2026 National Volunteer Week I Ned Neill

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

Ned Neill is entering his third season as a volunteer in the Interschools Snowsport Championships and snowsport community, after a career in ski racing.

“I wanted to stay connected with the ski racing community,” Neill said.

Neill competed for the Thredbo Ski Racing Club throughout his career, and uses volunteering as a way to give back to the community.

“Its a great way to stay involved,” he said.

“I grew up racing at interschools, before continuing my skiing career overseas.

“My family has been involved in snowsports my entire life.

“Passing on my love for skiing is super important to me, and by volunteering at events, I am allowed to do that.”

For Neill, volunteering is a way he can pass on his knowledge to the next generation of racers, even at the very top of the run.

“Chief of Gates, I can use my expertise to teach people more about my sport,” he said.

The appreciation Neill has for volunteers comes from his experience with them as an athlete and now he is returning the favour at Interschools.

“Sports, especially snowsports rely on dedicated volunteers to function,” he said. 

“Volunteering your time and attention allows kids the time to have fun and enjoy a really great sport.”