Volunteerism is the focus of the Central Goldfields Shire Council’s Volunteer Strategy and Action Plan, endorsed at its June meeting this week.
Central Goldfields Shire Councillor, Grace La Vella says the strategy aims to support and enhance volunteerism in the Central Goldfields community and details how Council will partner with the recently established Maryborough Volunteer Resource Centre to deliver the Strategy.
Developed through consultation with key stakeholders, the Maryborough Volunteer Resource Centre, local organisations and volunteers, some of the key actions include:
- Campaign to promote volunteering opportunities and raise the profile of volunteers within our community;
- Creation of a centralised system for the registration of Council volunteers;
- Introduction of a platform for Council’s Volunteer Coordinators and volunteers to communicate and share information;
- Introduction of a series of initiatives to recognise, celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of volunteers within the community.
Cr La Vella said the strategy would see a coordinated approach to volunteerism across the Shire.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, and these documents provide a framework for how Council can better encourage, support and value our volunteers within our community in the years to come,” she said.
Maryborough Volunteer Resource Centre coordinators, Tony Macer and Jeff Hoober said the Volunteer Strategy ushers in a new era of volunteerism in the Central Goldfields Shire.
“It is a holistic and coordinated approach that recognises volunteers and highlights how essential they (volunteers) are to a healthy and caring community”.
“The Strategy also emphasises the sense of fulfilment and social connections that volunteerism offers”.
“We look forward to working with Council and the community to deliver this Strategy.”
The Draft Strategy and Action Plan is now available for community feedback at www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/draftvolunteerstrategy until Thursday 8 July.
