More than 4,700 people have volunteered to make Australia's largest annual conference, the Hillsong Conference, happen at the Acer Arena this week.
Hillsong Australia said that "the spirit of servanthood which marks the volunteer team has made the conference a success for 21 years, with people serving across every area of the conference including hosting, events, catering and other delegate services- in fact some departments are completely run by volunteers".
Although much of the volunteer base is from Hillsong, many have travelled from across Australia to be part of this year's conference.
In her 70s, Anne Yasse has travelled from Brisbane just to volunteer in the host team.
"There are three generations of my family volunteering here this week," said Yasse. Her daughter is volunteering at the information desk and her four grandchildren are volunteering at Jam United, the Hillsong youth programme.
"I love serving and being able to make a great difference by doing the small things to make people feel at home," she said.
Hillsong's Senior Pastor Brian Houston believes the volunteers are a major reason why people return year after year to the conference.
"The volunteers are vital to making Hillsong Conference what it is. It really is the sacrifice of many that builds this conference, and year after year, we get countless letters and emails from delegates about the selfless efforts of our volunteers," Houston said.
A release from Hillsong added: "For volunteers this sacrifice has included time and sleep, as they commit to serving the 26,000 delegates. Many volunteers are onsite as early as 4am and many leave after midnight."
The conference started on Monday 2 July and runs until Friday 6 July. There are 69 nations and 19 denominations represented.
