Keane Bourke in front of St Pat’s.
Camera IconKeane Bourke in front of St Pat’s. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

National Volunteer Week: giving back to the Freo community drives St Pat’s volunteer

Leah RobertsFremantle Gazette

GIVING back to the community that has given so much is part of what drives St Patrick’s Community Support Centre (St Pat’s) volunteer Keane Bourke.

Beginning at age 15, the volunteer said he started volunteering because his school, Christian Brothers College (CBC), had a service learning program.

“I was exposed to a variety of service opportunities and showed just how much value there is in serving the community,” he said.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“I volunteered as much as I could but during high school it was once every few months.”

The Beaconsfield resident has continued to volunteer and now he is the photographer for St Pat’s events and has created promotional videos.

Mr Bourke said his first task was to take photos of the clients, staff and other volunteers.

“I began doing the photography for St Pat’s when they put a callout on Facebook,” he said.

“I put my hand up since I saw it as a way to use my skills to give back to a community that’s given me so much.

“I love meeting the clients, getting to know them and learning about their stories; it’s always nice to see lots of familiar faces around Freo.”

The university student said he doesn’t plan on stopping volunteering anytime soon.

“Volunteering for St Pat’s has taught me that everyone can give back to their community in one way or another,” he said.

“We’ve all got unique gifts and talents, and everybody benefits when we put ours to use.”

Want to volunteer for St Pat’s? Email mwatkins@stpats.com.au.

MORE: Search called off for elderly man overboard on Sun Princess cruise ship

MORE: Mandurah woman claims barber shop denied her haircut because of her gender

MORE: Decapitated kangaroo found