By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
Cardinia Council’s community strengthening officer Allison Howard has recognised the contribution volunteers make to the local community.
With National Volunteer Week running until this Sunday 19 May, Ms Howard said she worked with many people who were always eager to volunteer their time.
“There’s a wide range of volunteers in the shire who donate their time to various organisations. They like to volunteer in something that they’re passionate about,” she said
“There a lot of people who always want to contribute.
“I work closely with neighbourhood housing in recruitment and we’re always putting out that we’re looking for volunteers.”
There are over 500 not-for-profit organisations operating in Cardinia Shire or helping its residents. The council encourages people to become volunteers and provides a platform through its online directory. It also gives businesses and groups in search of volunteers the ability to find them through the same database.
“We allow people who are looking for volunteering positions to find them. We provide a conduit for people looking for an opportunity,” Ms Howard said.
“Organisations can also put down that they are looking for people.
“If you live in the shire and want to volunteer but don’t know where to start, the council’s volunteering database is a great resource.”
One of the other noteworthy council efforts to promote volunteering in the community is its subsidised volunteer training. The council offers training subsidies for eligible volunteers working to help Cardinia Shire.
“We subsidise the training for a range of groups, including courses for First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis, computer skills, food handling and responsible service of alcohol,” Ms Howard said.
Potential volunteers off all ages are encouraged to look for positions if they are keen to help out their local community.
“Volunteer age ranges from young people, such as Scout leaders, to old people and also middle aged,” Ms Howard said.
“When I talk to any volunteer, they each have the passion.”
Ms Howard said the exceptional work put in by all the community volunteers across the region never goes unnoticed.
“The council acknowledges the volunteers and the hard work they put it,” she said.
“Volunteering is a very rewarding experience.”
