Livingstone celebrates its wonderful volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week (NVW)

They started out as a bunch of strangers, but the Nursery Natives volunteer team members have more in common than just a love of gardening.

The volunteer group based at the Livingstone Shire Community Nursery is one of seven Council volunteer groups who give their time to a range of services across the community.

These volunteers, along with the many other groups and clubs throughout the region, will be acknowledged and celebrated this week as Council joins in with the rest of the country to shine a light on their brilliant work as part of National Volunteer Week held from 17 – 23 May 2021.

Nursery Native volunteer and Yeppoon local of 35 years Karen Duncan, said it’s the social connection and sense of belonging that made volunteering such an enjoyable and gratifying experience.

“We all love gardening and helping out here at the nursery but we’ve also all become good friends and we enjoy catching up and having a laugh together every week,” Karen said.

Graham Soloman said he was also part of Capricorn Coast Landcare Group and enjoyed learning new things about gardening while giving back to the community.

“I like meeting new people and this is a great way to do that while also contributing to your local community,” Graham said.

This year’s theme for NVW 2021 is Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine. Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say thank you to the more than 6 million Australians who volunteer.

Mayor Andy Ireland said although COVID-19 has prevented events from taking place over the past year, the Shire is pleased to celebrate the social, economic and cultural contributions volunteers make to our communities, making up an important part of what makes our Shire so special.

“While our volunteers generously donate their free time expecting little in return, it is so important to recognise their generosity, whether it be big or small, which helps to shape our wonderful community,” Mayor Ireland said.

“Council is incredibly grateful for the time and energy these residents put in to many different causes, which not only keep our community running efficiently, but also enhance our Shire’s lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere.

Councillor Pat Eastwood, Portfolio holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, said each volunteer plays an important role in improving our Shire and its services to our community.

“From Livingstone Libraries, the Community Centre, the Community Nursery, the Event Avengers, environmental groups like Capricorn Coast Landcare and Lammermoor Native Gardens, as well as those contributing to the Shire’s shared spaces, our region is incredibly fortunate to have so many residents who give their time to help make our Shire a better place,” Cr Eastwood.

For more information on Council’s volunteering programmes visit Council website www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/1511/Community-Volunteer-Programme

For more information on for National Volunteer Week, go to https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/