Teaching children new skills through adventure activities or helping to prevent elderly residents from isolation are just some of the ways that Randwick City residents are making a difference this National Volunteer Week and beyond.
Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch praised the thousands of people in the City who freely contributed their time and skills every year to help others or for a cause.
“About a fifth of Randwick City residents volunteer with an organisation or group,” Mayor Veitch said. “Volunteers are an important part of our City and contribute to our sense of community and economy.”
“Whether it’s making a difference to one life or many, or helping to protect our environment or wildlife, thank you to all our wonderful volunteers for their generosity, time, and incredible work.”
Anastasia Vorgias, 26, is a volunteer leader with the Little Bay Scout Group, which supports people from the ages of six to 26 with peer-to-peer mentoring and to learn social, leadership and practical outdoor skills through adventure activities.
The South Coogee resident began volunteering with the Scouts at the age of 13. She has also volunteered with children with disabilities. The latter experience inspired Anastasia to become a teacher for children with special needs. “Everything I do is to support the community and children,” Anastasia, who now works in Randwick, said. “For me it’s about giving back to my community, particularly to those who can really benefit from that additional support.”
Kingsford resident Manuel Patty has been volunteering with Open Hours in Kensington for almost six years. The seniors group connects people of different cultures, and people at risk of social isolation, through weekly activities such as dancing, singing, games, knitting and exercise classes. Volunteers like Manuel also organise speakers to present on local community issues and support services.
“It’s a really good place for people to catch up, enjoy an activity and a cup of coffee or tea,” Manuel said. “It means a lot to the people who come that they have these open sessions to meet and connect. Even when it’s raining, they will get the umbrella out and come down.”
Mayor Veitch said volunteering benefited the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community. “Randwick City Council is committed to creating a resilient city where people are engaged, informed, connected, and feel a sense of community and belonging,” she said. “Volunteering for a local organisation or group can help achieve these things.
“Whether it is a couple of hours a week or more, I encourage everyone who can to spare some time for a cause they believe in; it can go a long way for someone in need.”
A good place to start, said Mayor Veitch, was Council’s Bushcare, Permabee or library volunteer programs. “Council has also proposed a volunteer expo in 2024-25 that will link community members with local service providers,” Mayor Veitch said.
National Volunteer Week is from Monday 20 May to Sunday 26 May 2024.
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Volunteer Randwick City Council:
Library services
Volunteers can contribute to a variety of library programs and projects including the Home Library Service, TECHconnect tutors and the Literacy Book Club for migrants from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Bushcare
Bushcare volunteers help to regenerate natural areas across Randwick City. This includes removing weeds, planting indigenous plants, installing soil erosion controls, and more! Find out more.
PermaBee Community Gardening
Join a friendly group who look after native habitats and fruit, vegetable and bush tucker gardens. Find out more.
For more volunteering opportunities visit NSW Volunteering or Do Something Near You.
