A round of applause for volunteers who keep Moonee Valley moving
Volunteering is often regarded as a selfless act. But chat with a volunteer, and they will usually remark that the rewards are greater than the effort.
That’s why Moonee Valley City Council is recognising its volunteers during National Volunteer Week from 18–24 May 2026.
This year, Council will mark the week with series of events to make it possible for as many volunteers as possible to attend, including people who contribute to local organisations and sporting clubs.
Want to know more about volunteering and its impacts?
We asked some of our valued volunteers about why they give their time so generously to the Moonee Valley community.
David, L2P and the Library Home Delivery Service
One hour a month is all it takes for David to feel positive and connected.
A volunteer for our local library service, David collects and delivers books to residents unable to attend in person. He has also proudly supported Learner drivers to pass the driving licence test.
He loves to being a volunteer and notes that it is easy to contribute.
“I go there, say, ‘Hello, how are you?’, then drop off the items, pick up the returns – in total, it takes about an hour door-to-door, per month. Simple and easy,” he said.
“Also, as an active library user, I love to interact with the library staff on pickup and return. I also do L2P mentoring, and last year my learner passed his driving test.
“It’s the appreciation that makes volunteering worthwhile and enjoyable for both of us.
“It might only be a small contribution, but every little bit counts, and for the whole team (volunteers & librarians) it all adds up to be a great service.”
Moonee Valley is currently accepting expressions of interest to volunteer with the home library delivery service. You can learn more at our Volunteer with Us page.
Sarah and Andrea, Walking School Bus
The first thing Sarah and Andrea note about becoming a volunteer with the Walking School Bus is that it is easy.
“Obviously, you have to go through a few procedures with the council to get set up with your accreditation and ID,” Andrea explained.
“From there, we have a roster for volunteers, and we meet regularly at a set location on Walking School Bus mornings. Our volunteers have various roles throughout our walk from bus conductor, which is at the front, to the middle conductor, which is making sure that the group stays together, and then we have someone at the back, who also is traffic control and making sure there are no dawdlers.
“Being a volunteer is very rewarding. Our daughters now have completed primary school [but] we still get a lot of enjoyment from being part of the walking school bus.”
Sarah concurred, saying she enjoyed spending time with the pupils.
“They are all so joyful in the morning and its a great way to start the day,” Sarah said.
“It’s really enjoyable seeing them grow and develop confidence and independence from being part of the walking school bus community. But also, its lowers the congestion around the schools. So, it’s lovely for the parents to park the cars further and walk which is environmentally friendly.”
Rose, Bowes Avenue Community Centre
Every week, volunteer Rose runs two different activities at Bowes Avenue Community Centre in Airport West.
On Wednesday she shares her passion for ballroom dancing, while Thursdays are for Mahjong – a traditional Chinese tile game.
Rose has donated her time to the Bowes Avenue community for two years, and in the greater Moonee Valley for more than a decade, and loves seeing the benefits her activities bring to participants.
“I get to bring joy to the participants, and they learn something in return,” Rose explains.
“Most importantly, it gets them out of the house instead of doing nothing at home.”
Not only is it rewarding to be a volunteer. Rose says it’s easy.
“I have time the time, the passion and the knowledge, and I share it with everybody who enjoys the same things I do.”
To find out more about how you can volunteer with Council, keep an eye on our Volunteer with Us webpage.