Volunteer Profile: Mem Davis
The Murrumbidgee River in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Mem collaborated with Visual Dreaming, an Aboriginal-owned social enterprise based in Wagga Wagga.
With a career spanning naturopathy, copywriting, editing, retail management, and music, Mem brings a true mix of skills and insights to her volunteer work with Community First Development. But beyond her professional versatility, it’s her deep respect for the people behind the projects - their stories, ideas, and vision - that fuels her commitment to supporting First Nations-led businesses and community initiatives.
Introduced to Community First Development through a family member, she’s now been volunteering for a couple of years, contributing her expertise in language, branding, and communication to support First Nations entrepreneurs connect with their audiences and grow their impact.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I bring a broad range of experience to the table. My background is pretty diverse! I've worked as a naturopath, copywriter, book editor, retail manager and musician, amongst other things.
What inspired you to volunteer with us, and how long have you been involved?
A family member mentioned that they were a long-term supporter of Community First Development and I was inspired to follow in his footsteps. I think I joined up as a volunteer a couple of years ago... it's been a big few years!
What’s been the most rewarding part of volunteering with us? Any standout moments or experiences?
Meeting the people behind the businesses. I've had the privilege of working with some incredibly inspiring people with a lot of foresight and a huge vision. I love being part of their business and helping their story to grow. Every person I've worked with has shown outstanding commitment to their vision and that's incredibly inspiring.
What are some key milestones or achievements you're most proud of?
I'm proud of every single project I've worked on. I love helping people to find the right words to help their business connect with the right people, so it can grow and evolve in the best way.
What impact has volunteering in First Nations communities had on you - personally or professionally?
It simply means I'm walking the walk, instead of paying lip service to being a support. It feels good to be doing something proactive that - in a small way - helps people to reach their own vision of success.
What skills, qualifications, or experiences do you bring to your volunteering, and how have they helped in your role?
I have experience working as a copywriter (in marketing) alongside retail management, so I understand sales from behind the scenes and on the frontline. It's helped me to really hone in on who a business is trying to reach, and to write in their language so they're more drawn to the product or service on offer. But really, it's life experience that helps the most. Getting to know the stories behind each project and relating them to my own experiences is where the magic happens - because customers are also people with their own lives and my role is to help them relate to a business in the same way I have.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with us?
Do it! I've gained more from volunteering than I've given, I'm sure of it.
What’s the biggest lesson you've learned through your volunteer experience?
Patience. Things come up that no-one could have foreseen and it takes patience and understanding on both sides to work through these bumps and get better clarity.
Thank you, Mem, for sharing your experience!
Volunteering with Community First Development is a chance to use your skills meaningfully, learn from incredible First Nations leaders and community members, and be part of lasting change by supporting self-determination. If you're looking for a rewarding way to give back, there's no better place to start.
Have some questions about volunteering with First Nations people? Learn more here.