A new Queensland bailiff with years of martial arts experience has shared her wisdom on how helping your community also helps you.
Gerri Kissner is already a local legend for her self-defence lectures and Little Ninjas karate classes, but the support worker and martial arts master has now begun work as a bailiff at Mackay Courthouse.
Mackay police officers recommended her for the job after her years of volunteering with them.
Ms Kissner said working in the justice system made sense as she had “always been passionate about keeping people safe”.
“I’m still called Ninja Nanna,” Ms Kissner said.
“I taught four little girls from the same family and, when their dad did some electrical work for me the other day, the invoice said Ninja Nanna.”
Karate master Gerri Kissner has “always been interested in self-defence” and volunteers her skills to teach safety lectures. Photo: Zoe Devenport
Born during World War II, she shared that her experience growing up in an institution and not feeling safe had inspired her interest in martial arts.
After trying everything from tai chi to taekwondo to karate, Ms Kissner began sharing her knowledge during her Stay Safe lectures as a volunteer with the police.
Aaron Rickard gets the better of Gerri Kissner as they spar in Mackay. Photo Peter Holt / Daily Mercury
Ms Kissner won the Australasian Volunteer of the Year Award in 2022, and said her interest in volunteering with police stemmed from a teenage ambition.
“It was a dream of mine when I was about 19 to be a police officer,” she said.
“I always wanted to be a detective or something.
“Like mystery novels, I love them.”
Ms Kissner said she has loved her first few weeks as bailiff, enjoying shepherding juries and assisting lawyers as she learns the ropes.
Volunteer in policing Gerri Kissner says she has “loved” her new job serving as a bailiff in the Mackay courthouse. Photo: Zoe Devenport
“People don’t realise what volunteering gives you,” Ms Kissner said.
“It actually gives you a sense of being productive, you’re in the community.
“A lot of people who have stopped working … lose that connection with the community.
“It enriches your life and you feel like you’re contributing, and I think every human being needs to contribute.”
For National Volunteers Week, Ms Kissner said anyone looking to give back should reach out to council for organisations needing help.