A knitting group in Kelvin Grove has brought together women from 26 different countries, demonstrating how local volunteering can foster strong community bonds and support newcomers to Australia.
The “Knitting English” program began in 2010 and was recently recognised as a finalist for the Queensland Volunteering Impact Award at the Queensland Volunteering Awards.
The awards, now in their tenth year, celebrate the significant contributions of volunteers and organisations across Queensland. The 2025 ceremony, which took place on Friday, 16 May, at Brisbane City Hall, honoured individuals and organisations making a difference in their communities.
A Thread of Connection
The Knitting English group started with a simple act of kindness: knitting blankets for children affected by the Haiti earthquake. Over the past 15 years, it has grown into a vibrant initiative that creates blankets, toys, beanies, and teddies for children impacted by natural disasters, poverty, domestic violence, and displacement, including refugee families and First Nations communities. Beyond local efforts, their creations have even reached baby penguins affected by oil spills.
At its core, the program combines English conversation practice with knitting. This approach creates a welcoming space where women from diverse backgrounds can improve their language skills, build friendships, and offer support to one another.
Organisers say it helps promote cultural exchange, reduce social isolation, and provide a strong sense of belonging for women whose first language is not English. Every item made by the group is seen as more than just a handmade gift; it represents a connection, a conversation, and an act of care shared across different communities.
Celebrating Volunteer Contributions
The Queensland Volunteering Awards acknowledge the tireless work of volunteers from all walks of life. A new category, the Queensland New Volunteer Award, was introduced this year to recognise adult volunteers new to Australia and have been volunteering for less than two years, highlighting how fresh perspectives and enthusiasm from newcomers enrich Queensland communities.
Other award categories include the Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award, Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award, and Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award. These categories aim to ensure that volunteers from all sectors and backgrounds receive recognition for their efforts.
The Queensland Volunteering Impact Award
The Queensland Volunteering Impact Award specifically recognises volunteering programs or activities that have made a positive, measurable, and lasting social and/or economic impact on the Queensland community.
This award is divided into three sub-categories: Community, Government, and Corporate. The Kelvin Grove Knitting English group was a finalist in the Community category. This award celebrates volunteer initiatives’ broad and positive effects on people’s lives and the wider community.
The Power of Connecting Communities
Volunteering is also celebrated during National Volunteer Week, which runs from 19 to 25 May. This year’s theme, “Connecting Communities,” highlights how volunteering brings people together, builds social cohesion, and strengthens communities nationwide.
Volunteering Australia’s CEO, Mark Pearce, stated that volunteers are essential for inclusive communities, especially during difficult times like natural disasters and rising living costs. He explained that volunteers offer crucial support during emergencies, help people access vital services, strengthen community connections, and support local events.
Mr Pearce added that volunteering benefits others and deeply impacts the volunteers themselves, fostering lasting relationships, community engagement, and a feeling of belonging. He also noted that volunteering is about building connections, sharing knowledge, and creating spaces where people feel they belong.
Published Date 21-May-2025
