Community & Business
3 May, 2025
Recognising Volunteers – Give Back in Gil!
National Volunteer Week - May 19-25, 2025
In 2025, National Volunteer Week celebrates the power of volunteering to bring people together with the theme ‘Connecting Communities’. This week-long event highlights the important role that volunteers have in building inclusive and thriving communities, and this is especially relevant in Gilgandra.
Gilgandra Shire Council mayor Doug Batten said volunteers are at the very core of the local community.
"We are incredibly lucky to have so many individuals in the region with a generous, volunteer spirit, including those involved in delivering Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC)’s community services and those who are a part of external organisations," he said.
“Their selfless dedication, in any form, adds to Gilgandra’s strong community spirit and strengthens the fabric of what makes us who we are. National Volunteer Week is a time to reflect on the impact of our volunteers in shaping our past, present and future, and express our gratitude for all that they do.”
To say thank you, and to encourage volunteerism within the community, GSC invites all of its #LocalLegend volunteers and community groups to attend a special morning tea on May 20 and host an information stall during National Volunteer Week. This event is not only an opportunity to thank those who give so much of their time for the community, but an invitation to those interested in volunteering to Give Back in Gil!
Across GSC alone, approximately 70 volunteers help deliver services to the community through Community Transport, Meals on Wheels, Gilgandra Lifestyles, Youth Breakfast Club, the GIL Library Hub, and providing visitor information. Additionally, local community groups have an extremely positive impact on the Gilgandra region through responding to emergencies, protecting the community, helping deliver local events, serving as places of connection for individuals, and bringing the community together, just to name a few.
Without our volunteers and the time they contribute, Gilgandra wouldn’t have access to many services currently available, and GSC is eager to promote the opportunity of volunteering in the community and the rewarding experience it can offer. Whether you have a spare few hours in your week or you’re interested in meeting new people, volunteering in any form or capacity is a great opportunity to give back.
Council encourages everyone to come along to the Volunteer Week celebration, and chat with these invaluable pillars of our community to find out more and learn how you can get involved. National Volunteer Week is a powerful reminder of the social, cultural, and economic value of volunteerism in the community, and GSC is excited to join in the celebrations for 2025 and acknowledge all of the wonderful volunteers that strengthen Gilgandra’s community spirit.
