Wednesday, 8 March 2023

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (09:46): I would like to acknowledge the contribution of volunteers in our local communities. My friend Peter Stanton passed away recently. He volunteered as general manager of Life FM community radio station in Bendigo. Throughout his life Peter experienced heart issues, but despite the challenges he passionately volunteered at the station to build community and bless others.

Volunteering is defined as ‘time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain’. People like Peter are the foundation of our local communities; they bring people together. Over 2.3 million Victorians volunteer an average of 224 hours each year, and they contribute $58 billion in value to Victoria’s economy. As a volunteer you can do something you enjoy to help others, make new friends and learn new skills.

Thank you to all those who volunteer in our local communities in so many different ways, like at sports clubs, schools, churches, CFA and SES, Zonta, Scouts and Guides, park runs, hall committees, Red Cross, neighbourhood houses, Landcare, ag societies, homeless support services and op shops, Rotary and Lions, CWA, RSL, refugee and migrant services, disability support, aged care, Foodshare, animal shelters and community radio. There is a declining trend in volunteering. Let us work together to change it.