Volunteer's 'pawsitive' contribution to the RSPCA

A dedicated animal lover who selflessly volunteers his time to help the RSPCA has been recognised for his efforts. 

A special morning tea was held at the RSPCA shelter at Dakabin this week to honour Noel Roberts, who has notched up 10,000 hours with the organisation.

Noel started with the RSPCA back in 2014 as a dog volunteer, scrubbing cages and walking the dogs.

It wasn’t long before Noel moved to the RSPCA office where it is his job to look after all the volunteers on site, runs the volunteer inductions and manage the RSPCA Dakabin Facebook page.

Noel says he loves volunteering to help the RSPCA, as it keeps him busy and on his toes.

“I like the fact that every day is different. From the moment we open the doors, you never know what you’re in for,” Noel says.

“I work in reception handling adoptions, reclaims, surrenders, returns, wildlife, answering phones and dealing with dozens of questions every day!

“Most days you experience the whole gamut of emotions from excitement to despair and sadness.”

Having worked around plenty of animals waiting for their forever homes, Noel says the welfare of animals is an important issue for him.

“I’ve always been an animal lover but now I’m passionate about animal welfare,” Noel says.

“I’m also passionate about the work the RSPCA does. Like many people, I had a very limited understanding of the RSPCA before I started volunteering, but now I’m its greatest supporter.”

Important information about volunteering

RSPCA Spokesperson Emma Lagoon says volunteers like Noel play a pivotal part in caring for the animals and the day-to-day running of each centre.

“We currently have approximately 2,500 volunteers throughout the state. They donate around 400,000 hours of their time every year to our cause,” Emma says.

“If you have time to spare and would like to help Noel and our team at RSPCA Dakabin, we’re currently looking for Animal Care Assistants. You can find out more here.”

The minimum age to volunteer with the RSPCA is 16 years.

For most roles, the RSPCA ask volunteers to make a minimum commitment of three months, with a weekly volunteer shift.

Volunteer shifts are usually four hours long.