Council will be celebrating volunteers in the Shire during National Volunteer Week, which begins today and runs to 22 May.
The theme of National Volunteer Week 2022 is 'Better Together'; a reflection on the way volunteering builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. In addition to Council's many volunteers, thousands more people throughout the Shire contribute their time to a range of community groups, services, facilities, clubs, causes and organisations.
Mayor Frances Eyre said National Volunteer Week is a time to appreciate the selfless contributions of all our volunteers.
"Nillumbik benefits from high rates of volunteerism, which is a wonderful reflection on the sense of community that runs through our Shire," Cr Eyre said.
"On behalf of Council, I'd like to thank, recognise and celebrate the volunteers who do such great work in Nillumbik.
"From our L2P driving program through to Community Transport, Friends Groups, and In-Home Family Mentoring – to name just a few – our volunteer programs are broad-ranging and something we should all be truly proud of," she said.
Linda Hagen is a volunteer with Council's Community Transport team and also helps out with the Social Support Group as a volunteer driver and group assistant.
Linda enjoys her volunteering roles and says what she loves most is "meeting people and hearing their stories about the area, and helping those who are vulnerable and lack transport options".
She encourages others to explore volunteering and help make a difference.
"The more people get involved with volunteering, the better we can be," she said.
Council will be thanking volunteers at a special event for National Volunteer Week.
Volunteering can provide career pathways through workplace experience, and enable proven benefits to volunteers in terms of mental and physical health outcomes.
To find out how you can volunteer in Nillumbik and explore the roles available, visit nillumbik.vic.gov.au/volunteering
Nillumbik volunteer Linda Hagen with the Community Transport van.
