Volunteers are putting businesses on hold, using annual leave and travelling from interstate and overseas — all to work without a pay cheque on a Park Ridge building site.
More than 1000 volunteers are expected to contribute to the $4.8 million expansion of the Brisbane Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Green Road, organisers say.
Project coordinator Neil Ahles said 131 volunteers had already helped complete internal demolition works in the first two weeks.
“The volunteers have already made remarkable progress on the future teaching facility, having already completed internal demolition works,” Mr Ahles said.
“What makes this achievement particularly special is the willingness of so many people to give their time, skills, and resources to support the project.
“Some volunteers have taken up to three months away from work, or placed their businesses on hold to help, while others have used annual leave to spend a week on site.”
“Volunteers have also generously provided machinery and equipment, such as excavators and tipper trucks, either operating them on site, or making them available for others to use.”
They have travelled from Sydney, Orange, Victoria and New Zealand, as well as across Queensland and the local Logan area.
“They’ve already created a strong sense of community and are demonstrating what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose,” Mr Ahles said.
The project includes a Bible Education Centre, accommodation and upgraded facilities, with completion anticipated in September 2027.
An initial volunteer meeting was held on 12 October, with upcoming works including further site preparation and internal renovations.
For Marsden’s Isabel Kamyshenko and husband Vas, the commitment means stepping back from their small fencing business.
The couple plan to spend one day a week on site throughout the year-long project, giving extra time during busy periods.
“We will have to put our business on hold at times, but we’re happy to make that sacrifice,” Ms Kamyshenko said.
Among those donating their skills is Katie Festino, a 20-year-old carpenter from Nandi, on the Western Downs, who used a week of annual leave.
“As a young female carpenter, I feel 100 per cent respected on site, which isn’t always the case. I appreciate that my skills and opinions are valued,” she said.
Sydney plumber Bradley Nelson went as far as obtaining a Queensland trade licence specifically to help with the build.
The 50-year-old from Caringbah and wife Katrina are volunteering full-time for three months, putting their family plumbing business on hold.
“When we tell people that we’re here as unpaid volunteers they’re always amazed, but the joy that you get from giving is like nothing else,” Mr Nelson said.
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