Celebrating Volunteers



National Volunteers Week is in full-swing and Council's Volunteer Engagement Officer Lana of Aged and Disability Services has been flat-out.

Lana coordinates volunteers for Council’s Planned Activity Group (PAG) and Meals on Wheels programs. 

For Lana, National Volunteer Week presents a natural opportunity to celebrate the incredible work and dedication of the 200-plus volunteers she looks after.

 “According to the latest Census data the Yarra Ranges region has statistically higher-than-average volunteer rates,” Lana says.

“Every day I get to see first-hand the level of commitment that our volunteers have within the community.”

Since taking on the Volunteer Engagement Officer role Lana has come across some amazing stories amongst the volunteer-base. The story of one young volunteer in particular stands out.

"Twelve years ago a young man named Ross approached us wanting to volunteer his time and help out in the community. Despite his young age (he was only twelve years old at the time) we got him involved with the PAG program at Sherbrooke Cottage," Lana says.

"Now, as a twenty-four year old, Ross has spent literally half his life volunteering with the program and describes it as a second family.

"He is currently studying and routinely comes straight from an all-night shift at his part-time job to help out at the Cottage without sleeping in between!"

The National Volunteer Week events include a certificate presentation ceremony where volunteers are personally congratulated. A "high tea" and informal mix-and-mingle session follows each ceremony.

Lana enjoys the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and tireless commitment.

“The dedication to the community displayed by our volunteers is incredible,” Lana says.

“I'm glad to have the opportunity to thank them all for continuing to make such a positive difference across the Yarra Ranges.”

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Check out the Volunteer at Yarra Ranges page on our website.