The Western Downs Regional Council this week thanked the many volunteers who contribute to the great communities the residents call home as part of National Volunteer Week celebrations.
Western Downs Regional Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said the region boasted a 24.7 per cent rate of volunteerism, as compared to only 19 per cent across Australia. “The number of volunteers we have here on the Western Downs is something we are incredibly proud of and it helps deliver a lot of services for both visitors and residents,” Cr Maguire said. “Often our volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep a major event running smoothly or they are the first friendly face a newcomer to the Western Downs sees. They are a big part of why we love to live on the Downs and this week we thank each and every one of them for their efforts.”
Jandowae electrician Michael Wood has spent his life volunteering in the area, following in the footsteps of his parents. This June he will help deliver the Jandowae Timbertown Festival. “I’m very passionate about this great little country town we live in, so I volunteer to save others from taking on so much — many hands make light work,” he said.
Council has a wonderful history of volunteerism, with 221 people currently helping across libraries, art galleries, visitor information centres and health centres. Madi Kenna, 15 years old, who moved to Dalby recently with her parents said volunteering at her local library has made a huge difference. “The people who work here are really lovely — it definitely made it easier to transition to a new town, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to make friends,” she said. “They asked me what my strengths and weaknesses were and I’ve been progressing to larger tasks — it’s not just putting books on the shelf.”
Our readers also enjoy this story about Volunteer Week in the Southern Downs.
