This International Women’s Day, we recognise the women whose stories reflect the heart of ABV’s work — women who give their time, skills and experience so that others can gain opportunity, confidence and economic independence. In the International Year of Volunteering for Sustainable Development, their contributions show what Give to Gain truly means.
Across Australia and the Pacific Islands, ABV volunteers bring empathy, cultural awareness and a deep respect for the lived experience of the entrepreneurs they support. They listen first. They build trust. And they help create spaces where people can explore their ideas, strengthen their businesses and step into opportunities with confidence.
The stories of Jennie Connolly, Sally-Ann Lawrence and Kaylene Benson highlight the many ways skilled volunteers make a difference — and the many ways they grow through the experience themselves.
Jennie Connolly: Sharing Skills to Strengthen Communities
Jennie has spent close to a decade volunteering across the Asia‑Pacific, from Vanuatu and Samoa to Laos, Tonga, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. A retired corporate services executive, she brings deep financial and governance expertise to local organisations building stronger, more resilient businesses.
For Jennie, the motivation is simple: “I like to make a difference, and I know that I can. I’ve got skills, so sharing them is a no brainer.” She has seen the impact of skilled volunteering in real time — sometimes in a single breakthrough moment, sometimes in the transformation of an entire enterprise. Her work reflects the essence of Give to Gain: when you give your skills, communities gain capability, and volunteers gain purpose and connection.
Sally‑Ann Lawrence: Meeting People Where They Are
After a decade supporting small businesses in regional Victoria, Sally-Ann discovered ABV almost by accident — and soon found herself on assignment in Fiji, supporting 24 local business owners through workshops and one-on-one coaching.
Her approach is grounded in humility and adaptability. “We met participants where they were at and let them pull what they needed from the program,” she says. The diversity of businesses meant tailoring content to be accessible and relevant, and Sally‑Ann was struck by the willingness of participants to learn, stretch themselves and take risks.
Asked what makes a great volunteer, she returns to openness. “Share what you know in new ways. And be open to learning. I’ve picked up as much as I’ve shared.”
Kaylene Benson: Walking Alongside Entrepreneurs as They Grow
With more than 20 years’ experience leading change initiatives across Australia and the Pacific Islands, Kaylene brings strategic insight, cultural awareness and genuine warmth to her mentoring. Through ABV, she has supported small and medium enterprises in Cambodia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, helping business owners build confidence and uncover pathways that feel authentic and achievable.
“I get so much out of volunteering. I’m constantly learning,” she says. “My heart absolutely sings when I hear that business owners are hitting their targets or finding new markets.” For Kaylene, mentoring is about connection — listening deeply, understanding where each entrepreneur’s energy lies and helping them take the next step.
Continuing the Work of Women Supporting Women
The stories of Jennie, Sally‑Ann and Kaylene reflect what we see every day through ABV’s programs. Skilled volunteers don’t arrive with all the answers. They arrive with curiosity, humility and a willingness to walk alongside entrepreneurs as they shape their own futures. That’s where the real change happens — in the conversations, the breakthroughs, the moments of courage and clarity.
This year’s theme, Give to Gain, captures that beautifully. Volunteers give their expertise, and in return they gain connection, insight and the privilege of witnessing women take bold steps in their businesses and lives.
We invite more women to consider skilled volunteering with ABV. If you have experience to share and an interest in supporting communities across Australia and the Pacific Islands, there is a place for you in this work.
Together, we can continue building supportive, connected communities where people lift each other up and create opportunities that last.
Interested in volunteering?
Contact volunteers@abv.org.au or see the Upcoming Assignments on our website
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