New video series shines light on Sunshine Coast volunteers

This National Volunteer Week (May 16–22), Sunshine Coast Council has released a must-watch new video series which reveals the generosity of volunteers as they play their part in making our region a great place to live.

Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said National Volunteer Week was a chance to say thank you as we celebrated and recognised the vital work of Sunshine Coast volunteers.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to volunteers right across the Sunshine Coast, who willingly give their time, efforts and experience for nothing in return,” Cr Law said.

“We are very grateful to have about 870 passionate active volunteers who partner with council to deliver vital services across so many areas such as helping people learn to read, looking after our environment and wildlife, preserving our history, delivering exciting events and sharing our region’s stories.

“Already in the first five months of 2022, these volunteers have generously donated a staggering 15,000 hours of their own time.

“However, volunteering delivers many more benefits to our community than this immediate support.

“Volunteering connects people, it brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone

“The theme for 2022 National Volunteer Week ‘Better Together’ reflects this important element.

“So does the video series released by council today.

“In it, one volunteer, John, explains how Bush Care allowed him to connect with a gentleman who needed support during a difficult time.

“And Alan describes how volunteering at Bankfoot House meant he has been able to reconnect with a lost passion.

“Warren has been able to use the skills gained over his career to support people as they begin theirs, while making friends for life.

“These are only a few of the stories being shared.

“Through these videos, our community can see how volunteering makes a real difference personally for each volunteer and for our community.

“And how the volunteer’s generosity helps to create a stronger, more sustainable, healthy, smart, creative region.

“For those interested in volunteering through council, I invite you to visit our libraries, environmental visitor centres or other facilities, check out our website or have a chat with any of the council officers who look after volunteer programs.”

National Volunteer Week 2022 video series

Council has several ways to get involved and give back to the community through council-managed programs.

To learn more, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/volunteering or check out the following programs:

Bankfoot House – Established in 1868, Bankfoot House is a state heritage listed property. Council employees and volunteers develop and deliver community activities at the property and, since April 7, the doors at this historic site are now open longer than ever before, requiring more help from volunteers. To learn more, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-and-Community/Volunteering/Bankfoot-House.

BushCare Sunshine Coast – This outdoor volunteer program supports the community to conserve and restore the region’s natural bushland in council’s environment reserves. Volunteering with BushCare is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment as well as meet new people, stay healthy and active, learn new skills and connect with nature. To learn more, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/bushcare

Caloundra Regional Gallery – The gallery presents a changing exhibition program featuring leading local and national artists that explore the unique culture and character of the Sunshine Coast. Volunteers support with delivering services and activities for exhibition and education programs. To learn more, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-and-Community/Volunteering/Caloundra-Regional-Gallery.

Environmental visitor centres – Volunteers at these locations enrich and enhance the life of the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting a wide range of educational programs, research and conservation activities for each of the centres. To learn more, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Environment/Get-Involved-in-Conservation/Environmental-Education-Centres.

Festivals and events – Council hosts a range of civic and community events as well as festivals throughout the year, many of which are grateful for help from enthusiastic volunteers to fill various roles. To learn more, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-and-Community/Volunteering/Festivals.

Libraries – Sunshine Coast Libraries offer many volunteering opportunities including with literacy services, technology help, reader groups, Justice of the Peace and more. There are more than 270 library volunteers who help provide an important connection between the library and community. To learn more, visit library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Volunteer.

Sunshine Coast Stadium – Stadium volunteers are important members of the event delivery team; the big events wouldn’t be possible without them. Most events offer a variety of volunteer roles, including ticket scanners, ushers, food and beverage attendants. To learn more and register, visit www.sunshinecoaststadium.com.au/volunteering/.

TurtleCare – This volunteer program aims to sustain an ongoing marine turtle monitoring program. The goal is to identify and record species, nesting locations, frequency and success rates of nesting activity. To learn more, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/turtlecare.