For more than 10 years, Karen Hook has been volunteering at the Loganlea Community Centre and has seen a lot of changes in her time there.
Karen has helped thousands of people over that time with everything from food hampers, classes and giving people an ear to talk to.
Holding positions from helping volunteer to committee member and even president, currently vice president, Karan loves to help the people of Logan and when she is not caring for her mother, she is caring for the people of Loganlea and surrounds.
Name: Karen Hook
What is your fulltime job? Carer (on carer payment and allowance) for a family member (elderly mother)
What organisation/s do you volunteer for? Loganlea Community Centre.
What inspires you to do what you do for Logan and the organisation/s? To assist our local community with their needs, to listen to and meet new people with a great team of volunteers at the Loganlea Community Centre to assist the community with activities, programs, and emergency relief. The community centre provides a safe place to come to visit, make friends, and join in with activities and programs that are free or low cost.
What attracted you to these causes? Being a welcoming place to meet others.
What was the biggest challenge you have faced? Homelessness and people needing assistance with food and bills. The number of people needing assistance with finding affordable housing, getting assistance with food, and other support. The community centre would like to provide more assistance, but we need more funding/partnerships to assist the community.
What is the best part about Logan City? The community is so friendly and willing to help each other in times of crisis like floods.
Do you think the city is missing something and if so, what? Public transport so the community can gain access to services and employment. Without transport, it can be really hard to access services in the city.
Favourite thing to do in Logan? Exploring the parks, especially the water parks and markets that are on in different parts of Logan.
What is a hobby you like doing that not many people might know? Genealogy, coffee/computer club (a group of locals where we can ask questions and get some answers about PCs while enjoying a coffee/friendship).
Is there anything else you would like to share with me? Logan is a great place to live, located so close to Brisbane and Gold Coast. The community has struggled in the last few years but the community spirit in Logan is amazing.