Community service highlighted during National Volunteer Week

As Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers, National Volunteer Week 2024 runs from Monday 20 May to Sunday 26 May 2024 to recognise the importance of community service.

Mayor Mark Irwin said this year’s theme, ‘Something for Everyone,’ signifies that a significant and fulfilling volunteer opportunity exists for every individual. We are thankful for our volunteers, whose dedication helps the City build a connected and resilient community.

“Currently about 400 people volunteer in the delivery of essential City services and programs, which is crucial as we face the brunt of a cost of living and housing crisis,” he said.

“The City would like to take this opportunity to highlight the impact our incredible volunteers have on the local community. Volunteering expands peoples’ skills and experience and it is a way to stay active and engaged within your community.

“I would also like to commend Antonio Amaral who was recognised by the WA Government this week for 20 years of service to Riding for the Disabled Group Carine.

“Each moment our volunteers spend matters so much to the recipients of essential services. They also matter to us as a City because we couldn’t do what we do without you, so thank you.”

Funded by the Federal Government, Volunteer Australia’s National Strategy for Volunteering 2023-2033 is a 10-year plan how to create a future in which volunteering can be sustained so it continues to be a rewarding experience.

The strategy outlines that 83 per cent of organisations need more volunteers, and while over 55 per cent of Australians volunteer, that number is declining.

City of Stirling volunteer Hugh Dorey is part of the Community Transport Service, which has assisted 562 customers in the past 12 months with 19,580 transport runs totalling over 7,600 hours of driving time.

“The service I am a part of offers seniors in our community subsidised transport to medical appointments, shopping centres and more, ensuring they get to their appointments safely and on time,” he said.

“The people I meet are wonderful and so grateful and appreciative of what we do.

“If you’re thinking about volunteering, just get out there and do it! Volunteering is fun and rewarding.”

The City of Stirling has a range of opportunities for volunteering;

• Community services: providing essential services for people living in the City of Stirling - especially those people who are socially isolated, elderly, living with a disability or new to our community
• Natural environment and conservation volunteers: encouraging local residents and families to take part in community tree planting or turtle tracking events across the City.

If you would like to become a Community Transport Volunteer or would like to know about volunteer opportunities in the City of Stirling, please contact the Volunteer Services Team on (08) 9205 8483 or volunteerservices@stirling.wa.gov.au or visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/volunteer