A night of thanks for our helpers

VOLUNTEERING can sometimes be a thankless job – but the invaluable contribution within the municipality does not go unnoticed.
Cardinia mayor Bill Pearson acknowledged the input of the shire’s volunteers at a special reception last Thursday night.
More than 220 volunteers attended the event at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, with representatives from more than 89 not-for-profit organisations across the shire.
In his address, Cr Pearson described the efforts of local volunteers as “extraordinary”, saying many were humble about their contributions.
“As volunteers you take on anything from selling food at the football, or coaching and transporting team members, to firefighting, visiting the elderly and fund raising,” he said. “On behalf of Cardinia Shire Council, I thank you all.”
Cr Pearson particularly acknowledged volunteers who contributed to fighting Black Saturday bushfires and the disaster’s recovery effort.
He also paid tribute to the life-long volunteer work of Nar Nar Goon identity Bernie Byrne, who passed away on Good Friday.
The night was also the final milestone of the Volunteering in Cardinia Shire project, a joint venture between the council and the State Government, which for the past three years has been putting in place assistance for the shire’s volunteer groups.
An online database is now up and running where community groups can advertise volunteer opportunities and where those interested in volunteering can be linked to those organisations.
Subsidised training for volunteers is also available at local Neighbourhood Houses.
For details and to access the volunteer database visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/volunteer
For information on the Volunteering in Cardinia Shire project contact project officer Bianca Baddock on 1300 787 624.