Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Bass Coast Volunteers Praised For Their Efforts

Bass Coast volunteers have been praised for their commitment to their community.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 16th May 2006 - Back to News

Shire Council Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin, says National Volunteer Week, running from 15 to 21 May, is an excellent opportunity to recognise the vital role local volunteers play in building stronger and more active communities.

"I applaud the huge contribution local volunteers make and thank them for the positive impact they have on our community.

"Every time you plant a tree, coach your kids’ netball or football teams, deliver a meal or even just have a cup of tea with someone who needs a friend, you are making a real difference to others," Cr Goodwin said.

"Council itself relies on numerous volunteers to keep its programs going. Our Visitor Information Centres, Walking School Bus, Landcare and Aged and Disability programs are only run with the help of volunteers."

Cr Goodwin said research* shows that volunteering not only helps make others lives better, but that people who volunteer are themselves healthier, happier and more connected to the communities they live in.

"Anyone can volunteer. It’s all about taking the first step and trying something you have always wanted to do.

"Whatever your age, sex, background or abilities, there are plenty of ways to help the Bass Coast community, and plenty of organisations and people who need your help," Cr Goodwin said.

If you would like to find out more about volunteer roles, phone Council’s Human Resources Team on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311, log on to www.govolunteer.com.au, visit www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au, or simply ask your family and friends.

The Minister for Victorian Communities, John Thwaites, paid tribute to volunteers across the state.

"In Victoria, up to one million volunteers, or one third of the State’s adult population, provide around $10 billion worth of unpaid services each year.

"It’s no exaggeration to say that many local organisations, events and services would simply cease to function if volunteers stopped giving their time," Mr Thwaites said.

He said the Volunteer Support Grants program and the Victorian Volunteer Small Grants are just some of the ways the State Government is encouraging, supporting and extending opportunities for people to volunteer.

"The Victorian Volunteer Small Grants program has already helped more than 600 local community organisations get new volunteers involved in their important work," Mr Thwaites said.

Organisations interested in applying for grants should visit www.dvc.vic.gov.au/grants or call 1300 366 356 on any weekday between 8.30am and 10pm (except Public Holidays) for more information and an application form.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
  Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
  Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
• Darren Chester honours Legacy volunteers' century of supporting veterans' families at national launch
  Darren Chester praised Legacy volunteers at the national launch, highlighting their century of supporting veterans' families. Legacy Week 2025 will raise funds through badge and bear sales to provide vital services.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Phillip Island gears up for the return of MotoGP and Marquee October events across Bass Coast
  Phillip Island hosts a huge October of events, headlined by the 2025 MotoGP, drawing 100,000 fans for racing, music, and entertainment, with free Community Day tickets and Cowes transformed into an entertainment hub.
• Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September.