Mrs Thomas is the president of the Illaroo Road Public School’s Parents and Citizens Association (P and C) and a perfect spokesperson for volunteering.

“Thanks to volunteers for Girl Guides, netball and the Rock Eisteddfod I was given so many opportunities,” she said.

She said community volunteers helped her become the person she is today. As P and C president she is committed to volunteering.

“It’s important to be a part of the volunteering community. I see it as an opportunity to give something back,” she said.

She often heard people say they can only spare an hour but said even an hour’s volunteering could help the community.

“Someone is benefiting from your time and that hour can make a difference to someone,” Mrs Thomas said.

Mrs Thomas once spent an hour volunteering in an Illaroo Road Public School classroom, sharpening pencils.

It saved the teacher an hour and the children had sharp pencils to use.

She said volunteering builds a person’s character and comes with many rewards.

“Volunteering is also a good way to meet people who are in a similar stage in their lives,” she said.

She started volunteering when she was growing up and was a St John Ambulance cadet and a volunteer netball coach.

If Mrs Thomas was not a P and C volunteer she would look for other ways to help her community.