Supporting the volunteers

who support us

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities and this week, we take the time to thank them for the selfless work they do, especially our emergency service volunteers who we call on in times of crisis.

17 May 2023

 

NATIONAL Volunteer Week kicks offon Monday and runs until Sunday and there are a number of ways our volunteers are being celebrated, including Wear Orange Wednesday which pays tribute to our tireless NSW State Emergency Service (SES) workers.

 

Communities across NSW are being encouraged to wear orange today, 17 May, to show our appreciation for our SES volunteers who are there to support us in our most vulnerable moments.

 

Whether fighting bushfires for the RFS, saving lives on the water with Marine Rescue, assisting a search and rescue operation with the VRA or patrolling our beaches for Surf Life Saving NSW, our volunteers do it all without asking for thanks or praise.

 

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said, “I pay tribute to the efforts of all our volunteers who give up their time and often spend time away from their loved ones, to serve their community and help keep us safe.”

 

“In floods, fire, wild weather and natural disaster, it’s our emergency services we turn to when we need a helping hand and the volunteers who work for these groups are more than deserving of our respect and gratitude during this special week.”

 

“Our emergency services are always open to more volunteers and I encourage people who have the capacity, to consider joining organisations such as the SES, RFS or VRA.”

 

As well as celebrating the selfless work of our volunteers, National Volunteer Week is also a chance for those who can, to consider signing up with one of our emergency service organisations to help keep our communities safer and stronger.

 

Many of these organisations have seen a slow decline in the number of volunteers in recent years and the pandemic has seen numbers fall further. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to shine a light on the work our valuable volunteers do and encourage others to join them.

 

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is calling on residents to give up their time and volunteer this National Volunteer Week.

 

This year’s theme of “The Change Makers” recognises that volunteers are change makers who takes action to make the world a better place.

 

Ms Tesch says that volunteering can provide an individual with many benefits.

 

“Volunteering allows people to develop skills that can translate into their everyday life," she said.

 

“I know for a lot of our community, a friendly smile and a conversation can make their day.

 

“There are so many amazing local organisations that are solely volunteer run. Without them our community would be lost.”

 

Executive Officer of Volunteering Central Coast, Dianne Moy, says that volunteering is a fantastic way to strengthen the local community.

 

“Volunteering provides a way to strengthen communities and community resilience. It’s a way to come together," she said.

 

“National Volunteer Week recognises that volunteers contribute and support our community.

 

“The Central Coast is an aging community surrounded by beaches. That means that all surf clubs are manned by volunteers, and our aged care sector relies on volunteers.”

 

Those who are interested in volunteering are urged to contacting Volunteering Central Coast on 4329 7122 to go to Seek Volunteering.

 

National Volunteer Week runs from Monday 15 May – Sunday 21 May.