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Following feedback from our community workshops, the first GRoW Buddy Volunteer Training was completed in November 2025 to build skills and confidence, and recognise the important role volunteers play.
GRoW Buddies are friendly local volunteers who help new participants in the GRoW program feel welcome and connected, in nature based and social community activities. They support community based programs and initiatives and help build and support our connected community spaces.
Who Can Apply to assist with the GRoW Pilot in June/July/August?:
Current and potential GRoW volunteers in Cooroy, Pomona, and surrounds.
How to Apply:
Register your interest by Emailing the Team at grow@usc.edu.au
Note: Register your interest in attending furture free volunteer training programs by Emailing the Team at grow@usc.edu.au
Follow up and feedback:
Our first course finished in November 2025:
Sixteen volunteers have completed the Mental heath First Aid, First aid and Community Development training sessions.
GRoW buddy volunteers are suported by Pomona and District Community house with monthly peer support meetings, and are developing innovative solutions to make sure our places and spaces remain welcoming to newcomers.
(Watch this space!)
What You’ll Learn:
Buddying and gentle first-welcome skills
Mental health first aid and basic first aid training
Intro to cultural safety and community development
What our Volunteers are saying about the training:
" The range of life experiences shared amongst the group of diverse participants in this participatory training was inspiring."
"It was wonderful being part of this GRoW pioneering group on the Sunshine Coast."
"I think often the biggest gifts can be patience and the preparedness to walk beside people who are in distress. There were several times I felt this attitude reinforced through the days of mental health training. It would appear that green prescribing could be a very comfortable contribution in this area."
What our Volunteers are up to after completing the training :
Updates from Monthly peer meetings and the "Social Butterflies" initiative to follow!
GRoW Buddy Training Timetable: Stay tuned for the next courses in 2026
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