As part of National Volunteer’s Week, the Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre held a morning tea in recognition of the fantastic work their volunteers do.
National Volunteers Week is celebrated across Australia, highlighting how volunteers help to support services that otherwise wouldn’t be able to operate.
Bundaberg & District Neighbourhood Centre Manager Corrie McColl said volunteers were critical to the organisation being able to provide its services to the community.
“The volunteers are the heart and soul of the neighbourhood centre and provide all of the support mechanisms from behind the scenes for us to be able to support the community,” he said.
“There are a range of programs supported here at the centre, although the main role that we play is in providing referral networks to all of the community that ring in looking for support agencies to help them in a range of areas.”
The volunteers at the centre have a love for giving back to the community and enjoy engaging with a range of different people on a daily basis.
“In and out of the centre each week we have a rotation of 25 volunteers and in total we currently have nine staff and 40 people on board,” Corrie said.
“Many of them are looking to do something to give back to the community and they love being in a community centred environment where they are involved with a variety of people on a daily basis.”
With a variety of people within the community all looking for access to different services, the centre has a wide range of programs on offer to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
“We have tutors working with the play group, the literacy matters program which helps with numeracy and literacy skills and sewing classes on Thursday afternoons.” Corrie said.
“We also have volunteers that help us out with some of the migrant services activities as well.”
Council’s Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said it was important to recognise volunteers who were doing such valuable work within our community.
“It is great to have the chance to take time to stop and recognise the work being done by our local volunteers, as they allow us to provide services to the wider community,” Cr McPhee said.
“Our Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre does a fantastic job at supporting the volunteers they have in providing a broad range of services to our community.”
The Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre serves the community by acting as a hub for information, advice and referrals for those needing a range of support services.
The direct services and interagency connections ensure the centre are able to provide comprehensive support services.
For more information on the Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre, you can view their website.
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