National Volunteer Week 2022

Dear Editor,

This week is the celebration of National Volunteer Week. This is a chance to say thank you to the more than 6 million volunteers in Australia and 2.3 million Victorians who give their time in the service of others.

I want to take this opportunity to recognise and thank all volunteers in the community for their selfless efforts and crucial work they do, including our exceptional emergency services volunteers in the CFA and SES for keeping the community safe, those who run our sporting clubs, Landcare groups and community organisations.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, volunteers had to put the brakes on their important work. Volunteering Victoria found that approximately 2.3 million fewer Australians volunteered in 2020/21 compared to late 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is clearer than ever how much our community relies on volunteers and what an important role they play. It has been a slow return for many volunteers and their absence has been felt, especially in community sport

One of the best things we can all do is to roll up our sleeves and get involved, whether that be with the local sporting club, offering aged care, social and youth support, providing essential services, or working on community projects. There is always a way to help out.

Cindy McLeish

State Member for Eildon