Volunteering is a way of life for APC student Jenna Kelley. As a result of her selfless work and dedication to Walking Forward Disaster Relief Team Inc, Country Fire Authority (CFA), St John Ambulance and the Red Cross she has been awarded the Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Change Maker Award, an accolade she so deservedly earned.
“Studying with APC has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made”
As a long time volunteer with CFA, in 2015 Jenna was the first person awarded IPAA’s Face of the Public Sector Award and received a National Emergency Medal for her work during the 2009 Vic Fires. Her work with this organisation sparked her initial interest in Paramedicine, and since enrolling in the Diploma of Paramedical Science in 2015 Jenna hasn’t looked back.
“Working full time, volunteering for the Country Fire Authority and St John Ambulance as well as running a small national disaster team that assists animal owners in times of need and studying Paramedicine is not an easy task,” she said.
“Studying with APC has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Having study that is flexible and at my own pace (which is usually flat out!) has made it such an enjoyable experience although, at times, challenging. I can’t praise the support staff and the amazing tutors enough. No problem is ever too much trouble for them.”
Walking Forward Disaster Relief Team
Jenna is certainly a busy lady. In 2014 she founded the Walking Forward Disaster Relief Team (WFDRT) which assists equine and pet owners in need prior to predicted “bad” days and in times of need during disasters. WFDRT provides services such as but not limited to:
- Equine and human accommodation
- Transportation of goods and animals
- First aid/veterinary supplies
- Food / feed donations (human and animal)
- Animal and fauna rescue
- Free psychological first aid, aiding individuals and communities with stronger resilience & recovery before, during & after a disaster.
What comes next?
If all of this work isn’t enough, Jenna has big plans following the completion of her Diploma.
“My next goals are to complete my Diploma at APC next year and then travel to Nepal and volunteer for 4-5 weeks and trek to Annaupurna Base Camp. Following that, I hope to be accepted in to ACU here in Melbourne to undertake my Bachelor of Paramedicine.”
Jenna’s enthusiasm is infectious, her ability to dive into things head first is unparalleled and the way she is able to inspire everyone around her is unique, so we are sure whatever challenge she tackles in the future she will make a success out of.
International Volunteer Day – Become a Volunteer
With this award ceremony coinciding with International Volunteer Day, we wanted to take the opportunity to encourage everyone to get out in their communities and join a volunteer organisation. For Jenna, it’s the best thing she ever did.
“If you’re thinking of volunteering I would say don’t hesitate! Get out there and do it. It’s SO much fun and so incredibly rewarding to help those in need,” Jenna said.
For more information on how to become a volunteer click here.
To become involved with Jenna’s organisation Walking Forward Disaster Relief Team (WFDRT) contact her at [email protected].
How to become a paramedic
The Australian Paramedical College is the largest pre-hospital health care training provider in Australia. We are dedicated to providing training of the highest standard for all students who enrol in our training programs. APC offers a Certificate III in Non-emergency Patient Transport, a Certificate IV in Health Careand a Diploma of Paramedical Science (Advanced Life Support). Our training programs provide a flexible and affordable pathways for those who wish to work in the private sector or choose to continue their education at university.
Download our ‘How to become a Paramedic’ guide here.
For more information please call (07) 5520 2522