National Volunteer Week (May 16 -22) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.
This year Volunteering Australia is recognising the volunteers that make our communities stronger, especially during times of need, crisis or isolation.
To thank volunteers in the Yarrawonga area, Yarrawonga Health, MHA Care and Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House are hosting their annual Volunteer Morning Tea this Thursday to show their appreciation.
“This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the significant contribution made by all of the five million volunteers across Australia,” Volunteering Australia CEO Mark Pearce said.
“Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better.”
“This year’s theme is ‘better together’. Our communities have taken a big hit in recent times and yet volunteers are always there when we need them.”
“We encourage everyone to come together and support their communities by offering your time and skills to help others. To get involved and find a volunteer opportunity that suits you, visit GoVolunteer.com.au or contact your local State or Territory volunteering peak body.”
Volunteering Australia is calling on all Australians to ‘wave your appreciation’ and share a photo of themselves waving their hand of thanks and using the hashtags #NVW2022 and #waveforvolunteers.
Regional communities thank SES volunteers
It’s Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW) Day on May 18; a day to say “thank you” to Victorian a State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers.
VICSES North East Region volunteers responded to more than 3,500 calls for help in the last twelve months, providing assistance with over 2,100 downed trees, nearly 300 damaged buildings and 190 road rescues.
During the busiest year in VICSES history, the volunteers supported local communities throughout the North East during flood, storm, landslide, road rescue, search and rescue events. That’s why the SES is asking Victorians to wear a splash of orange on WOW Day as a show of thanks, for the invaluable contribution volunteers have made to our state.
Landmarks across the region will be ‘flooded’ in orange in celebration of WOW Day and events and morning teas will also be held throughout the region.
Held during National Volunteer Week, WOW Day is a national campaign and an important day of appreciation for volunteers, who selflessly dedicate their time and skills to helping their communities during their most acute time of need.
So wear a splash of orange today, and look out for the hashtag #ThankYouSES and #WOWday.