Ambassador Program to boost community connections at Stockland Burleigh Heads
Stockland Burleigh Heads Shopping Centre is calling on passionate volunteers for an exciting new program that provides vital social connections and services to locals who need it most.
The Stockland Ambassador Program, in partnership with Volunteering Australia, offers a more personal and inclusive customer service capability as well as assistance to those with limited mobility or just in need of support.
From a chat over coffee with a friendly face, to running errands and helping with the shopping, the program aims to remove barriers and reduce isolation for community members while bringing people together.
Brad Wallis, Centre Manager, Stockland Burleigh Heads, said he was thrilled to collaborate with Volunteering Australia on such a crucial program that would ultimately provide more than just a helping hand.
“We believe this service will forge a deeper connection with our customers and provide a more intimate and supportive level of customer service,” Mr Wallis said.
“Our experienced and passionate Volunteer Community Ambassadors, who value community connection, are already making a heart-warming difference at Stockland Burleigh Heads Shopping Centre and I encourage anyone interested in a rewarding volunteer experience to join our team.”
The program is run, managed and lead by Stockland, while Volunteering Australia has helped shape the service and source the first volunteers.
“This initiative takes the simple act of caring and combines it with a desire for greater social connections, to ultimately deliver a lot of heart to our customers and we look forward to welcoming more volunteers,” Mr Wallis said.
Volunteer Community Ambassador at Stockland Burleigh Heads, Marah Tetonga said the help given by the volunteers was invaluable.
“I befriended an older shopper who was on their own, struggling with a full trolley, and got to talking,” Marah said.
“I offered her a seat and a cup of tea in our Burleigh Kiosk and we spoke about all sorts of things until she was ready for me to call her a taxi.
“I think sometimes that's what people need even more than help pushing their trolley, it's more about sharing a human interaction."
The Stockland Ambassador Program operates seven days a week and will deliver a wide range of services to customers.
The services include:
NaviAssist – centre navigation services;
MobilityAssist – pre-booked and ad-hoc mobility assistance for customers and carers;
RoamAssist – roaming assistance for anything from troublesome trolleys to heavy purchases;
Conversation – local tips for the best of Burleigh, what’s on in centre or just a friendly face to ask about your day.
To volunteer for the program, visit the Burleigh Kiosk at Stockland Burleigh Heads Shopping Centre from 9am to 5pm at West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads, or call 07 5535 9666.
Stockland’s Burleigh Heads Shopping Centre comprises 190 stores including Aldi and Woolworths supermarkets, an Anaconda superstore and a wide variety of specialty shops, restaurants and cafes.