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

Livingstone Shire volunteers will be acknowledged and celebrated throughout 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 18 – 24 May.

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 this year, our Shire is still pleased to celebrate the social, economic and cultural contributions volunteers make to our communities, as they are 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.

“We are extremely fortunate in Livingstone to have so many wonderful community groups, volunteers and individuals who work so hard for the betterment of our community across a diverse range of agencies and services.

“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.

“From our Livingstone Libraries, Community Centre and Community Nursery to one of our newer groups the Event Avengers, as well as environmental groups like Capricorn Coast Landcare and Lammermoor Gardens, each volunteer plays an important role in improving our Shire and its services to our community.”

A member of Livingstone Shire Council’s volunteer programme is Robert Barclay, who holds the position of Yeppoon Public Cyclone Shelter Manager.
Mr Barclay said volunteering gave him the opportunity to mix with the community and help people in need.

“I’d definitely encourage other people to volunteer,” Mr Barclay said.

“For example I was recently called out to assist the SES to help tarp a resident’s roof, so there’s a lot of learning involved and you can see where your efforts are going and how they help people. There are a lot of things that can be done to help the community and a lot of volunteer programmes available to get involved in.”

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/