The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the efforts of Logan volunteers.
Volunteers are often lauded for keeping our communities connected and thriving and they continue to do everything from arranging care and food packages to engaging and supporting the vulnerable.
Nominations are now open for the 2020 City of Logan Volunteer of the Year Awards, which recognise individuals and community groups for their service to others.
City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said while a new date had not been set for the cancelled Volunteers Thank You Breakfast in May, Council was urging nominations to coincide with National Volunteer Week (NVW).
"The theme for National Volunteer Week is "Changing Communities. Changing Lives" and that certainly resonates with some of our unsung heroes in the City of Logan," he said.
"Acknowledging the tireless work of volunteers who are often on the frontline supporting some of our most vulnerable has never been more important.
"The work they do largely goes unnoticed, except of course by those who feel more supported as a result of their generosity and dedication."
City Lifestyle Committee Chairperson Councillor Laurie Koranski said volunteers were the 'lifeblood' of the community.
"Right across Logan we have seen extraordinary people united in their commitment to assist and support our community and that has been especially prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic," Cr Koranski said.
"From providing recycled computers for families to providing food and shelter, I am immensely proud of the way this city comes together when challenges arise.
"Kindness and compassion are common traits among our volunteers and we look forward to celebrating their achievements once social distancing restrictions are further eased."
Aunty Faith Green is the chairperson of Gunya Meta's Mob Kinnectors in Kingston - a program which provides community service information, support and guidance for youth and families.
She said her Mob Kinnectors team was focussed on relationship building.
"We go out and connect with our families and check in to see how they are going with health, housing, education and wellbeing," Aunty Faith said.
"Our Aboriginal people don't know that there's a lot of services out there that they can go to."
Aunty Faith said without volunteers, many of the programs would not exist.
"Whenever we run a function, I have a heap of volunteers," she said.
"That consists of people just putting their hand up and saying 'can we be a part of this'.
"Not everything revolves around money, sometimes when money is involved there is friction. But if you've got nothing, it's an even playing field, everybody is appreciated."
To nominate a local volunteer, visit: https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/awards/volunteers
The nomination period has been extended to July 1.
National Volunteer Week 2020 runs from Monday 18 May - Sunday 24 May with the theme "Changing Communities. Changing Lives".
