Volunteers at the heart of Nambucca Valley life

THOUSANDS of volunteers across the Nambucca Valley are being recognised and thanked this week as part of National Volunteer Week.

The annual event highlights the vital role volunteers play in supporting public facilities, services and charitable organisations throughout the community.

Mayor Gary Lee said volunteers are involved in almost every aspect of life in the Valley and encouraged residents to consider giving their time to support local organisations.

“I would like to thank the thousands of volunteers in our valley who help to run charities, sports fields and teams, and those generous people who give their time to be a part of a Section 355 Committee for Council,” Mr Lee told News Of The Area.

“There are about 250 volunteers who help to administer our public facilities and support services by being involved in a Section 355 committee, the volunteer committees that operate under Section 355 of the Local Government Act 1993.

“All of our volunteers are caring, community-minded people and we thank you for your contribution.”

Nambucca Valley Council relies on volunteers to help manage a wide range of community assets, including 11 halls, the Visitor Information Centre in Nambucca Heads, two museums, seven playing fields and numerous reserves.

These facilities are supported and maintained by dedicated Section 355 volunteer committees who contribute their time and skills for the benefit of the broader community.

Coronation Park Section 355 Committee volunteer Peter Lewis said volunteering provides a valuable opportunity to connect with others in the community.

“I volunteer because I like to meet people and being a volunteer on a sports field gives me the opportunity to meet people, away from pubs and clubs and the main street, a place where you can casually bump into someone and you get to have conversations,” Mr Lewis said.

“It’s a privilege to be able to do something in the community, even though the recognition is not there all the time, it’s good for me, it’s healthy for me.”

This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’ and runs from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May.

Residents interested in recognising outstanding volunteers can also take part in the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, which are now open for nominations across seven categories, including Young Volunteer of the Year and Senior Volunteer of the Year.

Eligibility criteria applies, with further information available at volunteering.com.au.

For those looking to get involved, Nambucca Valley Council offers a range of volunteer opportunities across its facilities and services.

More information can be found on Council’s website.

By Mick BIRTLES