Mayor's Message 24 May, 2024
Hello everyone,
This week is National Volunteers Week, which is celebrated annually in May to recognise the immense and selfless contribution volunteers make to our communities, and I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Indigo Shire’s many volunteers.
As rates of volunteerism continue to decline across the country, we’re incredibly fortunate to still be seeing a high level of volunteering across our Shire. At Council, we have volunteers that lend their time and expertise to our Learner driver program (L2P) and our Historic Precinct, on committees that provide advice to Council and support the management of our community facilities, recreation reserves and historic buildings.
Outside of Council services, we have dedicated volunteers making positive contributions to our communities through various committees, not for profit organisations, sporting clubs, societies and groups – there’s simply too many to name, but my message remains the same to all – thank you.
Volunteers are always a humble lot and when we looked to highlight some of the work they do across the Shire this year, the answer was always the same, which was to downplay their contribution and highlight instead that they get more out of volunteering than they give.
It’s this sentiment that is such a strength of our community and I encourage you all, if you know a volunteer that is making a difference, stop them the next time you see them and thank them for their efforts. Without them, there would be many valuable services and initiatives that would be greatly reduced or quite simply, stop.
It’s with this in mind that the theme for this year’s Volunteers Week is “Something for Everyone”, which emphasises that there is a place for everyone in the world of volunteering. Whether you’ve got one day a month, a year, or even just a few hours, why not explore what options there are to volunteer near you? You might discover a new-found passion or some new friends, all the while doing something incredibly rewarding.
Have a great weekend,
Sophie.
Cr Sophie Price.