Celebrating our Volunteers this National Volunteer Week
We’re proud to have a strong network of volunteers. Over this week, we’re celebrating their contributions, efforts and dedication in making our community a great place to live.
National Volunteer Week (15 May – 22 May) is a week-long opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world.
Our council volunteers and millions of other volunteers in the country are the ones that bring change in the community, nation and in people’s lives that’s why they are called ‘The Change Makers’ this year. Moonee Valley City Council currently has 108 Volunteers spread across 7 Programs, 4 Business Units, 3 Departments and 1 Directorate. From 14 to 84, Moonee Valley residents are devoted to community change and support, participating in programs such as Men’s Shed, Walking School Bus, Drivelink, L2P, Incinerator Galley, Valley Youth and more!
What amazing things are our volunteers doing?
Our volunteers are often the lifeblood of many Council run programs. They provide vital support to fellow residents by assisting and mentoring groups across the Valley. Some key activities our wonderful volunteers get up to include:
- Our volunteers provide vital support by delivering library books to people who may have mobility issues, are socially isolated etc.
- Mentoring youth in practicing driving and assist them in acquiring their P license plate
- Assist people from refugee and asylum background by inducting them to Victorian driving rules via Drivelink program
- Assist with through ought operation of our Incinerator gallery
- Make sure children walk to schools safely
Why are volunteers so important?
Volunteers are the foundation of a stronger, happy and healthy community. Volunteers make a difference in the community and in the lives of community members without expecting anything in return. This leads to a selfless and giving society. Research shows that volunteering has helped improve mental health by eradicating social isolation for themselves and for other isolated community members. It also helps keep individuals physically active which also leads to a healthy life and that satisfaction at the end of the day is invaluable.
Volunteering is the key element for many refugees and asylum seekers, immigrants to connect with Australian community, understand Australian workforce and be part of it while gaining work experience. In addition to all these benefits, volunteers also provide a huge monetary contribution to many Not-for-Profits allowing them to operate the programs which otherwise they couldn’t would be able to financially which also leads to community development.
We invite our community to utilise this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate not just the MVCC’s volunteers but the thousands of volunteers that provide invaluable and selfless contribution to our community. Acknowledging and appreciating volunteers does not mean spending heaps of money behind them but just a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ does the equal job.
What ways can you say ‘Thank you’ to the volunteers in your life?
Want to get in the spirit of National Volunteer week? Here are some simple things you can do to show your appreciation:
- Post a thank you message on social media
- Write thank you on your palm and post that photo
- Email/post a thank you certificate
- Give a small gift
- Have a cup of tea with your volunteers and post those pics
- Host morning/afternoon tea for your volunteers
- Host events
- Food breaks all barriers may that me cultural, gender, age etc.
- Host a lunch! Everyone can bring a plate and celebrate not just volunteer week but also the diversity in the workplace
- A heartfelt thank you email/message from the CEO of the organisation
- Staff members stopping everything on a decided day/time and just spend time chatting with volunteers
Volunteering Vic is hosting an event for members and sectors to celebrate volunteer week where they can take volunteers with them.
You can find more details at Volunteering Victoria’s website.
How is Council recognising our volunteers?
We will be hosting a thank you celebratory event to recognise and acknowledge our wonderful volunteer’s contribution to the council and community on Thursday, 18th May 2023.