Volunteers to be applauded via webinar

OLYMPIC gold medallist Lydia Lassila says her identity goes beyond her title as a professional athlete.

The mother, businesswoman and public speaker who’s based out of Lorne will speak about her life and the role of community in her career at a free webinar event organised by the Surf Coast Shire council for National Volunteers Week (May 18-24).

Lassila said it was fitting she give up her time to acknowledge the many people who do so without hesitation.

“Being a competitive athlete, at every event that we went to, there was a volunteer network that were part of that community to make sure the event kicked off smoothly and was as successful as possible.

“I’ve always had an appreciation for people giving up their time for us to then deliver a show.”

Having lived on the Surf Coast since 2014, Lassila said the camaraderie within volunteer groups at Lorne could be likened to the operations of world-class events.

“It’s the same thing here. People who volunteer their time in the car parks at school to the major events we have down here, whether that’s Pier to to Pub or the Easter markets, I think everyone who’s part of the community gives up their time to help out where they can. It’s not anything new, and it’s a pleasure to do it. I’ve been privy to having volunteers really go above and beyond for me as an athlete so it’s nice to give back.”

Lassila will join shire mayor Rose Hodge on May 18 from 3-4pm to deliver the council’s National Volunteers Week address.

Cr Hodge said despite many volunteers having to hit pause on their charitable work at the moment, it was important to celebrate their achievements.

RSVP to the webinar at [email protected] by noon tomorrow (Friday, May 15).