Indigo Shire Council is partnering with local community groups to celebrate the outstanding volunteerism across the Shire this Volunteers Week.
Census data reveals the Shire's volunteer participation rate is 26% – nearly double the state average of 14%.
Mayor Sophie Price says with more than a quarter of residents actively volunteering, Indigo Shire stands as a shining example of community engagement and service across Victoria.
"These Census figures confirm what we've always known – that our community has an extraordinary spirit of giving," said Cr Price. "In small rural communities like ours, volunteers are truly the backbone of everything we do, from emergency services to community events and support programs."
"Volunteers are the heart and soul of Indigo Shire. They run our community groups, staff our visitor information centres, fight our fires, and care for our environment. Without them, our small rural communities simply couldn't function as they do," Cr Price added.
Beechworth Health Service CEO Sharon Walsh emphasised the vital role volunteers play in the community.
"Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community – they bring people together, foster friendships, and create connections that make a real difference," said Ms. Walsh. "At Beechworth Health Service, we're excited to partner with Council, local Neighbourhood Houses, and Indigo North Health to recognise and celebrate the incredible volunteers who make our towns stronger, kinder, and more connected."
When Beechworth Health Service volunteers were asked why they volunteer, their answers ranged from finding joy in giving to others, to making meaningful community contributions.
"Giving joy, brings me joy," shared Jenny, while Linley described volunteering as, "My way of giving back to the community." Robert noted that, "Volunteering brings opportunity to reach out to other people who need assistance," and another volunteer simply stated they enjoy "Helping the staff."
The celebrations will include special movie nights in five towns across the Shire. In addition, gratitude trees will be stationed at various locations throughout the Shire, inviting residents to write personal messages of appreciation for local volunteers. These heartfelt tributes will be displayed during the movie screenings as a visual representation of community thanks.
"We're incredibly fortunate to have such a high level of community participation in Indigo Shire. These movie nights are just a small token of our appreciation for the thousands of hours our volunteers dedicate each year," said Cr Price. "It's an opportunity for us to say thank you while creating another chance for community connection."
The free movie nights will be held in Beechworth, Chiltern, Rutherglen, Tangambalanga, and Yackandandah, with Council providing support to local volunteer organisations who are taking the lead in organising the community celebrations. Each event will feature refreshments and activities before the screenings.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Beechworth: 23 May, 12pm or 6pm, Quercus Hall.
- Chiltern: 23 May, 12pm or 6pm, The Star
- Rutherglen: 23 May, 12pm or 6pm, Rutherglen Golf Club
- Tangambalanga: 23 May, 6pm, Tangambalanga Community Centre (Coulston Park)
- Yackandandah: 23 May, 12pm or 6pm, The Court House
All community members are invited to attend the celebrations, with a special invitation extended to the shire's dedicated volunteers.
The celebrations are a proud partnership between Indigo Shire, Indigo North Health, Beechworth Health, Alpine Health, Quercus Neighbourhood House, Yackandandah Neighbourhood House and Chiltern Neighbourhood House.
