Alex Paporakis transcript

Alex Paporakis:

I really do think anyone can be a volunteer. All you have to do is find something that you're passionate about.

I'm Alex. I am the president and the founder of a corporation called the Urban Bushland Initiative. We are a not for profit who focuses on revegetating urban spaces throughout Melbourne, with Indigenous flora using locally sourced volunteers. After the Black Summer Bushfires, it was initially the feeling of hopelessness that kind of drove me toward volunteering. There was a lot of anger, a lot of frustration.

I came to the conclusion that it’s probably best to channel that into actively participating in what was becoming an increasingly important environmental movement globally. Through contacting and meeting a lot of inspiring people, I was able to channel the energy toward helping local environment. Volunteering has really helped me. I doomscroll a lot less because I feel that when there are issues I can help.

Even though it's very local. I do feel like I'm making quite a big difference. It gives you a good sense of purpose, is the best way I can describe it, really.

Anyone can be a volunteer. All you have to do is find something that you're passionate about, an area in which you wish to enact change. And then I guarantee you, there's a group that is already working toward creating a difference in that area. And if there's not, you could always be the first.