Volunteer, FLGOFF John Robb will fly to India in July 2002 to participate in a community development project.

In this, the International Year of the Volunteer, RAAF BASE Richmond's Flying Officer John Robb is doing his bit, making a commitment to help others.

John will fly to India in July 2002 to participate in a community development project on an international scale. The project is organised through Australian Volunteers International (AVI), and will be focused on community development and sustainability issues in the remote township of Ooty in southern India.

John will be working with local and other international volunteers to provide skills and support for the community projects. The project runs for two-and-a-half months, during which time he will live and work in the Indian community.

'The opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause in a developing country only arises every so often,' he said. 'The sustainable focus of these projects is aimed at community independence, which means the benefits from my project work in India will hopefully continue for years. And who could turn down such an experience of a life time?'

John is currently fundraising to meet the AVI fee required to place volunteers on projects. The Hawkesbury City Council, Australian Society for Environmental Education, Panthers World of Entertainment and Richmond Just Cuts, have been kind enough to contribute to John's fundraising. For more information on the project or sponsorship, John can be contacted by email on John.Robb@defence.gov.au