Goodwill recognised across the nation

THOSE who give their time freely and altruistically are being hailed in an upcoming week-long celebration.

National Volunteer Week starts Monday, 17 May with the theme of recognise, reconnect and reimagine.

Manager of Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre Helen Yorston said volunteering needed now more than ever.

“We think it’s very important this year especially after the year of COVID, when volunteering in regional Victoria in particular was decimated,” she said.

“It’s a very important time to recognise the value, the contribution and the time that volunteers gift to our community.

“It’s a fantastic time for people to reconnect to their community and of course reimagine what life will be like when they connect and support a cause or charity that they really care about.”

Ms Yorston said many volunteering organisations have been cautious to resume normal proceedings after two thirds of volunteers stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some organisations are sort of waiting for the vaccine and suggesting that volunteers should have the vaccine,” she said.

“The rollout has been perhaps a little bit slow but I’m hoping through some promotion through National Volunteer Week that we’ll reengage and reignite people’s enthusiasm for volunteering.”

She said that a lot of groups have been changing the way they operate which has led to exciting opportunities.

National Volunteer Week will be launched on Friday, 14 May at the Golden Dragon Museum with guest speakers including member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, Sara Sterling from Victoria Volunteers, and chair of Bendigo Foodshare Cathie Steele.

“Volunteers did a fantastic job at helping Bendigo Foodshare deliver food packages and parcels to vulnerable people in our community during COVID,” Ms Yorston said.

Attendance to the launch can be booked online at bgovolunteers.org.au.

The Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre is also holding film fundraiser event, with a screening of new release Australian film Moon Rock for Monday at 7pm on Thursday, 20 May at Star Cinema.