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Baw Baw flies the flag to thank volunteersBaw Baw Shire volunteers have been praised for their commitment to their community. By Baw Baw Shire Council - 10th May 2006 - Back to News The CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council, Mr Glenn Patterson, said National Volunteer Week is an excellent opportunity to recognise the vital role local volunteers play in building stronger and more active communities.
"Volunteers have a huge impact on the Baw Baw Community, many council services would be difficult to deliver without our volunteers," Mr Patterson said.
"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."
A survey undertaken by the Department of Victorian Communities illustrates 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.
Baw Baw Shire Council joins 64 other Victorian Councils in Flying the Volunteering Flag to acknowledge the enormous value of the contribution that Volunteers make in our community and across the state.
"Good deeds and offering a hand to others in need knows no boundaries," Mr Patterson said.
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.
Anyone considering doing voluntary work in Baw Baw Shire should contact Delwyn Whitworth on 5625 0212.
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: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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