With International Women’s Day approaching on March 8, we’re shining a light on the women who help shape the Douglas Shire through their everyday contributions, including NicNak Shed volunteer Kim Coleman.

For Kim, helping people has always come naturally. She spent many years working in retail across the region, where she loved helping customers find outfits that made them feel confident and good about themselves.

Giving back has long been part of her life. Kim has been volunteering since 2008, even while she was still working.

“Seeing someone find something they’ve been looking for and being so happy, that’s really special,” she said. 

“We also get people who are doing it tough, and being able to help them find what they need is wonderful.”

Now fully retired, volunteering remains an important part of her routine.

“It fills my day with purpose. It gets me out of the house, keeps me active and I get to meet so many different people. 

“It’s also just a very happy place to be, a wonderful social environment and a perfect way to connect with other women in the community.”

Overall, Kim believes women play a vital role in the community’s strength.

Having called the region home since 1999, she has watched the Douglas Shire grow and evolve, and seen firsthand the impact women have across business, leadership and community life.