Volunteering comes naturally to Armadale resident Dan Ramsell, a familiar face to many through his work at the Roleystone Theatre and local school music programs.
Mr Ramsell’s commitment to helping others was recognised on Australia Day, when he was named community citizen of the year by the City of Armadale.
He said his volunteering journey began early, starting at just 12-years-old at his local theatre, where his parents were also volunteers.
While others sat in the audience and enjoyed the show, a young Mr Ramsell was behind the scenes, taking on the role of call boy.
“It was my responsibility to make sure all the actors were ready to go on stage when it was their time,” he said.
Years later, that sense of responsibility never left him.
“I can’t imagine not volunteering,” Mr Ramsell said.
“It’s in my nature.
“Even if I go somewhere as a guest and they start packing the chairs away, I feel the need to help stack chairs as well. It just feels like the right thing to do.”
Mr Ramsell said his passion for volunteering was something he hoped to pass on to his children, just as his parents had passed it on to him.
He and his wife Bree both remain actively involved in community work and their children are already following suit.
“They currently volunteer with a horse-riding program for people with disabilities,” he said.
“They help with cleaning up after the horses, walking them — that sort of thing.
“I hope my kids continue to contribute to the community (but) they don’t have to do what I do.
“They can do whatever they want but helping is an important part of life.”
Being recognised by both the city and the wider community came as a surprise to Mr Ramsell, who said he never volunteered for praise or awards.
“I didn’t expect to get anything,” he said.
“I don’t volunteer to get recognition. I do it because it’s nice to do and the world needs volunteers.
“They can’t pay everyone for everything.”
Mr Ramsell said reading supportive comments from community members on social media following the award announcement was humbling.
Balancing volunteering with full-time work and family life is made possible through teamwork at home, he said.
“Between myself and Bree, my wife, we just balance everything because we’re both very involved in the various different things we do,” Mr Ramsell said.
“We support each other so we can balance what needs to be done within our family, as well as what we feel needs to be done volunteer-wise.”
Despite the time commitment, Mr Ramsell said volunteering gives back just as much as it takes.
“I get a lot out of it,” he said.
“Sometimes jobs need to be done and if I don’t do it, who’s going to?
“In theatre, I get joy from other people getting joy watching the show.”
For those who may be hesitant to volunteer, Mr Ramsell’s advice is simple: just give it a go.
“You’ll find time,” he said.
“It doesn’t have to be hours and hours. Even if it’s just one night every two months, that still helps.
“Even if you’re concerned and don’t know what to do, there’s always someone who will help you.”
