Golden Plains Shire Council will celebrate the contributions of its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, 8-14 May 2017.
Mayor Cr Des Phelan says that Golden Plains communities had an outstanding record of volunteering.
“Over 22% of the Shire’s population volunteers for at least one hour per week, providing around $4.2M in economic value,” said Cr Phelan.
“Not only that, but volunteers provide immense social value – reaching out to the elderly, unwell and disadvantaged; and assisting with youth mentoring and key community events.”
“Council would like to thank everyone in Golden Plains Shire who donates their time and effort to helping others – our communities wouldn’t be the same without them.”
The theme for Volunteer Week 2017 is ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’ – and it’s been shown that volunteers get just as much benefit as those they are helping. Volunteers can gain valuable work skills, give something back to their local communities and make new social connections.
Council volunteers assist with activities including the Golden Plains Arts Trail, Meals on Wheels, Planned Activity Groups for the elderly and disabled, Community Transport, Trailblazers walking groups, the L2P Learner Driver Mentor program, and Chat and Chew community meals.
Council will hold morning teas during Volunteer Week at Dereel, Smythesdale and Bannockburn to say thanks to community volunteers. These will include a fun group drumming workshop at Dereel and a ‘Story Pod’ at Smythesdale and Bannockburn. Story Pod is a pop-up video booth that creates interactive experiences at events and effectively captures stories and ideas from the community.
Council welcomes interest from those new to volunteering – just get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator on 5220 7216 or [email protected] to find a role that suits your skills and abilities.