Mr Cherry interned at Midland Information Debt and Legal Advocacy Service Inc. (Midlas), a not-for-profit community legal centre operating out of Midland and Ellenbrook, offering legal services, disability advocacy, tenancy advocacy, financial counselling and emergency relief free of charge to the local community.
While putting his marketing skills to practice as a Youth Ambassador intern for Midlas, Mr Cherry went above and beyond his internship duties to provide hands-on support for members of the community living in poverty, packing and delivering food and other items for emergency relief.
Additionally, he conducted his own research and consulted with community members to develop a detailed map of emergency relief services in Midland to make it easier for people in need to access these services.
Mr Cherry said he “learned a great deal about assisting the community”, noting the most significant takeaway has been learning through listening to Midlas clients.
Midlas Principal Solicitor and intern supervisor, Margo Zorbas, was extremely impressed by Mr Cherry’s initiative and willingness to consult with members of the community to develop meaningful support.
“To me, it appeared that he did this not only to assist with the work he was doing, but also because he genuinely cared about the people in front of him,” said Ms Zorbas.
She notes the work Rory undertook through the internship has made an “immediate and lasting change” to Midlas.
“By raising Midlas’ exposure, awareness of our services is increased, and the people who need our services are now more likely to access them. This is essentially a win-win for both Midlas, and the community in which we operate,” said Ms Zorbas.
Reflecting on his internship experience, Mr Cherry notes his “capacity to contribute to society has certainly grown larger,” adding that he will now “more regularly volunteer at non-profit organisations by assisting vulnerable members in our community.”
He says the McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship is a great program that he recommends to all UWA students.