Blake Lee, The Buloke Times
National Volunteer Week acknowledges the people who generously give up their time to support and benefit their communities.
From May 15 to 21, National Volunteer Week is celebrated right across Australia. In 2023 the theme is “The change makers” to recognise the millions of volunteers who play a vital role in creating positive change in their communities and beyond.
“Change Makers” are diverse in their roles, backgrounds, skills and areas of expertise and they get involved in volunteering for different reasons. In Buloke, it is these change makers who ensure we can enjoy a diverse range of community, cultural and sporting activities in a safe and sustainable environment.
On a Saturday alone at any North Central football, netball and hockey venue, you will find an extraordinary number of volunteers fulfilling roles. During the winter sport season, on game day community members volunteer hours of their time in roles such as trainer, runner, water carrier, scorer, scribe, umpire, coach, caterer or gate person. But, it is also the work put in behind the scenes prior to game day that ensures the day runs smoothly, like line marking, cleaning, and canteen fridge stacking.
Diverse nature
The activities hosted by the Birchip-Watchem football, netball and hockey clubs last week highlighted the number and diverse nature of the volunteers involved. Training sessions were facilitated every day from Monday to Thursday across the three codes, dinner was prepared and served for players and supporters on Thursday and Saturday night and a three course Mother’s Day luncheon was served by the hockey club to over a hundred and twenty mums and families on Sunday. There was a “Pink Day” event hosted by the netball club on Saturday to raise funds for BCNA and there was a round of Central Victoria Girls Football played at the George Cartwright oval on Sunday.
While we see many volunteers contributing to the success of Saturday sport, there are many other volunteers dedicating time and resources to a range of community organisations who host successful events, improve community wellbeing and ensure our towns are fun, vibrant and prosperous who often go unseen.
Committees
In Birchip these volunteers are involved on an extensive number of committees including (but not limited to) the Harness Racing Club, Playgroup, Early Learning Centre, Community Leisure Centre, Forum, Tchum Lake Aquatic Club, E.W.H.S Hospital Auxiliary, Mallee Root Round Up, Youth Group, Community Housing, Cargill Cares, football, netball, hockey, golf, cricket, tennis, bowls and rifle clubs, Parents’ Club, Wirrim CWA, Art Show, “Chocolate Sundaes”, Landcare, Cemetery Trust, Neighbourhood House, Historical Society, Probus, Men’s Shed and School Council.
Service club
Then there are the service clubs like Lions Club, and faith-based organisations including St Vincent de Paul and Church groups who all have volunteers providing our community members with safe spaces to connect with one another and initiatives that support our most vulnerable.
In rural communities, our volunteers also play a large role in keeping our community and its members safe. CERT, SES and CFA volunteers are integral in assisting in emergencies, crises and natural disasters, both at the front line and in other support roles.
They spend hours training and preparing for their duties and are called upon at all hours of the day and night.
Community lunch
Birchip Neighbourhood House and the Birchip Conference of St. Vincent de Paul hosted a community lunch on Monday, May 15, in conjunction with Neighbourhood House Week to thank our local volunteers and the role these locals play in supporting and connecting other locals in the community. Those who attended the event enjoyed the food on offer and the conversations.
Important reminder
National Volunteer Week serves as an important reminder to encourage people to volunteer and to ensure that volunteering is inclusive, because volunteering has the power to change the lives of both the volunteers and those they help, and it creates a better future for all of us.
There are many volunteering opportunities available for community members of all ages in everything from youth groups, to emergency service organisations and sporting clubs.
If you would like to become a “Change Maker” in your community, contact your local Neighbourhood House, which can connect you to a relevant community contact.
See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 19 May 2023.
