Dedicated members of the Friends of Doonkuna Reserve in Braddon.
National Volunteer Week falls on 15–21 May.
A time to celebrate the tireless efforts of volunteers across Australia, this year’s National Volunteers Week’s theme is ‘The Change Makers’.
Volunteers have a powerful impact on Canberra, often in ways that cannot be quantified. From schools to hospitals, parks to libraries, special events to charities, volunteers are an essential foundation in the community.
For over 30 years, generations of ParkCare volunteers have donated their time, energy, knowledge and generous spirits to support Canberra’s parks and reserves, no matter the season.
In the last financial year alone, they have:
- contributed over 21,000 hours of their time
- reported more than 542 hectares of weed control work across parks and reserves
- engaged with nearly 9,000 visitors across Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park.
In the inner city, Terry, Christopher and Jim are part of Braddon’s Friends of Doonkuna Reserve, part of the ACT Government’s Urban Parks and Places group.
“The Doonkuna Reserve is an important piece of Canberra’s heritage and I’m happy to volunteer my services to help maintain its appearance and amenity for the benefit of local residents and the Canberra community,” Christopher said.
Every ACT public school is enriched by the involvement of volunteers, including P&Cs, parents, grandparents and the broader school community.
Bonython Primary School P&C President Natasha Ward has volunteered with the school since 2017 and says anyone considering volunteering at their school should give it a go.
“You don’t have to be at the school all the time. You don’t have to be involved in everything. But anything you can do will help your school – and that is great,” she said.
For dogs at Domestic Animal Services (DAS), a visit from a volunteer is often the best part of their day.
Volunteer David has given his time to the DAS dogs for six years and is quick to recommend it.
“I believe it makes a dog’s day to be able to get them out for some exercise in the fresh air on a lovely nature trail. I was initially taken aback by the huge spaces and quality of the new yards available to these dogs,” he said.
“The best part of volunteering at DAS is spending time with a four-legged friend, who’s truly happy to see you and thinks you’re the best person in the world.”
Diana Cheng volunteers by leading English Conversation Classes in ACT libraries. She provides welcoming, relaxed opportunities for adults to practise listening and speaking in English.
“Being a volunteer with Libraries ACT is very fulfilling for me. Meeting with the community when hosting English Conversation Classes is great. We get a variety of people from around the world attending our classes and it is interesting to find out more about them,” she said.
“I like how the library is community centred and recommend volunteering with our team.”
Ron is a volunteer at the Canberra and Region Visitor Centre, playing a key role in providing information and recommendations to visitors.
“I enjoy talking to people, and of course, selling Canberra,” Ron said.
“I could have retired anywhere in Australia, but I chose Canberra, because I love it.”
Thinking of making a change through volunteering? You can find more ideas at VolunteeringACT’s 2023 Volunteering Expo on Saturday, 20 May.
It’s the perfect opportunity to engage with over 40 organisations and find out about volunteering opportunities in the Canberra community.
Date – Saturday 20 May 2023
Time – 10 am – 4 pm
Location – Main Hall of Campbell High School: 15 Treloar Cres, Campbell
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