National Volunteer Week: Meet Sharna Jennings, Volunteer Registrar, Coaching Director and Under 10’s Coach at Nirimba Hurricanes Rugby League Club

To commemorate National Volunteer Week (20 – 26 May) we wanted to shine a light on one of the amazing locals who volunteers their time to support and make a difference in the Aura community.

What is your volunteer role with the Nirimba Hurricanes Rugby League Club and how long have you been volunteering your time at the club?
I currently hold the Registrar, Coaching Director and U10’s Coach roles with Nirimba Hurricanes Rugby League Club (and yes it keeps me busy!) I have been volunteering my time at the club since it commenced back in 2022.

Why did you decide to volunteer and what would you say to others to encourage them to volunteer?
I have children who are a part of this club and everybody knows that no local sporting club thrives without the vital support of volunteers. Creating the connection within the Aura community is what I like the most about the roles I hold. Watching a club grow and being a part of that positive change is a really beautiful thing. 

When you’re not volunteering, what do you like to do in your spare time? If you could have extra hours in a day, how would you spend them? 
I have four children… what spare time! Being a mum keeps me extremely busy. If I did have extra hours in my day, I’d spend them swimming in the ocean for sure, at one of our lovely Sunshine Coast beaches.

What does “community” mean to you and why is it important to give back?
Community is all about creating connection. It’s important to me because our club gives children a safe space to come and feel like they belong to a family. Not every child goes home to a loving family or feels like school is where they belong. However, footy can give them self-discipline, confidence and a team to be a part of whilst teaching them skills for life. 

What do you love most about the Aura community?
For me, I love wearing my purple Nirimba Hurricanes shirt and watching the children’s eyes light up when they spot me across the playground at school or in a shopping centre. You just know they love being part of our community and their joy is my joy.

Choose 8 words to describe life in Aura.
Convenient, Playful, Vibrant, Diverse, Family, Homey, Busy, Ever-growing