This week, I’d like to thank the many thousands of people who put in so many hours of unpaid work to help others.
It may be delivering important services such as Meals on Wheels, helping out at your local trading table, canteen at the weekend sports carnival, or directing traffic at a show or event.
Your volunteering makes a huge difference – and rural communities, more than ever, rely on you.
There is a joy in helping others – for no reward, but a handshake, a smile – or a simple thank you.
I think of large events such as the Lucindale Field Days which help inject thousands of dollars into the local economy.
Without the volunteers, this event just wouldn’t happen, and the community would be lesser for it.
When fires ravaged the Limestone Coast, CFS volunteers unselfishly dropped everything to help protect lives and livelihoods.
Blaze-Aid volunteers spent months removing and re-building fences damaged by these same fires.
The list goes on and on.
We need our volunteers – in whatever capacity they can give – weekly, monthly or a long-term commitment.
Thank you, however small you may think your contribution is, it goes a long way in helping others.
-Nick McBride
Member for Mackillop
