The Cities of Hobart and Perth spotlight valued contribution of their volunteers

This National Volunteer Week, the Cities of Hobart and Perth are among the many Councils acknowledging the valuable contribution of their volunteers.

This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘We are the Change Makers’, recognising the powerful impact volunteers have on their community.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds particularly extended her gratitude to the more than 820 volunteers who generously give their time to support City of Hobart programs sharing “on behalf of the City and the Hobart community I want to thank our many volunteers.

“Whether you lend the occasional hand or make it a regular part of your week, you are helping to make Hobart a great place to be.

“Our dedicated team of volunteers make a difference in all kinds of ways – caring for our bushlands (as pictured above), welcoming visitors to our city, helping older people to stay active and encouraging young people to thrive.

“Our wonderful International Student Ambassadors provide support to community events throughout the year and our incredible community reference groups and portfolio committee members share their invaluable lived experience and advice to drive positive change in our city.

“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, I encourage you to get out there and give it a go. Anyone who has done it before knows you get at least as much out of it as those you are helping.”

One such person is 23-year-old Toni Smith who started visiting the City of Hobart’s Youth Arts and Recreation Centre (Youth ARC) as a school student and now volunteers on average once a week supporting other young people.

Smith advised “I think volunteering is important for the community because it brings a diverse range of people together and connects them. It’s a great way to make friends or develop your professional skillset – almost any hobby you have there will be some sort of volunteer gig for it.

“I’m passionate about pursuing a career in youth mental health. Volunteering at Youth Arc has been a great steppingstone. I’ve learned so much that I can take with me into the future, which I am so grateful for.”

During National Volunteer Week 2023, the City of Perth is also spotlighting the dedication and ongoing contribution of their volunteers (pictured above)

140 people volunteer their time to help run the iCity Visitor Service and the Citiplace Community Centre.

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said National Volunteer Week 2023 was a good opportunity to honour City volunteers for their dedication and ongoing contribution.

Zempilas notes “Our team of volunteers donate a combined total of approximately 23,000 hours of service each year for the benefit of others.

“Our volunteers embody the very best of our City, and we’re forever thankful for the tremendous contribution they make.

“The City’s volunteering program attracts and engages people from all walks of life.

“Our youngest volunteer is 20 years old and our, shall we say, ‘most experienced’ is 86 years young.

“The fact that all 140 volunteers choose to spend their time helping the City of Perth and its visitors fills us with so much pride and joy. Thank you all.”

On Friday, 19th May, the City is hosting a morning tea at Council House to celebrate City volunteers.

The Lord Mayor and Chief Executive, Michelle Reynolds, will be joined at the event by guest speaker, former world champion open water swimmer, Shelly Taylor-Smith.

Image top: Hobart Volunteering. Credit: City of Hobart; Image above: City of Perth