Nillumbik Council will acknowledge the valuable contributions of volunteers across the Shire during National Volunteer Week, 20 – 26 May 2024.
Throughout the week we will highlight just a few of the amazing volunteers and the work they do to benefit the community. Then on Thursday 30 May, Council will host a volunteer recognition evening to say 'thank-you' and acknowledge the generosity, dedication and passion of volunteers in Nillumbik.
This year National Volunteer Week invites everyone to discover the power of volunteering with the theme 'Something for Everyone'.
Volunteers help to make Nillumbik a more connected, safer, resilient and inclusive place to live. They turn their passion into purpose by serving across a range of Council programs, community groups, services, facilities, clubs, causes and organisations.
Tamara Slabon is a volunteer with Arthurs Creek Community Centre and said she volunteers to help her community get to know each other, and to have those connections if and when things go wrong. "When they need people, they know who to contact and how to get involved," she said.
Vicky Shukuroglou is a volunteer and driving force behind Nillumbio and Friends of Biodiverity, Hohnes Hill. "We make what place we want to live in," she said. "It's up to us, we are the community. It's only by being active and reaching out to people and sharing those times that we give it the shape we want. That's what drives me."
Robyn Burke volunteers to help older residents stay active and use the exercise equipment at Andrew Park in Eltham. "I'm motivated by the opportunity to give back and help others. Seeing people 'having a go' and supporting them to keep active brings me satisfaction." she said.
Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan said National Volunteer Week is a time to highlight the crucial role volunteering has at the heart of our community.
"On behalf of Council and our community, I thank our volunteers for their commitment, passion and generosity, which benefits all of us, encourages positive change and helps to strengthen our communities," Cr Ramcharan said.
To find out about volunteering in Nillumbik, visit: nillumbik.vic.gov.au/volunteering
