Volunteering: a win for everyone
There’s no better way to meet new people, learn skills and be a part of the community than volunteering. Across Moonee Valley, there are many opportunities available for people to use their skills, follow their interests and support local causes that matter to them.
Finding the right volunteering opportunity is now even easier. Moonee Valley City Council has partnered with Volunteer West, a division of Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS), to help community members connect with local organisations that involve volunteers. These organisations include sporting clubs, neighbourhood houses, environmental groups, op shops, community gardens and many more groups that rely on volunteers to support their work.
As a result of this partnership to date, Volunteers West has collaborated with Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre and delivered volunteer and job readiness workshops for a group of English language students.
Mayor of Moonee Valley, Dr Rose Iser, described the partnership as a great outcome that benefited 15 participants.
“The program has delivered really positive outcomes for the group – like building confidence, exploring opportunities and strengthening pathways to employment and community participation,” Cr Iser said.
“The partnership also extended to include practical support to develop volunteer role descriptions, review resources and promote the organisation and its volunteer opportunities.
“These positive results highlight how Council’s investment in partnering with Volunteer West results in meaningful, long-term support for grassroots community organisations.”
She encouraged Moonee Valley residents of all ages and backgrounds to consider what service or support they might be able to offer.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our community organisations and provide a vital support in so many different areas from sports to social and specialist interest groups to environmental activities and fundraising,” Cr Iser concluded.
“Yes, volunteers get those feel-good moments – it is great to be recognised for lending a hand. But it is more than that. Volunteers benefit from these programs as well – they gain experience, new connections and a greater sense of being connected.
“The best aspect is that, through Volunteer West, participants don’t just find roles, they find meaningful roles that match their skills, experience and interests across north-west Melbourne.
“This extends to community groups and local organisations that rely on the assistance of volunteers to support the broader community who gain that assistance that they actually need.”
Anyone curious about becoming a volunteer can visit our Volunteer page and search the list of vacancies, to discover roles within their preferred suburb and interest.