Q. What energy source is fuelled by kindness and powers our whole shire?
A. Volunteer power!
Eurobodalla Council's dedicated volunteers make around 50 community transport trips a day, support 90 seniors to stay socially active, and help hundreds of residents towards gaining their driver's licence every month.
"These programs simply aren't possible without our amazing volunteers," said community participation team leader Isabel Brown.
But with an influx of clients for Council's essential transport, social support, and Y-drive learner programs, there aren't enough volunteers to go round.
"Unfortunately, we have had to cancel some services due to a shortage of volunteers."
Determined to meet demand, Ms. Brown is asking the community to consider volunteering for a program that interests them.
For former principal of Narooma High Tony Fahey, volunteering with Council has been rewarding in more ways than one.
A veteran teacher and school administrator, when Tony retired in April 2022, you'd forgive him for wanting to put his feet up and relax in front of the tele.
"What would I possibly get out of that?" joked Mr. Fahey.
"There's a 'feel good' factor in knowing you're providing a service for people that's important to them. And in my experience, you don't get that from sitting around watching Netflix."
Residents of Dalmeny, Tony and his wife have long been involved in community organisations, like Rotary and the Community Connections Cafe. And after he retired, it was Tony's wife who suggested he look for an outlet for his energy.
"I was trying to keep myself occupied around the house, so I think she just wanted me out of her hair."
During his phone call with the community participation team, Tony discovered he could combine altruism with one of his favourite pastimes.
"Volunteering with community transport gives me an opportunity to combine my love of driving with helping people who can't drive themselves for whatever reason."
Tony also enjoys helping residents obtain their learner and provisional driver licences through Council's Y-drive learner program.
"I had one learner driver who was heavily pregnant. She was hoping to get her license in case she had to drive herself to the hospital. I'm happy to say she got it in time."
Tony admitted he's been on the other side of the equation with community transport.
"I had to ask for community transport to get me to an oncology appointment in Moruya the other week. My arm was in a sling, and I wouldn't have made it without the volunteer who drove me there."
Undergoing treatment for cancer since 2018, Tony has had to balance volunteering with his own recovery.
"I do have to focus on myself sometimes, but I still need something in my day that makes me feel like I'm achieving. Volunteering gets me out of my head and into life. It's good for me."
Ms. Brown, who coincidentally graduated from Narooma High, hopes her ex-principal's story can inspire more residents to become volunteers and experience the rewards.
If you'd like to learn more about the volunteering opportunities at Council, please visit our volunteers webpage or contact the community participation team:
- T: 4474 1300
- E: [email protected]
- Dr Mackay Community Centre, 9 Page Street, Moruya
