“Belonging? That’s why I started volunteering. It has been a turning point in my life. I’ve found it difficult to make friends in Brisbane and with all my children now at high school I found myself isolated at home. I found volunteering opportunities by searching for craft workshops. I’ve always been a crafty person so I thought I’d do some workshops to get out of the house.”

“I’ve lived between Townsville and Sydney, wherever I could pack everything into the car and drive to. Sydney was easy. Brisbane’s been difficult.”

“Having experienced domestic violence as a child, I understand and am sensitive to the needs of other survivors. Volunteering has given a chance to connect with other women in the community in a warm, inviting space that gives me a sense of belonging.”

I met Vicki  (left) at the opening to Dolores as the Pop-Up Story Catcher for the Anywhere Festival, Tylor King Gallery, 5 May 2016.