and the incredible things they do for their community.”
Sascha believes that volunteering is one of the most powerful ways young people can reclaim agency in an uncertain world. “When we feel powerless, volunteering is a way to create the change we want to see in the world. Volunteering is important to build connections with other people, learn more about your community and challenge yourself to achieve more than you thought you could.”
And for anyone unsure of how to start. Her advice is simple and empowering.
“There are a lot of great websites out there that list volunteer opportunities, it’s a good idea to try out some different things in your area and find out what you enjoy.”
When asked what volunteering means to her personally, Sascha’s answer is beautifully clear: “Volunteering for me is trying to be the best version of myself every day. It’s taking real action rather than sitting around and hoping someone else deals with the problems facing our world. Change only happens if we make it happen.”
Looking ahead, Sascha’s dreams are growing right alongside her impact. “I’d love to see the Youth Landcare Days program grow, involving more young people and potentially expanding to more parks! I hope to keep organising events into the future and try new things too.”
This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate young leaders like Sascha - people who lead with heart, give with purpose, and remind us all of the power of community, action, and hope.