Local volunteers, and organisations recently gathered in Sunbury to discuss the impact of volunteering in the community with the federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) and Volunteering Victoria hosted the event, which included local food banks, neighbourhood houses, Rotary clubs and disability service Distinctive Options.
The host organisations both spoke about the vital role volunteers play in the community as well as the many benefits that volunteering can have on the individual.
Volunteering Victoria chief executive Geoff Sharp said volunteering is the physical demonstration of caring for each other and the community as a whole
“It is us at our very best and highest,” he said.
“Volunteering is also one of the greatest things we can do for ourselves, improving mental and physical health, learning new skills, pursuing passions, and creating better connections with others and our community.
“For this reason and many others, we are proud to work with government at all levels and our community partners to ensure ongoing support for volunteering at the local community level.”
Ms Rishworth said volunteers were vital to ensuring strong and vibrant communities, particularly in regional and remote areas across Australia.
“It was so good to meet with Volunteers in Victoria and see how they are helping to build strong and vibrant communities,” she said.
“We know that volunteers provide essential services in many different ways, whether it is helping out in times of disaster or crisis, supporting the more vulnerable people in our community, or assisting local sporting teams and community events.”
