Thirty years ago, four seniors from the community made a simple but profound commitment. They responded to a request to return to school and give their time, knowledge and passion to help create a brighter future for Year 8 students at Mt Lawley, Perth WA. 

As I imagine what those early mentoring sessions looked like, some of the conversations may have centred on music from the Spice Girls, or perhaps the breakup of Take That… or maybe not. The West Coast Eagles had finished eighth and won an elimination final, and many people dreamed of owning a Motorola flip phone. There may even have been plenty of discussion about what the year 2000 would bring. 

While much has changed over three decades, I suspect the most important conversations would sound remarkably familiar to those taking place in schools today. Conversations about aspirations and achievement, opportunities beyond school, challenges and worries, celebrating successes, and helping young people recognise strengths they may not yet see in themselves. 

Across the years, EdConnect volunteers have built relationships based on trust, encouragement and connection. They have fostered intergenerational relationships long before the term became widely used and, in doing so, found a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment themselves. 

The need for this support remains as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. While the education system has evolved, many students continue to face barriers that affect their engagement, confidence, wellbeing and learning. For some young people, having one consistent adult who listens, encourages and believes in them can make a profound difference. 

That simple idea sits at the heart of EdConnect’s work. Through mentoring, classroom support, literacy and numeracy assistance, and helping schools deliver important programs, volunteers provide practical support while strengthening connections between schools and their communities. 

From establishing and embedding the School Volunteer Program in Western Australia, through the merger with Time Help to form EdConnect, and more recently welcoming volunteers from Ardoch and the Buddies program, our focus has remained unchanged because it meets a need and it works. 

The EdConnect program has flourished in Western Australia and, through successive WA Department of Education service agreements, has grown to partner with 172 sms and quality program delivery nationally. 

Today, EdConnect partners with 297 schools across Australia, including three new schools welcomed this week, and supports those school communities through the contribution of 1,132 volunteers. 

Our growth has been possible because we have remained focused on what matters most: creating positive outcomes for students, volunteers and schools. In doing so, we have earned the confidence of funders, supporters and community partners who share our vision and have helped make everything we celebrate today possible. 

As we mark this milestone, we recognise the school leaders and teachers who have welcomed our volunteers and embraced partnership with EdConnect. We thank our staff and Board members, past and present, whose commitment to our mission continues to guide the organisation. 

Most importantly, we celebrate the thousands of volunteers who have shared their time, care and experience with young people. They have been trusted adults, positive role models and caring members of their communities. Through simple acts of consistency, encouragement and support, they have created countless moments that matter, moments remembered long after a mentoring conversation or classroom lesson has ended. 

Over the past 30 years, volunteers have contributed countless hours in support of students. While those numbers are impressive, the true impact cannot be measured in volunteer placements, schools or hours given. It is found in the confidence built, aspirations sparked, resilience strengthened and opportunities created. It is found in a young person feeling seen, valued and capable of achieving more because someone chose to show up, week after week, just for them. 

Thank you for helping us celebrate this important milestone and your role in EdConnect’s journey, we are grateful for your contribution. Thirty years on, EdConnect remains committed to a future where every community helps young people succeed. With strong governance, robust processes, a proven program model and an unwavering belief in the potential of every young person, we will continue supporting schools and students who need it most for the next 30 years and beyond. 

Danie McNeil
CEO
6 November 2026