Consider joining a board, as a volunteer

Local boards are struggling to find new members post-pandemic, but the door is open for those with a little time and know-how to help their community, form new friendships, and develop new skills.

Imagine a freshly painted classroom at Laurels Education and Training in Bacchus Marsh, where many local boards meet.

Every board member here is a passionate volunteer, and after some chatter and laughter, they get stuck into an hour-long meeting, perhaps discussing topics such as applications with Council, local partnerships, or venue hire.

Most of the boards meet monthly or bi-monthly, but sometimes there are a few hours of preparation time, committee work, and time spent on-site or at community events.

“A couple of hours a month can make a difference. Volunteering brings value to our community,” Paula McMillan said, who is on the boards of Laurels Education and Training and the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Branch.
But it’s not just the community that benefits from the generosity of volunteer board members – participation provides benefits for the volunteers themselves too.

The Laurels Board has found it difficult to recruit new members over the past couple of years as the community works through the pandemic, but CEO Kylie Reeve says people might be surprised at how much they enjoy volunteering.

“It’s hard to ask people to volunteer their time when they’re dealing with their own struggles. I’d invite anyone in the community looking to use their skills, experience, community knowledge to explore a local board if you have time. Not only does volunteering positively impact your community, but there are also proven health and wellbeing benefits,” Ms Reeve said.

Indeed, Volunteering Victoria has found a wide range of benefits that volunteers enjoy, including but certainly not limited to, gaining work experience and learning new skills, enjoying new social and cultural experiences, personal development and confidence building, and enjoying better physical and mental health.

Michael McGonegal is Chair of the Darley Neighbourhood House Board of Governance and board member at the Bacchus Marsh Golf Club, and said without volunteers, many organisations simply can’t operate,

“Organisations and sporting clubs don’t exist without the volunteers that run them, so everyone should consider playing their part,” he said.

“Utilising skills and knowledge from the workplace or just general life experience is enough to allow you to contribute to most boards. I have had over 40 years of pleasure from the golf club so it’s good to give something in return for all the good times. Darley Neighbourhood House contributes to the community in all sorts of ways so it’s rewarding to help them too.”

For more information on some of the groups that meet at Laurels, visit www.thelaurels.org.au/groups.