As far as Michael Krejany is concerned, volunteering is part of the “ethos of being Australian”.
The 52-year-old Point Cook resident would know.
Mr Krejany juggles his role as nurse unit manager of the specialist surgical and medical services ward at Werribee Mercy with volunteer positions with the Point Cook CFA and Point Cook Air Force Cadets.
This year, through a mammoth tin-rattling effort, he was instrumental in helping Point Cook CFA raise $40,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Mr Krejany, an air force cadet in the 1970s, is now chief instructor of the 404 squadron, a role he’s held since 2010.
He’s enthusiastic about recommending the volunteer life to others.
“Volunteerism is on the slide at the moment,” he says. “People are not volunteering enough of their time to do these pursuits and we need to be able to provide,” he says.
“Our emergency services are stretched. Get involved – you get much more out of it than you put in.”