Volunteer of the Month, March 2019
I am more confident in working on hepatitis issues. Working on hepatitis issues allows me to do more research on health or nutritional issues.
My experience in development work in Cambodia has made who I am today. This development work inspired me to be willing to give back to the society as the whole, especially the Cambodian community in Melbourne when I am here for my study.
Whenever there is an opportunity and I have time, I take it. For instance, I was elected to be the president of a registered student association in Melbourne, called Cambodian Australian Network of Student at the end of 2017.
Prior to a volunteer work with Hepatitis Victoria, my father-in-law just passed away because of hepatitis in Cambodia. While grieving his death, it also inspired me to do something for Cambodian people to avoid this problem.
I am pleased with any piece of work for Hepatitis Victoria. Attending a HepVic event on Lunar New Year Festival at Springvale may be a favorite moment because staff members and volunteers work together for a good cause for the society.
A few things that we need to pay more attention are as follows:
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we work - the lands of the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We express our gratitude to them for their continued care and curation of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
LiverWELL observes and honours the Kulin Nation's intrinsic connection to land, sky and water, and the creator Bunjil. LiverWELL is committed to being led and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on bridging health outcomes for communities and improving liver health.