Volunteerism

Volunteers form such an important part of a healthy connected community.

Many clubs and organisations are struggling to find volunteers, particularly to fill the committee roles.

Legislation from State or Federal government increasingly makes things more complicated; the need for working with children checks, complying with child friendly organisation standards, completing annual paperwork for annual general meetings, finances, and more recently having to register for tax purposes and pay GST.

The multiple hurdles involved can often put people off, but with systems in place, and support from those who have done it before, and know how to simplify things these, hurdles can be overcome.

Volunteering Australia has shown that from 2018 the number of people volunteering (particularly younger people and women), have declined significantly. This is no different in the Macedon Ranges which has always traditionally had a high level of volunteerism.

Time – our biggest commodity

I fully appreciate that people are becoming exhausted with the pressures of daily life, and are finding themselves time poor.

Although there may be little a Council can do to directly support volunteer groups, staff at Macedon Ranges Shire Council are always available to discuss where grant funding may be available, either externally or from Council, and try to make the application process for Council grants as simple as possible.

The best way to support volunteerism in the community, from my perspective, is to volunteer yourself.

If we gave up an hour or two of our time once a month then this would help those who volunteer endlessly and provide peace of mind that events, activities and groups would continue to function.

If you think of things you are passionate about then this is where you are likely to find the most enjoyment as well as connect with like minded people in your volunteer role.

Walking the Talk

The life of an elected councillor, as well as regular employment and family duties, can be very busy.

I get so much out of volunteering that I made the commitment to fit it in when I can, and give back to the clubs I belong to – even if it is in small ways.

Campaspe Parkrun

I began attending Campaspe Parkrun five years ago when Council provided some start up funding, having opened the event as Mayor. (It poured with rain… I remember it well). I continued attending and 40 times later I was able to successfully run the full five kms.

This was only possible through the support and encouragement of the regular volunteers.

Having reached this milestone I began volunteering at least once a month myself. I have met new people, made new friends and really enjoy all the different roles available as well as an appreciation of the runners and walkers who turn up.

Woodend Landcare

I love our natural environment and volunteering once a month at Woodend Landcare working bees helps me contribute to improving it. The joy in planting new plants then returning a few years later to see them growing bigger and the area looking much improved, is highly satisfying. The morning teas are also excellent (provided of course by volunteers!)

Kyneton Horticultural Society Autumn Flower Show

This year I volunteered at the Kyneton Horticultural Society Autumn Flower Show. As a member I try to contribute to the exhibitions each year, but this year I manned the desk for a few hours, learning how to use the iPad and Square platform to process entry fees, until the mobile connection went down and it all had to be done manually via cash.

However, it was a great opportunity to promote the society, join up new members and find out what things people were interested in. Oh and Nicholas’s sandwiches topped off the experience!

Kyneton Agricultural Show

Last year I volunteered for the first time at the Wash against Waste stall at the Kyneton Agricultural Show. This was a great initiative for the Show to increase its environmental sustainability, another passion area of mine. It was a two hour shift but I was having so much fun I kept going for the whole day! It was great to see the CEO of Macedon Ranges Shire Council (pictured with me below) also out volunteering (of course it helps when family members are part of the show committee).

Many roles are easy and do not necessarily require ongoing commitment.

Committee roles such as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer are also very rewarding and most clubs will provide support to assist in learning how to perform them.

I believe one of the important roles of a Councillor is promoting our volunteers and assisting them to find out where to get more information, including assistance with applications to apply for funding.

Personally, rolling up my sleeves and finding time to assist, helps to make me more actively involved in the community, above and beyond the role of an elected representative. Not only do I learn new skills and get to know you all, I also get to have great fun at the same time.

A huge thank you to all who volunteer, particularly those in a position to do it regularly, and take up committee roles. Our community could not function without you.

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