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A special thank you to all Latrobe's volunteersCr Middlemiss praised the enormous dedication and commitment, and generous contribution of time given to the local community by volunteers, saying few people realised the extent of volunteering in Latrobe City. By Latrobe City - 7th May 2003 - Back to News "It is very difficult to name a single field of activity in Latrobe City where volunteers don’t make a valuable contribution," Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss explained, when discussing the role of volunteers in the community, to mark National Volunteer Week.
Cr Middlemiss praised the enormous dedication and commitment, and generous contribution of time given to the local community by volunteers, saying few people realised the extent of volunteering in Latrobe City.
"There are hundreds of people who volunteer their services on a regular basis, just with programs that Council provides, and thousands more engaged in work that benefits the community.
"Within Council we have volunteers that help at immunisation sessions that benefit the health of the community. There are volunteers who work with children at preschools and at libraries, teaching our young ones reading skills, or to develop a love of music or drama. There are those who help with transport, so that others can keep medical appointments, or so that the elderly can enjoy some quality of life attending activities through Council’s Adult Day Activity Support Service (ADASS) program. All of these volunteers make a contribution that the community simply could not afford if the service had to be delivered by paid staff," Cr Middlemiss said.
"Latrobe’s volunteers come from all walks of life and from across a broad spectrum of ages, ranging from very young citizens who do a few chores for an elderly neighbour, to elderly citizens who teach young people skills and provide support and encouragement.
"With our Meals on Wheels delivery, volunteers range from school students, and business people, to university students and retirees. They range from people who step into the breach in emergency situations, to quiet achievers who make an ongoing commitment to enhancing other people’s lives through an unpaid and often unrecognised act of service to others.
"Volunteers work at the Visitor Information Centre, sharing their knowledge of Latrobe with visitors, steering them towards ways in which they can enhance their stay in the region. Recently a large number of young people have come together, dedicating their musical talent to the community as part of the Latrobe City Youth Band; and when there is a major event such as the Torch Relay, thousands of people put up their hand to help out. We are very fortunate that there are so many in the community prepared to contribute their time energy and talent as volunteers.
"During National Volunteer Week we should all make a special effort to recognise the incredible amount of unpaid work that people in our own community and every community across Australia undertake for the benefit of others. From Council’s perspective I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our citizens who are volunteers. Your dedication, enthusiasm and tireless efforts provide immeasurable benefits to your neighbours, and the entire Latrobe Community. Your contribution to the betterment of our society is highly valued by all at Latrobe City Council," Cr Middlemiss concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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