Gunnedah Shire Council will highlight the vital role of volunteers and how to get involved and feel connected in the community through a new event in National Volunteer Week (18-24 May).
Meet, Greet and Get Involved will be held on Saturday, 23 May from 9am to 11am at Wolseley Park to give residents the opportunity to find out more about local emergency services and community volunteer organisations, and how they can get on board.
National Volunteer Week is the nation's largest annual celebration of volunteering, highlighting the vital role volunteering plays in creating connected, resilient communities. This year's theme is Your Year to Volunteer, celebrating current volunteers and encouraging others to find meaningful ways to get involved.
Disaster planning related services and emergency services representatives, including the NSW Reconstruction Authority, WelFAC, NSW Police, Rural Fire Service, Fire + Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance and NSW SES, will be on-hand at the event to explain their different roles, and showcase the many ways residents can contribute and make a difference.
Council is looking for stallholders from volunteer organisations to become part of the event to showcase what they do in the Shire and the different ways locals can participate.
Council's Manager Community Safety and Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO) Tony Krawczyk said volunteers are the lifeblood of every community and now more than ever, they are needed.
"So much is accomplished by volunteers, but a lot of it goes unseen. Meet, Greet and Get Involved will shine a light on these vital groups, and the people behind them," he said.
"When emergencies or disasters occur, training volunteers and emergency services are essential to support our community, but without the numbers on the ground, this becomes a difficult task. The more people who put their hand up to become involved, the stronger our capacity to respond and recover.
"I encourage anyone who has ever considered volunteering - whether in emergency services, community groups or local organisations - to come along, ask questions and take that first step."
Mr Krawczyk said the event is also a valuable opportunity for new residents to learn what is available within the Shire.
"Volunteering is a great way for people new to town to make friends, feel connected and become involved in their community in a meaningful way," he said.
"I invite volunteer groups to register for a stall so newcomers and long-term residents can see the services, initiatives and programs available in the Gunnedah Shire, and I encourage locals to come along on Saturday, 23 May to find out what our volunteers do and how they can get involved and be better prepared."
To apply to become a stallholder, visit https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/svplefq0ag3rw8/
