High school students have been inspired by local volunteers who give their time and energy to help others in the community.
A range of volunteers were asked to speak to Bundaberg State High School students completing their Certificate II or III in Active Volunteering as part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community Resilience Program.
SES, Meals on Wheels, Crime Stoppers and Gin Gin Radio enlightened the students about what they do and how it benefits the community.
Meals on Wheels will be celebrating 55 years of service to the Bundaberg region this year and service manager Brendon Searle said that volunteers were the backbone of their organisation.
“We're a vital service for the Bundaberg community and we rely on our volunteers,” he said.
“We already have 130 volunteers that assist with our service and without them, we would have no Meals on Wheels.”
Year 11 students Chantelle and Alyssa-Jean said they were inspired by the local volunteers and encourage others to get involved.
“I love helping our community and I love helping people,” Chantelle said.
Alyssa-Jean said having the opportunity to hear speakers at schools is a great way to spread awareness.
“It would help advertise their community, bring more volunteers, because like they said, the volunteers are their backbone,” Alyssa-Jean said.
Bundaberg State Emergency Service volunteer Kieran Galey said he loves servicing the community.
“I volunteer for the State Emergency Services because it's a fantastic way for the community to all pitch in to assist those in need,” he said.
“It's a great way to give back and appreciate what actually happens in Australia and amongst Queensland in those disaster times.”
The Bundaberg Regional Council Community Resilience Program aims to build resilience in the community and has been fully funded by the National Bushfire Recovery Agency under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
- Related news: New program encourages students to volunteer
