VOLUNTEERS ARE GOOD SPORTS

LORNE-BASED Olympian Lydia Lassila will speak at a free webinar as part of National Volunteer Week.

The gold medal-winning freestyle skier will share her experiences and the important role volunteers play as part of the webinar.

Lassila is the 2010 Olympic champion and the 2014 bronze medallist.

“I love being a Surf Coast resident and a member of a small community,” she said.

“We can all add value to our communities and contribute to keep our communities progressing forward and on the front foot — whether it be volunteering your time or being a member of a community group.”

Lassila will join Surf Coast Shire Mayor Rose Hodge who will be the other guest speaker.

“Volunteers make an enormous contribution to the wellbeing of our community, and we are lucky to have so many,” Cr Hodge said.

“According to the 2016 census, almost 28 per cent of people aged over 15 years in the Surf Coast shire are volunteers, whereas the national average is 19 per cent. I think that says a lot about our community.

“While many people have had to put their volunteering on hold during the pandemic, we still want to celebrate the amazing work they do and thank them.”

She said local volunteers were welcome to take part in the webinar.

“This year we’re going with a webinar, as we want our volunteers to know how important they are. It’s also a great opportunity to hear Lydia’s inspiring story.”

The webinar will be held from 3-4pm on Monday to mark the start of National Volunteer Week.

RSVP to volunteering@ surfcoast.vic.gov.au by noon on Friday. y