For Griffith Business School Student Leaders, leadership is about more than developing skills for the workplace. It is also about understanding the impact you can have on the people and communities around you.
Recently, a group of GBS Student Leaders had the opportunity to put that idea into practice, volunteering their time as part of Queensland Meals on Wheels’ 70th anniversary celebrations.
The experience began on the streets of Brisbane CBD, where students helped sell special 70th anniversary cookbooks to raise funds for the organisation’s work supporting people in communities across Queensland.
That evening, seven students continued their volunteering at the Meals on Wheels 70th Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner, helping set up the event, arrange tables and decorations, distribute programs, sell raffle tickets and assist guests purchasing cookbooks.
For students developing their leadership capabilities, community volunteering provides a valuable opportunity to see leadership from a different perspective. It is about stepping outside the classroom, working alongside others, contributing without expecting anything in return and recognising that meaningful change is often built through many small acts of service.
Leadership beyond the classroom
Giving back is an important part of the Griffith Business School Student Leadership Program, which provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills while contributing to the wider community.
The program encourages students to build confidence, communication and interpersonal skills through a combination of leadership development, mentoring, University events and volunteering. Community engagement is a particular focus, giving students the opportunity to work with organisations tackling real-world challenges and to understand the role they can play in creating positive change.
The Meals on Wheels volunteering builds on a strong history of community engagement by GBS Student Leaders. In 2025, students contributed to the Hope in a Suitcase initiative, while previous Little Spark Project activities have included volunteering with FareShare Australia and supporting The Centre for Women Co. These experiences are not simply volunteering opportunities. They are opportunities for students to learn what leadership looks like when there is no title, position or formal responsibility attached to it.
Leading with purpose
For many students, university is a time to develop the knowledge and skills needed for their future careers. But it is also an opportunity to consider the kind of leader they want to become. Through community volunteering, GBS Student Leaders are encouraged to look beyond their own experiences and consider how their skills, time and energy can contribute to something bigger.
About the Griffith Business School Student Leadership Program
The Griffith Business School Student Leadership Program gives selected students from Brisbane South (Nathan), Gold Coast and online the opportunity to participate in leadership development and mentoring activities, University and alumni events, and community volunteering.
Students gain real-world professional experience while developing confidence, interpersonal, leadership and communication skills. The program includes leadership development workshops, a two-day Leadership Development Camp, peer mentoring, community volunteering opportunities, participation in School and University events, and opportunities to build lasting connections with fellow students.
