Eurobodalla Council volunteers swapped their usual roles helping others for an afternoon of food, music and a bushwalk at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden on Monday 1 June.
Postponed from National Volunteer Week due to wet weather, the celebration was finally held under blue skies as 150 volunteers from Community Transport, Community Participation, Libraries, Y-Drive, the Bas, Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, Landcare and the Zero Heroes waste team came together.
Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher thanked volunteers for the countless hours they contribute to the community.
"This event is a small way to say thank you and celebrate the amazing work of our volunteers," Mayor Hatcher said.
"Whether it's helping someone get to an appointment, supporting a community program, caring for our environment or sharing knowledge, volunteers remind us that small acts of kindness make a big difference in people's lives."
Long-time botanic garden volunteer Ainslie Morris has been involved in the volunteer program since 1996.
"I was a mad bushwalker until my back had gone which is when I chose to volunteer at the Garden," Ms Morris said.
"I originally volunteered at the herbarium with Jenny Liney when it was back in Moruya - we spent many years collecting and documenting plant species from across the region. Now I volunteer in the garden shop and still enjoy being part of the team."
Community Transport volunteer driver Shaun Monaghan said the event was a great way to catchup with other drivers and meet fellow volunteers.
"We're often like ships passing in the night, so to be able to get together like this is awesome," he said.
"I've been volunteering for three years and I love being able to give back."
Mayor Hatcher encouraged anyone interested in volunteering with Council to visit Council's website to find out more or subscribe to the Job Shop's newsletter for more volunteer opportunities across Eurobodalla.
"Volunteering is a great way to meet people, learn new skills, try something different and feel connected," he said.
"You can donate money, goods or services, but giving your time is something truly special. Volunteers do that every day and our community is better for it."
