Celebrating our Volunteers

19 May, 2023Posted in: Community
 

Woman smiling at camera

This week in honour of National Volunteers Week 2023, we have been spotlighting six local Change Makers and their commitment to our community. Here are the stories of the volunteer caregivers, energisers, defenders, inquirers, advocates, guardians and communicators, who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Since the late 90’s, caregiver, Geraldine Dayball, volunteers for the Australian Red Cross Emergency Services, primarily helping the community in evacuation centres and recovery after an emergency, speaking to any group about Red Cross’ “Rediplan” preparedness, and supporting the local Aboriginal community on a weekly basis. Read Geraldine’s full story

Defender, Lloyd Bruce, is an RFS volunteer, who is always standing-up in the face of adversity and emergency, working tirelessly to protect the safety and well-being of our community. For 20 years, he has served on the Exeter 355 Committee, which is responsible for managing the community hall, demonstrating his commitment to making our community a better place to live. Read Lloyd’s full story

Energiser, Craig Napper is constantly finding new ways to share his passion for our community and channel his energy into building enduring collaborations and teaching new skills. Since 2016, he volunteered his financial skills to Hilltop Soccer Club, where his journey began as team and pitch photographer, before dedicating his time as Treasurer, Secretary, and now Registrar. Read Craig’s full story

Jenny Wells is one of our community’s many curious and driven volunteers, passionate about investigating problems, looking for solutions, and making a difference through education and knowledge. She devotes her time as President of U3A Southern Highlands, a not-for-profit association providing over 50 educational opportunities for the over-50s in a social setting. Read Jenny’s full story

Pat Hughes, OAM  is a skilled communicator and advocate for social change who has dedicated close to 65 years of her life to volunteering for various causes, such as the Girl Guides Association, helping to provide young women with opportunities to develop resourcefulness. These days her main focus is with the Country Women’s Association of NSW (the CWA). Read Pat’s full story

Guardian Jann Mattick is deeply committed to caring for our natural world and ensuring our planet and community remain healthy and thriving for generations to come. A dedicated advocate for the sustainable future since her mid 20’s, Jann volunteers with Council’s Bushcare and Rivercare programs and the annual Hawkseed Survey program, sometimes helicoptered into remote areas of Kosciuszko National Park to conduct surveys. Read Jann’s full story

Feeling inspired? There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in Council programs. Visit our Volunteering at Council webpage to find the right fit for you. wsc.nsw.gov.au/community/Volunteering-at-Council. You’ll see options to be part of the important work our Bushcare, Rivercare, 355 Committee, or Animal Shelter programs achieve for the community.

For more stories and opportunities like this join Council’s Your Shire e-news community wsc.nsw.gov.au/council/newsletters and follow us on socials.