THE nation\u2019s largest annual celebration of volunteers in on this week, and Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre manager Helen Yorston said it\u2019s the perfect time to reflect on people who donate their time to make our community a better place.<\/p>\n
\u201cVolunteering creates social connections, enables us to share our time, skills and energy with others, improving our self-worth and sense of belonging while building resilience in our community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ms Yorston said this year\u2019s Easter and Writers\u2019 festivals and the March\u2019s Bendigo Fun Run are clear examples of passionate people working together for the benefit of the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cVolunteers are vital in helping deliver those,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have volunteers at the art gallery who welcome visitors coming to the Elvis exhibition at the moment, and in junior sport like footy, basketball, netball, we\u2019ve got AusKick happening in winter, these might be our future star footballers and they\u2019re all supported by volunteers.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, SES commemorated Orange Day, a national celebration to thank emergency service volunteers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe SES, day and night they\u2019re out and about,\u201d Ms Yorston said. \u201cAccidents happen\u2026 there\u2019s no nine to five, it can happen at any hour.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe should really acknowledge those people, whether it\u2019s the SES, the CFA, lifesavers, they all do a fantastic job and we always need more people to support these emergency services.\u201d<\/p>\n
The BVRC is located in the Bendigo Library as a central point to help potential volunteers find something to help out in, whether it\u2019s maintenance at the Bendigo Tramways or making tea at a neighbourhood centre.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we celebrate the marvellous contribution of existing volunteers, we wish to encourage others to get involved in community life, do something positive for your mental health and well-being by lending a hand to a cause which they are passionate about,\u201d Ms Yorston said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE nation\u2019s largest annual celebration of volunteers in on this week, and Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre manager Helen Yorston said it\u2019s the perfect time to reflect on people who donate their time to make our community a better place. \u201cVolunteering creates social connections, enables us to share our time, skills and energy with others, improving […]<\/p>\n