2025 National Volunteers Week I Paul Livissianos

This week is National Volunteers Week, and Snow Australia is celebrating all the incredible volunteers by sharing the stories of those in the community.

A core member of the Interschools team, Jindabyne local Paul Livissianos’ first experience volunteering within the snowsports community was as a Moguls judge. 

“Living in Jindabyne and close to the ski resorts, it was easy for me to put my hand up to help out whenever Interschools needed someone,” Livissianos said.

“I started helping out at Interschools with Mogul judging, as they were looking for judges and I thought I would give it a go. 

“So in around 2008, I did some training courses and helped out at some of the events. 

“From there, I started helping out with the coordination of the judges at all the events in NSW, for Interschools and Snow Australia. 

“This ranged from staffing the events to running judging clinics for judges and parents. 

“As I got more into Interschools, I started helping out at the other disciplines as start referees or chief of course at the Alpine and X events.

“Snow Australia is working hard to provide all sorts of online training for people who are interested in taking on more roles as officials, and I think this is a great place to start.

“I am a teacher in the NSW department of Education, so my training and experience helps in the running of events and with communicating with all the stakeholders - good communication is a key component in this area!”

Having now been involved as a volunteer for over 15 years, Paul’s favourite memories of his time don’t always come from the big events, but rather the small meaningful moments that others might miss. 

“I don’t really have a favourite event but it’s always an experience just being at every event,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s a beautiful day and you just love being in a pristine environment and watching everyone having a good time! 

“Other days it can be diabolical and you have to be out in the rain, wind or blizzard! 

“Those days are tough - but you always feel a sense of accomplishment getting through them - and also a sense of camaraderie with other volunteers who experienced the same conditions.

“Standing at the top of the Mogul course is always exciting as you sometimes see the fear and trepidation in the athletes faces and other times the pure determination.

“I try to juggle the starter role with the commentator role too at some events and that’s always fun - taking on Steve Cooper's legacy on the microphone is a hard act to follow but I’m getting there.

“For anyone thinking of volunteering at interschools - do it!

“Interschools is all about the kids having fun and enjoying a positive experience with their peers. 

“So if you think you can help out in any way to make this event possible, give it a go!”