By Christine Couzens, Member for Geelong
As the Member for Geelong, I am very aware of the role volunteers play in our community. I congratulate and honour their work and thank them for everything they do.
Volunteers provide a significant and valuable service to our community, whether it’s in our sporting clubs, school councils, community groups, or working with vulnerable people as a carer or in our hospitals, they are often there doing the important support work we have all come to expect.
Volunteers are the backbone of our community, without them, many activities just would not happen. I have had the pleasure of meeting many volunteers from a diverse range of activities, services and committees so I know just how hard they work and for their passion and commitment.
I have also met many recipients who at times have had life-changing support and assistance from those special people who volunteer their time to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
Volunteers generally offer their time and expertise where they have an interest in contributing to benefit their local community or at a broader level for no financial or social gain. They offer specific skills and or labour that supports our community.
Volunteering is also renowned for skill development and can have positive benefits for individuals as well as for the community. There can also be opportunities to work towards employment.
Volunteers do a variety of work and contribute many hours in our community, which I very much appreciate. A huge thank you to every volunteer.
