Where would we be without our volunteers?

Look around you, they are everywhere. From keeping us safe and helping through the storms and difficult times, running our sporting clubs and theatre groups and art collectives, to organising youth and senior activities.

Our volunteers make a vital contribution to our communities.

They help make up our CFA and SES brigades that respond in our times of need and emergency or local Rotary groups that are not only a social connection for many but assist with many local projects.

Prior to entering Parliament I was a member of my local CFA brigade. The friendships and the memorable experiences remain with me today. By volunteering we are not only giving back to our community, we are strengthening relationships, creating new ones and making a difference in other peoples lives as well as our own.

Whether its volunteering with Lifeline Gippsland or your local CWA, so much joy, connection and positive change can be created in a community.

This year’s theme Changing Communities. Changing Lives is exactly what volunteering is about.

If you are not already engaged with a volunteer group, when the time is right, I would encourage you to reach out and get involved. You will find that the returns on volunteering are ten-fold to your input. It may be a new friend, improved mental health, greater connection with your community, increased confidence, or simply the satisfaction in knowing that you are contributing to your local community or making someone’s day a little easier by delivering a meal through Meals on Wheels.

Every day, in so many ways our communities enjoy a better life because of volunteers.

So not just this week, but every week, let’s raise our hat and our glass in thanks to our volunteers.