GOOD CAUSES

A space for causes that support people, places and wellbeing,
from healthcare and research to community initiatives that make a real difference.

What Holds Communities Together?

Good causes, care and the people who show up

Good Causes: RFDS Oceans to Outback 2025 charity walk supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Queensland, Australia.Community involvement has always been part of my life, long before Jocelyn Magazine existed.

Over the years, I’ve volunteered with a range of organisations, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Hervey Bay Croquet Club, the Rotary Club of Maryborough Sunrise, the Friends of the Brolga Theatre, and Maryborough Masters Swimming. These roles were less about recognition and more about contributing to the places and people who shape regional life.

In 2000, I was honoured to have my entry in a community competition chosen to name Maryborough’s new riverside entertainment and convention centre. The name, Brolga, was inspired by my Girl Guide and Scout years and by the brolgas I watched dancing near my hometown of Barcaldine — a story I later shared with my Cub Scouts while serving as Akela, the pack leader, through the Dreamtime legend of the Brolga.

Last year (2025), I took part in the RFDS Oceans to Outback charity walk, supporting Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service — a cause that speaks directly to the realities of regional life throughout the country.

Now, while I still take a keen interest in croquet, Rotary, the Brolga Theatre and Masters Swimming, I actively support the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Mater — two organisations whose work across regional Australia reflects my belief in community resilience, practical care and access to healthcare beyond the city fringe.

— Jocelyn

Architectural interior staircase with ocean views in a coastal Mater Lotteries prize home
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A Closer Look at Mater Lotteries Prize Homes

Dream Homes with Purpose | Mater Lotteries Prize Homes THE front door opens onto pale timber floors, high ceilings and the sort of kitchen most of us bookmark on Pinterest. Stone benchtops. A butler’s pantry. Sliding glass doors folding back…
RFDS Oceans to Outback 2025 charity walk supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Queensland, Australia.Jocelyn Watts

RFDS Oceans to Outback Charity Walk 2025

Why I Walked: RFDS Oceans to Outback 2025 SOME walks are about fitness.Some are about clearing your head.This one was about gratitude. In October, I took part in the RFDS Oceans to Outback Challenge 2025, walking 113 kilometres from my adopted…

Causes and organisations I’ve supported

Over time, this has included involvement with:

  • community arts and cultural organisations
  • local sporting and wellbeing groups
  • healthcare and regional support services, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service

This list will continue to evolve as Good Causes grows.

Stories you’ll find in this section

Posts within Good Causes may explore:

  • why I’ve chosen to support particular initiatives
  • reflections on volunteering and community life
  • behind-the-scenes experiences of fundraising and participation

Good Causes will continue to develop quietly over time, shaped by the people, places and organisations that matter to me, and my communities.

Why Good Causes exists

Good Causes is a space to acknowledge the organisations, people and community efforts that help sustain healthcare, the arts and everyday wellbeing — particularly in regional Australia. Some stories shared here are personal reflections. Others exist to shine a light on work that often happens quietly in the background.

This section isn’t about campaigns or calls to action. It’s about recognising contribution, participation and care.

How Jocelyn Magazine supports good causes

Support takes different forms, depending on the context. These include:

  • personal involvement in volunteering and fundraising activities
  • editorial storytelling that reflects lived experience
  • occasional partnerships with organisations whose work contributes to community wellbeing, healthcare or the arts

Any partnerships are shared transparently and always reflect values that align naturally with Jocelyn Magazine.

If you’re looking for a simple way to support Australian healthcare,
Mater Lotteries helps fund hospital care, research and essential equipment through Mater hospitals.
It’s a feel-good way to support an important cause, with the added possibility of a win.
This is an affiliate partnership, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to take part
— something I’m comfortable sharing because the cause genuinely matters to me.

RFDS Oceans to Outback 2025 - Lagoon Creek, Barcaldine, Qld.

Outback scene near the Lagoon Creek at Barcaldine in Queensland.