The Big Lift from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is trekking across regional NSW and Queensland on a mission to share its volunteering movement across the country.
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And one group is headed straight for Peak Hill, in the Parkes Shire.
Founded on the philosophy of ‘Paying it Forward’, The Big Lift is a student-run, volunteer organisation that takes 80 students on a nine-day bus trip through regional Australia to complete various volunteering projects.
These projects include painting, gardening, cleaning and simple construction/deconstruction tasks.
With a focus on community engagement, The Big Lift works closely with towns across the country to provide help where it is needed.
“The Big Lift gives students a unique experience to discover how simple, rewarding and fun it is to help out the community,” said engineering student and The Big Lift president Inti Hoque.
“The aim of the trip is to demonstrate the idea that if we all come together for a great cause, real change can be achieved.”
The Big Lift bus will visit Peak Hill on the evening of Saturday, July 8 and depart Sunday, July 9.
Students will help the Peak Hill Business and Tourism Association, Peak Hill Show Trust and Parkes Shire Council with various volunteer projects across the town, such as land restoration and painting.
“I’ve seen so many students do great things for their community after being inspired by the volunteering projects they participated in on past trips,” Mr Hoque said.
“In a generation that has every potential to become positively connected with the world, The Big Lift plays an essential role in building that sense of community.
“The Big Lift aims to help create global citizens that are socially conscious and empowered to be a part of things they want to see changed.”
UTS students will depart Sydney on July 8 with their trip spanning over nine days.
The Big Lift is in its eighth year running.