Recognising our amazing volunteers

VOLUNTEERS play such a vital role in the delivery of community projects, and running events and clubs across Greater Geelong.

Everywhere you look in our community, there are volunteers to thank for making our region a vibrant and exciting place to live.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Lions Club of Little River, an organisation whose volunteers demonstrate true community spirit.

Over the past two decades, the Little River chapter has donated more than $150,000 to local community projects and Lions Club initiatives.

The club is a shining example of what happens when locals come together for the greater good.

Also in the north, the Community Bank Lara District continues to give back to the You Yangs ward, supporting our emergency services, community groups and sports clubs through a range of fundraising initiatives.

The Community Bank has supported our region for the past 16 years and to date has helped almost 100 groups across Lara, Little River and Anakie, investing $3.25 million through projects and sponsorships.

As a former police officer, I am particularly grateful for the bank’s support of emergency services throughout the region.

The team has funded fire brigades in Lara, Little River, Anakie and East Balliang, and the SES Corio/Lara branch to the tune of $177,000 towards the purchase of operational equipment and vehicles.

The branch is community-owned with a volunteer-run board, demonstrating the incredible impact a dedicated group can have on their neighbours and the wider community.

In my role as a councillor, I have the pleasure of attending a range of events organised by dedicated volunteers.

Whether it’s a community event, or the opening of new sporting infrastructure, it’s usually become a reality because plenty of people behind the scenes have worked hard to make it possible.

From club administrators, arts practitioners and community event organisers to those simply taking time out of their day to help a neighbour, there are dedicated volunteers in every corner of Greater Geelong.

It is so important that we take the time to recognise their efforts, which can be difficult given so many volunteers are humble and don’t put themselves in the spotlight.

That’s why events like our Volunteer of the Year Awards are so important.

On Wednesday, July 5, the Volunteering Geelong – 2025 Volunteer of the Year Awards were held at Wurriki Nyal civic precinct to acknowledge the achievements and dedication of individuals and groups across the region.

These awards are brought to life through important partnerships with the Rotary Club of Kardinia, Rotary Club of Geelong Central and Volunteering Geelong.

This year awards nominations doubled, thanks in part to five new award categories: Youth, Service, Leadership, Inclusion and Volunteer of the Year.

It is fantastic to hear that our community is recognising the efforts of their friends and colleagues, taking the time to nominate these volunteers for the awards.

Volunteers make a real difference to the lives of so many people across Greater Geelong, and we are so grateful and proud of the contributions they make.

Congratulations to all this year’s award winners and thank you to all volunteers for your continued efforts in making Geelong a great place to live.

Cr Chris Burson

You Yangs Ward,

City of Greater Geelong