Mario Romeo – Dedicated Community Volunteer

Mario Romeo is a dedicated mentor making a difference in the Townsville community where his mentorship of young people is firmly aligned with his role as branch manager of Queensland Country Bank and their values.

Queensland Country Bank has a program requiring all staff to give back to the community through a Community Volunteering Program which enables staff to volunteer in the community as part of their employment responsibilities. 

Mario became involved in mentoring activities for the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation and its schools-based Onwards & Upwards program through John Godwin, its founder and CEO, immediately seeing the need and value to the community of these important services. 

Mario has seen the number grow of youth in society who don’t have any support or backup in terms of their family unit or from institutions which is alarming.

“The Foundation and its mentoring programs are integral in addressing those gaps and is based on prevention, rather than intervention, which I think is vital,” Mario says.

“I get so much satisfaction out of the mentoring, as do the kids. It’s a rewarding feeling to see the transformation in the young people from the start of the course to its conclusion with their increasing confidence. By listening, being non-judgmental and supportive we can make a difference in developing their values.”

Now in his third year of mentoring with students at Heatley Secondary College, Mario says that for a couple of hours each week, he can use his own life and parenting experience for the benefit of a student where he can develop trust with them and provide needed guidance as they lift their self-esteem and set goals. 

“It makes me appreciate the guidance and opportunities I’ve been granted in my life and try to impart some of that knowledge and life experience to others,” he says.

“Getting feedback from their teachers on how they’re going once they complete the program is very satisfying.

“The Foundation’s values align with my own and that of Queensland Country Bank and enable me to really make a difference and gain a real sense of personal satisfaction.”

The Foundation’s eight-week self-development and mentoring program is being run in the Townsville region in schools including Heatley Secondary College, Pimlico State High School, Northern Beaches State High School, Townsville State High School, and soon to commence at Northern Beaches State High School.

Over eight weeks, participants in the Onwards & Upwards Wellbeing Program delivered to students and emerging leaders in public, flexi, and private schools, undertake a personal development and mentoring program that uncovers and embraces their values as individuals. 

Attributes mentors work with students in developing include – their outlook on life, motivation to succeed, engagement with school, developing trusting relationships with adults, setting and achieving goals, and building positive relationships with peers and teachers.

The Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation plans to hold over 80 programs in 2025 in Queensland, focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.  

The Foundation welcomes new mentors. To register your interest and to find out more please visit inspiringbrighterfutures.com 

You can make a general donation to Inspiring Brighter Futures and know that you’re directly improving the wellbeing and future of people in our community who need it the most.

ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828440 [email protected]