The power of volunteering
Paid work is not the only option after transition. Hayden started out volunteering with kangaroos.
Hayden discharged from the ADF in 2023. Since transitioning to civilian life, he has been participating in DVA’s Veteran Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme. Through his participation in the scheme, Hayden’s rehabilitation consultant suggested formal volunteering to help him achieve his psychosocial and vocational goals.
‘I was unsure what volunteering opportunities would be out there,’ Hayden says. ‘I’m not really a pencil pusher, so I wasn’t interested in any kind of desk or office gig.'
After discussing his interests with his rehabilitation consultant, he was referred to a kangaroo rescue not too far from where he had recently moved.
‘I thought it was pretty cool that my rehab consultant took the time to get to know me – my likes, dislikes, what I’m interested in,’ says Hayden. ‘I really felt they listened to me, and it made a big difference.’
When Hayden agreed to give volunteering a go, he expected new experiences, but not multiple visits to his local hospital in the first couple of weeks.
‘It was my second day, and a new kangaroo had just come into our care with a gunshot wound. We needed to gently sedate him so we could treat his injuries. I learned very quickly that kangaroos are incredibly powerful and fast animals. Before I knew it, he’d kicked up in a panic and connected with my face just above my left eye and split the skin,’ Hayden says.
‘Once we finished helping the poor thing, off I went to the hospital and came back with stitches and a new nickname – “Roo”.’
Volunteering at Dhil’um-bar Kangaroo Sanctuary, located in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, has provided Hayden with opportunities to make a meaningful difference and build connections with others while contributing to a shared purpose.
‘It feels pretty good to know that I’m helping sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. The things I’ve experienced, like caring for tiny, orphaned joeys and other baby native wildlife. The stories I have to tell, they’ve helped me to connect. I’ve connected with the animals, others at the sanctuary, my Defence mates, and me Mrs and kid.
‘I also now know my way to the local hospital and I’m familiar with some of the medical staff up there. They had a good laugh stitching me up, and then a few days later they laughed again when I turned up for help getting a tick removed from under my chin.’
The power of volunteering is strong – not just for Hayden, but for many veterans whose efforts help to create positive change.
'I come here to help the kangaroos, but they’ve helped me in the end by teaching me to be calm, patient, and grateful,’ Hayden explains. ‘That roo that kicked me taught me patience. You can’t rush trust. You’ve got to earn it, with animals and with people.’
Hayden’s mentor at the Sanctuary, Tab, says his story, his ability to connect with others, and his quiet determination to support the animals demonstrates the spirit of volunteering perfectly.
Sue, the Sanctuary’s Volunteer Coordinator, agrees: ‘We’ve got an incredible group here, people from all walks of life who just want to make a difference. In Hayden’s case, he took a kick, housed a tick, and still kept coming back! That’s what we love about our volunteers – they’re resilient, compassionate, and full of heart,’ Sue says.
Like many veterans, Hayden continues to serve his community even after hanging up his ADF uniform.