23/05/2026
🌟 National Volunteer Week Spotlight 🌟
Meet Sam Pini 💙
Originally from the Northern Territory, Sam moved to Pyengana around three years ago and has quickly become heavily involved in volunteering across the local community.
Sam currently volunteers as the Secretary of the St Helens Online Access Centre, one of the Deputy Unit Managers at St Helens SES, and is also involved with the newly formed Dorset Rural Youth Club.
Through her role at the St Helens Online Access Centre, Sam helps bridge the digital literacy gap within the community by supporting people to navigate devices, online platforms, and digital services.
“We help people access technology, troubleshoot issues, stay safe online, and learn about common scams.”
The centre also provides access to community computers, printing, and scanning services so people can get online and complete important tasks without needing to own their own equipment.
At State Emergency Service Tasmania, Sam is part of a multi-skilled volunteer unit trained to respond to motor vehicle crashes, storm and flood damage, and search and rescue operations.
Alongside these roles, Sam is also passionate about supporting and connecting young people through Dorset Rural Youth an organisation that provides leadership opportunities, training, and community connection through events across Tasmania, including Agfest.
Sam says volunteering has always been part of her life, beginning as a cadet with St John Ambulance Australia while she was still in primary school.
“My parents were my biggest inspiration to volunteer, as they were both heavily involved in volunteer roles while I was growing up.”
What continues to motivate Sam is the strong sense of connection that volunteering creates.
“I love helping people in the community and meeting incredible people through the different volunteer roles I’m involved in.”
In Sam’s experience, the impact volunteers have within a community is invaluable.
“If you help one person, they often go on to help multiple others with what they have learnt.”
If resources and funding were unlimited, Sam would love to see more practical long-term support for smaller volunteer organisations, including multi-year funding and subsidised community spaces, allowing volunteers to focus more on supporting the community and less on operational pressures.
Interested in getting involved?
💻 St Helens Online Access Centre
Email: [email protected]
Website: SHOAC Website
🚨 St Helens SES
Volunteer information: SES Tasmania Volunteer Page
🌾 Dorset Rural Youth
Join online at Rural Youth Tasmania
💙Thank you Sam, for the incredible contribution you make across so many areas of our community 💙 Your willingness to give your time, skills, and energy to support others is truly appreciated. From helping people build confidence with technology, to supporting emergency responses through SES, and creating opportunities for young people through Rural Youth, the impact you are making within our community is enormous. Volunteers like you help strengthen community connections, build resilience, and make the East Coast a better place for everyone. Your dedication and passion do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do. 💙
