Wellington Shire Council will mark National Volunteer Week with a week-long celebration to thank and acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and loyalty of local volunteers.
National Volunteer Week will be celebrated between 8 -14 May and this year's theme is 'The Change Makers'.
A series of thank you events will recognise the valuable contribution volunteers provide to their local communities, all while encouraging new people to take up a volunteering role within Wellington Shire.
It will also be an opportunity for Councillors to join in conversations with current and future volunteers, to better understand how Council can support community groups, sporting clubs and organisations to grow their volunteer database, and create a team of skilled, engaged, and passionate volunteers to support community building.
To thank the volunteers who work tirelessly in support of their local communities, Councillors will host thank you events in Yarram, Maffra, and Sale starting Monday 15 May. Events will take place at:
- Yarram on Monday 15 May, 11.30am - 1.30pm at the Yarram Recreation Reserve (Railway Avenue, Yarram)
- Maffra onWednesday 17 May, 11.30am - 1.30pm at the Maffra Recreation Reserve (CornerEdward and McLean Steet, Maffra)
- Sale on Friday 19 May, 11.30am - 1.30pm at Stephenson Park Recreation Reserve(Guthridge Parade, Sale)
Everybody is invited to cometogether and celebrate Wellington's wonderful volunteers, found in all pocketsof the municipality.
While Council has volunteers of its own supporting the Gippsland Art Gallery, The Middle of Everywhere, Sale Botanic Gardens, disability and inclusion, and community facilities to name a few, these events are for anyone with a link to volunteering to attend. Both current and future volunteers are encouraged to take part and use the opportunity to share valuable volunteering insight to improve the local volunteer database and provide much-needed feedback about the current state of volunteering in Wellington Shire.
Each event will also function as a networking opportunity and will include a free BBQ lunch, guest speakers and an official thank you presentation by Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye. Guest speakers Cathy Cook (Yarram), Pat Weatherly (Maffra), and David and Heather Harrington (Sale) will share their volunteering journey with those in attendance.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the many benefits of volunteering and learn how to get started as a new volunteer. Anyone interested in volunteering will have the unique opportunity to discuss the different roles available within Wellington Shire, to find a position that suits their lifestyle and availability.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said that the community is fortunate to be supported by a huge number of volunteering groups and organisations that make Wellington a connected, and more vibrant place to live.
"Volunteering is such a generous and impactful way to create social change and make a difference in the community. Whether you are a volunteer yourself or know people who give back to their community as volunteers, we would love for you to come along and show your appreciation during National Volunteer Week in 2023". Cr Bye said.
