A lot to gain from giving back as a volunteer

MAKING friends, learning new things and doing something of value are what many love about volunteering.

Peter Shilton, Moorabool Citizen of the Year for 2026, espoused the virtues of giving back to the community ahead of National Volunteer Week (18-24 May).

Chair of the Bacchus Marsh Rotary Art Show committee and the Pentland Hills Landcare Group, Shilton was recognised for his volunteering when he received the shire award.

Shilton will be speaking next week at a morning tea at Bacchus Marsh Public Hall on Friday 22 May on the merits of helping others.

“I think friendship’s the most important thing,” he said. “But the second thing would be just the warm feeling you get from knowing that while you never meet the person that might benefit from what you do, you’re helping someone who needs it.

“My father used…to help people out, and I think I learned something at home about how you should try and help people if you can.”

Through volunteering, Shilton has learnt the types of things he is capable of.

“I found out that not only can I just run a veterinary clinic, which was my daytime job, but I’ve run dinners. I’ve run business breakfasts. I can run an art show committee, or I can be chairman of it anyway,” he said.

“You can’t do any of it by yourself, but if you’ve got a good team with you, you can achieve lots of things.”

Meanwhile, Dorothy Shaw finds time to volunteer at Ballan’s Steptoes Op Shop and is on the committee for the town’s Uniting Church.

“I like to help people and in the op shop, I love having happy customers come in and be delighted with their purchase,” she said.

“And for the church, my husband and I and the committee are aiming to keep the church open because we feel the whole area is so vital to the community with all the people that use it.”

Moorabool Shire Council is hosting a range of events as part of the week, including a volunteer expo at Bacchus Marsh Public Hall next Friday from 11.30pm.

The expo will feature 20 stallholders, providing an opportunity to meet local community groups.

“This free community event promises an exciting and welcoming atmosphere, featuring a free barbecue lunch, live music from the BaccBeat Jazz Band and an onsite coffee van. It will be a great event,” said Moorabool Shire mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor.

For more information about volunteering with Bacchus Marsh Rotary phone Shilton on 0427 672 612. More information on local Volunteer Week activities at moorabool.vic.gov.au