City of Newcastle has recognised the dedication of more than 250 volunteers who contributed over 6000 hours of their time to the community during the past year.
Their efforts were acknowledged during a special morning tea attended by City of Newcastle volunteers at City Hall today to mark National Volunteer Week, which runs from 20-26 May and is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk celebrate National Volunteer Week with some of City of Newcastle's dedicated volunteers during a morning tea at City Hall.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was fortunate to have so many selfless volunteers who contribute to strengthening the community.
"Today is about thanking, recognising and acknowledging the amazing work our volunteers do across Newcastle," Cr Nelmes said.
"Each of them positively contribute to our community by helping out at facilities, events or with special programs and initiatives. This year the theme for National Volunteer Week is 'something for everyone', and this certainly rings true in Newcastle.
"Volunteers from all walks of life lend their time, skills, and passion to City of Newcastle facilities and projects including at Landcare sites, Libraries, the Museum, Gallery, Civic Playhouse and at major events.
"There really is something for everyone when it comes to volunteering with City of Newcastle and we continue to be grateful for their ongoing support and dedication."
Among those who attended the morning tea was Robert Clifton, a retiree and keen bushwalker who has been volunteering with Landcare for 14 years as part of the Obelisk Hill - Arcadia Park group.
Landcare volunteers are the largest single group of volunteers at City of Newcastle. Over the last 12 months they have contributed over 4000 hours of service and planted in excess of 10,000 native plants.
"I have always been passionate about the environment so when my walking group decided to give back to the community by caring for the land around Newcastle's Obelisk I wanted to help," Mr Clifton said.
"We did a lot of weeding and planting, and it felt good to be part of something that has improved an iconic outdoor space in Newcastle."
Mr Clifton says that in addition to helping renew picturesque spots in Newcastle, volunteering has had many other personal benefits.
"Our core group of 25 people now meet most Fridays and work for around three hours before stopping for morning tea. It is good exercise in the fresh air and a great way to meet new people. We all started out as strangers and have since become friends," Mr Clifton said.
Expressions of interest for new volunteering opportunities can be registered through City of Newcastle's website.
