Meet the volunteers making a real difference in our communities

• Every week, Kinetic team members volunteer for important causes that make a meaningful impact
• They play a big role supporting the work of our community partners and other organisations who rely on volunteers
• We’re celebrating these community champions as part of National Volunteer Week

In late 2020, Kinetic Co-CEOs Michael Sewards and Adam Begg approached Damien Wadden with a bold vision: To transform two SkyBus vehicles into a ‘supermarket on wheels’ capable of delivering fresh food directly to families in need.

Damien worked for months with Foodbank Victoria, Transcal, and bus manufacturer Volgren to turn this vision into a reality, helping to kick off a program that has fed hundreds of thousands of Victorian families across more than 100 community visits.

Damien—a SkyBus stalwart who last year celebrated 30 years with the business—has continued to keep the wheels turning on the initiative. He’s one of over 100 people at Kinetic who have volunteered their time at a Foodbank mobile market day, packing and distributing fresh veggies, fruit and pantry staples on board.

Reflecting on his experience, Damien says he’s grateful Kinetic gave him the opportunity to kickstart such an important program—one that reflects his own passion for giving back to the community.

“It feels fantastic knowing I’ve played a part in getting this Foodbank initiative off the ground,” Damien says.

“To witness the real difference this program has made and see other corporates hop on board has been amazing. I jump at any chance I get to volunteer and get back out in the community. When you’re on the bus and see the joy on people’s faces as they pick up their food and groceries—it’s a wonderful feeling.”

Damien’s story is not unique. Every week all across Australia and New Zealand, Kinetic team members are volunteering their time for causes that matter to them and making a meaningful impact in our communities.

‘It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up’

At Kinetic’s inaugural Global Leaders Summit (GLS) earlier this year, Head of Transformation James Smith sat enthralled as Renee Cohen from the Gold Coast Titans explained the impact of the club’s ‘Leagueability’ initiative.

Buoyed by Kinetic’s support over the past three years, the disability rugby league program welcomed a record number of participants in 2023, giving more people the chance to play the game they love.

James says hearing Renee talk about the program was “spine tingling” and inspired him to get involved.

“It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up—I felt so moved,” James says.

After reaching out to the club to volunteer, James soon found himself in the thick of the action, running drills during training sessions and helping out on game day.

For James, who spent years coaching junior sport when his own children were younger, the program has been a great way to reignite his passion for mentoring while also giving back.

“I’ve loved being involved at the club. What really strikes me is that everyone taking part is so happy. The players’ smiles and laughs are infectious,” James says.

“It’s such a joyful bunch of people. Being able to play a small part in the program is incredible, and I feel so pumped when I see the players run out on the field during a game”.

‘It was quite an emotional day’

After starting with Kinetic’s Customer Experience team a month ago, Melissa Ward soon found herself at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), helping put meals on the table for families who need it.

Originally from the UK, Melissa had previous experience fundraising for the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and was delighted to bring this passion serving the community across to Kinetic.

She jumped at the chance to volunteer for ASRC—excited to learn more about Kinetic’s partnership and the difference the charity is making across Melbourne.

Melissa worked with other volunteers to whip up a storm in the kitchen, preparing 150 nutritious meals packed with plenty of rice, curry and dhal.

“I had a really rewarding and insightful experience, it was quite an emotional day really,” Melissa says.

“Just learning about all the amazing work the ASRC does was really eye opening. And it was so good just getting out into the community and giving back in a meaningful way. I can’t wait to go back and volunteer again!”

Kinetic’s mission to improve the livelihoods of the communities in which we live and operate. Thank you to everyone at Kinetic and in the community who donate their time to volunteering.

National Volunteer Week (20 – 26 May) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering that provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers across the country.