It’s a unique way to channel grief, transforming adversity into a powerful force for good. A year ago, we spoke with Amanda about how volunteering with Soldier On, specifically facilitating coffee-catchups in Sale, Victoria, was aiding her healing process as she celebrated a monumental milestone: a decade of being cancer-free.
Reflecting on the past ten years, she shared that they have been filled with invaluable lessons and cherished memories. This past year has been no exception.
One Year On
“A lot has changed in the last 12 months,” says Amanda. In the past year, she has faced some heart-breaking moments. “Sadly, my husky passed away in September, he was by my side through so much.” Amanda first moved to Sale in 2020 after leaving a toxic relationship with hopes to start fresh with nothing but some clothes, her vehicle, and her husky. “There’s not a moment that goes by that I don’t miss him. Our galah has also passed away, she was my husky’s best friend so now I like to think of it as they are reunited.”
In April, she experienced another devastating blow when her partner was involved in a serious car crash. “Someone failed to give way and crashed into him. He is lucky to be alive, but our Ute was a write-off. It was our pride and joy,” she says. “Despite these testing moments, I’ve found the strength to keep going.”
And kept going she has.
Amanda has continued to work in an APS role that she secured through the support of Soldier On, working within the Customer Service Network at the RAAF base in East Sale. “I’m now one year into the job and I feel like I have finally found my feet and really understand what I do,” she says.
The Healing Power of Volunteering
When we first spoke to Amanda, it quickly became clear that selflessness and compassion are at the core of her being. These values drive her to find silver linings in times of adversity by giving back to individuals and organisations like Soldier On.
In discussing the passion that was ignited through volunteering with our charity, Amanda says, “I have so many favourite memories from my time with Soldier On. I learnt so much from my mentor [former Soldier On Pathways Officer] Rosa.”
With the adversity that she has faced in the past year, Amanda took on a new volunteering role with a local wildlife shelter, Our Haven Wildlife Shelter Inc. Our Haven is a full-time volunteers run registered charity, dedicated to raising and rehabilitating orphaned kangaroos, wallabies, and other wildlife in the Gippsland region of Victoria.
The shelter is as wholesome as it sounds, run by a small team of volunteers headed by Theresa and Tony “Scruff” Matthews, who operate the shelter 24 hours a day, seven days a week, starting every morning before dawn to make upwards of 100 bottles for all the animals.
The couple, who have not had a day off since starting the venture in 2010, say, “being a wildlife carer is a calling.”
Like Theresa and Tony, Amanda finds purpose in volunteering, helping her to overcome hardships. Amanda spends every Sunday supporting the sanctuary, calling these her ‘Soul Day Sundays’. “As much as my heart has been broken by all of the sad things over the last 12 months, it’s my time at the wildlife shelter giving back to the animals that has brought peace to me,” she says.
Stepping Up
In addition to her volunteering efforts and full-time job, Amanda remains passionate about being a point of support for her local veteran community, saying, “I am always available for a cuppa and chat when needed.”
With this same passion, she remains dedicated to fundraising for Soldier On. As well as participating in this year’s March On challenge, Amanda committed herself to take on her next fundraising initiative through Stadium Stomp, held at Melbourne’s iconic MCG stadium on Sunday 2 June.
As part of the challenge, over a gruelling three hours Amanda climbed 7,300 steps alongside hundreds of other fitness enthusiasts pushing themselves while supporting charities of their choice.
With each new year comes its own set of trials, but with Amanda’s strength and resilience and the healing she finds through giving back, none are too big to be overcome. Amanda’s continuous support of Soldier On, alongside others like her, empowers us with the ability to build our strong sense of community. This support not only strengthens our mission but also ensures we can effectively reach veterans and their families who require support.
