Tuesday, 20 May 2025

National Volunteer Week

Michaela SETTLE (Eureka) (14:30): I am delighted to rise in National Volunteer Week. It is a time to recognise the quiet heroes who knit the fabric of our communities together. Across my electorate, volunteers give their time, their energy and their hearts, and nowhere is this more evident than in our neighbourhood houses. Darley, Ballarat East and Meredith neighbourhood houses are shining examples of what community looks like. Whether it is running playgroups, delivering food relief, offering training and workshops or just providing a warm and welcoming space, these houses do so much for so many. They are not just buildings; they are the beating hearts of our towns.

I am going to be out this week visiting these wonderful places, along with the Brown Hill Progress Association, with some thankyou cupcakes – a small token of appreciation for the incredible work they do bringing people together and strengthening local pride. Volunteers do not do it for recognition, but they deserve every bit of it. To every person who helps out at a neighbourhood house, a local hall, a community garden or a food bank, we say thankyou. Your work builds stronger, kinder communities and it does not go unnoticed. Happy National Volunteer Week to them all.