Volunteers recognised for champion efforts

GEELONG is lauding the excellent and selfless work of its many volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week, which is on now and runs until Sunday, May 21.

Volunteering Geelong, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and supports the region’s volunteers, is celebrating the locals that are among the nearly 6 million Australians who volunteer through an organisation each year, and is nominating some of them as its Volunteer Champions for 2023.

The first of these was Maureen Walsh, who has volunteered at Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) for seven years.

Working with lost cats every Wednesday, Ms Walsh helps feed and clean Geelong’s lost and homeless cats while they wait to be reclaimed, or moved to the shelter’s Cat Adoptions section for rehoming.

The 75-year-old also helps in the laundry, during Working Bees, and at events.

Her work at GAWS also involves her friends in her retirement village, who donate blankets and food regularly to keep the animals warm and fed.

A retired veterinary nurse, Ms Walsh said the staff and volunteer team at GAWS made it easy to return each week despite the hard work and her age.

“Someone’s got to do it,” she said.

Geelong Food Relief Centre volunteer Neil Sandwith has also been nominated as a Volunteer Champion.

Mr Sandwith started volunteering at the centre in February 2021.

After retiring, Mr Sandwith wanted to give back and to be able to help people in need, and always makes time in his week to come into the Geelong Food Relief Centre warehouse.

A normal day for him involves sorting rescued fresh produce, liaising with agency food distribution, and assisting people in the Mini-mart.

He is also a volunteer member of the board at the Bell Park Sports and Recreation Club, where he has been a lifelong member; and has previously volunteered at Christ Church Geelong, helping with breakfast service once a week.

As part of National Volunteer Week, Volunteering Geelong in partnership with genU hosted a celebratory event for the Geelong Volunteer Leaders Network at Eastern Hub yesterday (Thursday, May 18).

Chaired by Volunteering Geelong, the network is made up of more than 160 agencies across the Geelong region who champion volunteers and volunteering.

Held for the sixth consecutive year, the event recognised the significant contribution of volunteers, and inspired others to get involved in causes they are passionate about.

Volunteering Geelong chief executive Helen Hunter said the event celebrated the strong leadership shown within Geelong’s organisations that involved volunteers.

“Every day volunteers are out and about in the community providing essential support across the region.”

This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is “The Change Makers”, highlighting the powerful impact volunteers make supporting individuals, communities and Australia.