2026 National Volunteers Week I Shelly Talbot
Published Tue 19 May 2026
Shelly Talbot's pure passion for skiing has turned into a family and community movement.
Talbot is a mainstay volunteer at the Interschools Snowsport Championships.
Snow Australia is celebrating National Volunteer Week and all the incredible volunteers by sharing the stories of those in the community.
Talbot’s initial involvement in Interschools started when she spearheaded a campaign at her children's public school.
Pulling a team of 13 children together, becoming the coordinator and convincing the principle that everything would be ‘fine’, the team made it through their first Interschools.
“We had a great time, I even made helmet covers for them,” Talbot said.
From that one event, the relationships and involvement grew.
All three of her children have made their marks at Interschools, competing across cross country and snowboarding.
Talbot then got involved with NSWACT XC as the Sydney training coordinator.
It was through her youngest that she became involved on the committee for The Scots College Snow Sports Association, organising all the volunteers.
“There are anywhere between 40 to 45 for regionals, 30 to 35 for state and about 25 for nationals,” she said.
“Its a pretty big job, trying to get that many people to volunteer.”
Year after year, she has done Interschools, helping out wherever she can. But, being on the finish line at Ski Cross is where she enjoys spending her time the most.
“You see interesting things, it's nice being on the sideline and close to the action,” she said.
“That's probably my favourite.”
Supporting the snow community is so important to Talbot, not just because of her passion, but because of the family connection.
“I think it is a really good way to better understand how all the events work,” she said.
“You meet other like minded people and parents, it’s really rewarding.
“Its important for me, that my kids see me help out, I love the big community feel of Interschools.
“Everyone is cheering, together and you see your kids cheering for their friends and supporting them.
“There is real camaraderie and support for one another.”
