Community
19 May, 2023
Making a difference
VOLUNTEERS are the heart of the community, making a difference in the lives of many people on a daily basis.
National Volunteer Week 2023 (which runs until this Sunday) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and this year follows the theme of ‘The Change Makers.’
Warrnambool mayor Debbie Arnott this week took the opportunity to thank volunteers for all that they do.
“Warrnambool simply wouldn’t be the vibrant, liveable place that it is without the quiet efforts of an army of incredible volunteers,” she said.
“Earlier this month council allocated $110,000 to 29 community groups via its Community Development Fund.
“Looking through the list of recipients, every single one of them would have volunteer involvement, and it just shows how vital volunteering is in so many areas of our community.” Cr Arnott said volunteers also played an incredibly important role at council.
Its meals-on-wheels volunteers deliver 20,000 meals each year to support older residents in the community, volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre provide a warm welcome to Warrnambool for visitors, and there are many costumed characters at Flagstaff Hill who volunteer their time.
“That’s just a few of the many areas at council where volunteers are involved, and last night (Thursday) we held a special event to officially show our gratitude.”
New research released by Volunteering Australia this week indicated that following a sharp drop-off in volunteer rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteer numbers were on the rise with over two-thirds (69 per cent) of volunteers now back in person.
“It’s encouraging to see that volunteer numbers are beginning to recover, but as I’m sure many community groups locally and across Australia would attest, we are still some way off pre-pandemic levels,” Cr Arnott said.
“One of the things COVID-19 reinforced is the importance of community connections, both for the happiness of individuals, but also as a way of building a resilient, caring society.
“This National Volunteer Week, I’d encourage everyone to have a look at some of the volunteering roles available in Warrnambool, or create your own, and have fun while helping others.
“Volunteering is one of the most powerful things you can do to make a difference in your community.” To learn more about volunteering visit www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/volunteering.
