They were there to assist in the provision of vital first aid at the various sporting venues and public domain sites.

Kath Paynter(right) and her sixteen-year-old daughter Jenni, of Ellinbank, near Warragul.  Pictured at the Carlton Gardens. Together with husband, Ron, and son, Chris, Kath and Jenni always are on the go, with various family members volunteering not only for the Red Cross but also the SES and CFA. Says Kath:  "I really liked spending this time (volunteering at the Commonwealth Games) with Jenni.  "In this day and age, it's difficult for kids to give back; we've become a self-centred society.  Volunteering is really a way for our family to give something back.

Michael Bruns, 20, mechanical engineer, of Balwyn, pictured at Alexandra Gardens.  He was one of hundreds of Red Cross volunteers from throughout Victoria (and hundreds of St John volunteers from throughout the world) who gave up their time to volunteer at a number of different Games venues.

Karen Lindorff of Druin, left, and Kerry Jenkinson, of Warragul, offered first aid support at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Says Karen:  "It's great to be part of the Games; the atmosphere was amazing and we met some fantastic people.  It's a once in a lifetime experience."




Graeme and Anne Rabie of Portsea volunteered at a number of sites, including the Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.  They are pictured at Carlton Gardens.

Retired teachers, they are both active members of their community, with Graeme coordinating Red Cross Calling for the past three years.

Says Graeme:  "Being at the Games was a great experience.  Life has been kind to us, so it's good to be able to volunteer and give something back to the community.

"Working with St John was great - we met some wonderful people."

Says Anne:  "I'm really pleased were at our first big event, volunteering together - I'd hate to have done it on my own!