Get together for National Volunteer Week

The 2022 National Volunteer Week theme, Better Together, sums up well the Bega Valley’s experience with volunteering; bringing people together, building communities and creating a better society for everyone.

Marine Rescue Merimbula in action.

13 May 2022

“Next week is National Volunteer Week (16 to 22 May) where we recognise and celebrate the vital work of our volunteers,” said Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick.

“With more than 300 volunteer organisations in the shire, we cannot thank enough the people who give their time for the wellbeing of everyone in our community.”

Two workshops will be held by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal for volunteers this month, the first of which is on Tuesday 17 May at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre (9.30am to 1pm) - How can we sustain and grow a flourishing volunteer community in the Bega Valley?

Representatives from not-for-profit and community organisations will speak on how to engage and sustain your volunteers.

The second workshop will be held on Wednesday 25 May at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre (9.40am to 4pm) – How can our organisation best respond to community needs across the Bega Valley? – which will look at collaboration and strategy development.

“People volunteer for lots of reasons, whether it’s to be helpful, meet people or to learn something new. It’s an enjoyable, hands-on way to be involved, and from our perspective, we couldn’t offer the services we do without help of our volunteers,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.

“With so many people giving their time—some of them with decades of service behind them—it speaks volumes for the personal benefits of volunteering for a good cause.

“The Better Together theme from this year’s National Volunteer Week perfectly describes what people get from being a volunteer. Put simply, we’re a community that works better together.

“Getting involved in a local organisation is a great way to meet new people and develop healthy relationships, and it can strengthen your ties to the community and expose you to people with similar interests.

“If you’re interested in volunteering, visit our community directory and connect with a local volunteer organisation.”

Cr Fitzpatrick also reminded the Bega Valley community that nominations for the are accepted all year round.

“Every year we recognise the outstanding work of volunteers through our Bega Valley Medallion Award,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.

“National Volunteer Week is a good time to reflect on the people who give up their time for the benefit of others and their community.

“Recognise their hard work and dedication by nominating them for a Medallion Award this week.”

Nationally, Volunteering Australia is running a Wave Your Appreciation campaign, inviting people to raise their hands and thank the millions of volunteers around Australia.

You can wave your appreciation for volunteers by adding a smiley face on your hand and posting a wave to social media using the #WaveForVolunteers and #NVW2022 hashtags.

Was this helpful?

Making an enquiry

All media enquiries and interview requests are coordinated by Council's Communication and Events team under the adopted Communications Policy. To view this policy, visit Public Policies and search 'communications'.

To submit a media enquiry or to request an interview:

email media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
call 02 6499 2222

Councillors

Councillors can be contacted directly for enquiries regarding decisions of the elected Council and non-operational matters. Interviews with the Mayor should be arranged through the Communication and Events team contact details above.

Receiving information

If you’re a journalist or media organisation that would like to receive media releases and notifications about media opportunities, please email your name, title and contact details to media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au and we will add you to our distribution list.

You can also subscribe to Bega Valley Together and Business News, Council's fortnightly e-newsletters, or follow @begavalleyshirecouncil on Facebook and Instagram.

Our council websites

Contact Us

02 6499 2222
council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia
ABN: 26 987 935 332

Community

Services

Business

Council