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Bass Coast Volunteers Praised For Their EffortsBass 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. *A 2005 survey by the Department for Victorian Communities asked 800 Victorian adults about their volunteering experiences and compared these results to other major population surveys on volunteering in Victoria and Australia.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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