The rich tradition of volunteering in Mitchell Shire was recognised at the May council meeting.
A report requested by Councillor Bill Chisholm was tabled at the meeting, highlighting the value and achievements of volunteering within the community.
The report stated that some 12 per cent of the population was actively engaged in volunteering efforts.
Mr Chisholm welcomed the report while praising the 200 plus volunteer organisations throughout the district.
“It is a very comprehensive report and it shows how important volunteers are to Mitchell Shire and in fact, anyone who does not value the work these members of our community do has rocks in their head,” Mr Chisholm said.
The report focused on the results of council’s 2023/2024 volunteering survey that engaged local community volunteer organisations, focusing on member numbers, impacts (including COVID-related factors), comprehension of council’s volunteering initiatives, current challenges, training needs, and strategies to fortify the local volunteering sector.
Community feedback was sought on successful volunteer retention strategies within the shire.
The report stated that the survey provided a foundation for council’s strategic decision-making, providing valuable insights to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the volunteering sector within our community.
In all, 30 community volunteer organisations participated in the survey, and of those who contributed, their volunteering numbers ranged in size from seven up to 120 members.
Organisations that participated in the survey included: Healthy Kids Mitchell, Love in Action Wallan, U3A Seymour and District, Mitchell Shire Suicide Prevention Network, Mitchell Multicultural Community Association Inc, Broadford Rotary Club, Men’s Shed Broadford, U3A Wallan, Broadford Cemetery Trust, Country Fire Authority, Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, and the Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society.
“What I was after in this report was a comprehensive view on [council] relationships … and how council can better support our volunteers,” Mr Chisholm said.
