Volunteers

The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (13:24:06):

I take note of our volunteers—those community heroes whose tireless efforts contribute so much to our way of life. Volunteers perform acts of kindness through services and programs run by not-for-profit organisations, and they spontaneously answer calls for help in times of need. Volunteers are on our sports fields; in refuges, shelters and volunteer rescue associations; and in art galleries and heritage venues. They are in our community gardens and parks, and they run school fetes and market stalls. In fact, my Rotary Club in Guyra is gearing up to deliver the annual Christmas carnival in a fortnight, which is a ton of fun.

Volunteering goes way beyond the iconic efforts we see so often on the front pages of newspapers and on our screens. The initiative of the Minister is a way not just to celebrate and recognise those important contributions and organisations but also to thank the volunteers, who are the unsung community heroes who work in the background for the benefit of us all. The initiative aims to recognise the local volunteers who contribute so much to our communities. They help ensure that our communities are safe, fun and great places to live, but their service is often overlooked and undervalued.

Volunteers maintain art galleries and historical collections. In Guyra, volunteers open the museum every weekend. They maintain community venues and deliver activities after school and during school holidays. They provide a warm blanket and a cup of tea, and they listen and provide support. I thank all volunteer‑involving organisations and volunteers across New South Wales for their continued efforts. I have seen firsthand the work they do and the difference they make, and it is a testament to what makes our society great. We are better together.

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