b'Forming community connectionsAliuddin and Nishat started volunteering at Uniting to give back to their new neighbourhood.Moving from Melbourne to Hobart in During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nishat and 2018, Aliuddin, Nishat and their young son Aliuddin have gone above and beyond to were searching for a new way to connect support their team - all while studying, working, in the community.and caring for their 2-year-old son.One of our friends volunteered with UnitingNishat used his skillset to help set up Unitings and suggested we give it a go, says Aliuddin. new office in Bridgewater. At the same time, Its been wonderful. Weve made new Aliuddin played a vital role in delivering food friends and met some great people and toiletry hampers to people who couldnt through volunteering. leave home due to COVID-19 restrictions.Along with coming in at short notice to coverPicking up goods from the supermarket, making other volunteers and working additional hourshampers, and packing them into a delivery during busy times, the couple is more thanvan, Aliuddin personally delivered the packs to willing to do the less glamorous jobs like takingpeople in need.rubbish to the tip.Helping someone is the rent you pay to live in With their positivity and enthusiasm, the couplethis world, says Aliuddin.is now an invaluable part of the volunteer teamWe feel lucky to have the opportunity to help in Hobart.others. Hobart is a wonderful community, and its been lovely to connect with other people through volunteering.Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2020-2021 45'