To celebrate National Volunteer Week (16 – 22 May), Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, Murrindindi Shire Council is promoting the benefits of volunteering by showcasing local volunteers and volunteer groups and encouraging the community to say ‘thank you’ to hard working volunteers in their local area.
In March this year, Council put the call out for individuals and community groups to share their stories and experiences of volunteering. We have received over 80 submissions, and these stories are being showcased on Council’s online engagement platform, The Loop.
Community members are now invited to show their appreciation for local volunteers and groups by giving them a ‘pat on the back’ and writing a personalised ‘thank you’ message.
Messages, stories, images and videos can be posted on an online ‘Thank You Wall’ on The Loop. Messages can also be written with pen and paper and dropped-in at one of Council’s Library and Customer Service Centres, where it will be added to the online wall.
Council’s Community Engagement and Wellbeing Portfolio Councillor Damien Gallagher said National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you.
‘Murrindindi Shire is home to a strong volunteer network and, despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, local volunteers and volunteer groups remain an essential ingredient in the prosperity of our rural communities.
‘So, if you know someone who goes above and beyond with their volunteering, give them a ‘pat on the back’ and add a ‘thank you’ message to our online ‘Thank You Wall’ on The Loop. We’ll be featuring your messages throughout the month of May.
‘And while you’re there, check out some of the inspiring stories that people have shared about their own volunteering experience’, Cr Gallagher added.
‘In addition to celebrating the important work of volunteers, NVW is also an opportunity to help community groups and organisations recruit more volunteers.
