pic of Caves Beach volunteer family, L-R Brett Main, Olivia Main, 13, Zac Main, 15 and Tina Main.
FOR Caves Beach resident Brett Main, volunteering comes naturally.
The values of giving and doing that bit extra were instilled in him by his parents from an early age - something he has passed on to his children.
For the past seven years, Mr Main has been president of the Caves Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, affectionately known as the family club, spending countless hours to make sure the club runs smoothly.
A club member for most of his life, Mr Main said he hoped there would always be a role for him there.
As president, Mr Main ensures each of the club's 503 members has an active part to play.
Whether it be patrols, competing, assistance with fund-raising efforts to management of the canteen - there is a job for each active member of any age.
Mr Main is in the midst of it, from patrols in the morning to representing the club in competition and organising the many club committees right down to the mundane administration tasks.
On top of his volunteer work, he also has a full-time position as a mining planner for Lake Coal.
"It is important to make the time to volunteer, even if it is just a couple of hours in the evening," he said.
"It is a great way to meet people and keep connected with your local community."
Mr Main credits his family and the help of dozens of other volunteers for his and the club's ongoing success.
His wife Tina and their two children Zac, 15, and Olivia, 13, are also heavily involved with volunteering at the club, something which Mr Main is proud of.
The family's involvement includes attending local events, taking on leadership roles with organising the annual fund-raisers, cleaning up the club, setting up patrols and acting as role models for other members.
Mr Main said the family was driven by the philosophy, "if the kids or another community group support us then we will support them".
"It would be a nightmare without them," he said.
The Mains believe the key to a rewarding volunteer career is passion, following your dreams, persistence and treating everyone as an equal.
■ This year The Star will run a weekly series called ‘‘Community Samaritan’’. To date, the federal government has not announced 2013 as the year of any group or organisation. Previously, The Star has written series on many of the national years – including reading, lifesavers, blood donors and girl guides. These series highlighted community organisations and the many inspiring people who run them. With this in mind, The Star has decided to dedicate 2013 to the year of the Community Samaritan . If you know anyone who deserves to be recognised, email us at thestarnews@fairfaxmedia.com.au or phone 49795000.
