Igniting the Spark: Inspiring Purpose Driven Student Engagement

Rhea Lincoln (she/her) is 19 and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science student at the University of Queensland. She has been a youth volunteer for around five years with organisations including OZHarvest, Toowoomba Regional Council, Australian Youth Climate Coalition and other environment organisations. She also serves on multiple local and national youth advisory groups and collectives. Rhea was an ABC Heywire winner, where the regional project We Are Not Alone was co-founded. She volunteers her time in co-leading this youth driven project to create a regional movement of youth disability justice. This project also serves as a platform for other young volunteers ranging from regional Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia to participate in advocacy, leadership and community engagement.

Issy spent most of her high school life working in grassroots movements like School Strike 4 Climate and Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Those experiences helped spark a strong interest in politics and journalism which she is now pursuing at QUT through a Bachelor of Justice/Journalism. During her first year at University, she completed an internship at 4ZZZ radio which turned into completing announcer training and now is working weekly on Know Idea.

Sarah has expertise in volunteer involvement and not-for-profit strategy and governance. She holds degrees in Arts, Psychology, and Law and is currently completing her Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Western Australia.

Before joining Volunteering Australia, Sarah served as Policy Manager for VolunteeringACT for nearly a decade. She then elevated her impact within Volunteering Australia, serving as the National Strategy Director, the National Strategy Advisor and now continuing her journey as Strategic Partnerships Director.

Sarah is a passionate volunteer as a Deputy Chair of Animals Australia, Telephone Crisis Supporter for Lifeline Canberra, and Research and Policy Volunteer for the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds. In her spare time, Sarah is a full-time carer to her rescue greyhound George, a tragic LA Lakers fan, and an adventurous spirit who spends her weekends diving with sharks.

Dan Byron is a community engagement specialist with a background in education, youth development and government. He has worked across government, schools and grassroots initiatives, leading programs that empower young people through service, outdoor education and leadership. Dan’s work includes working as a project officer for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, supporting volunteering as a pathway to developing communities, skills and careers.