The region’s selfless volunteer teams were honoured at events across the district last week as part of National Volunteer Week.
At ClubMulwala on Wednesday, volunteers from Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre, Yarrawonga Health, MHA Care and NCN Health were recognised with a morning tea – the event moving to the Anzac Room due to the influx of helping hands in the past 12 months.
NCN Health and MHA Care meals on wheels teams were bussed in by Moira Shire from afar as part of the celebration.
“The event was a great success as a result of all four organisations working collaboratively to honour volunteers representing our organisations in the Moira Shire,” YMCLC executive officer Julie-Anne Clarke said.
The Mulwala Library History Group’s volunteer team similarly enjoyed lunch at the Royal Mail Hotel - funded by one of Federation Council’s 20 Volunteer Week Micro Grants of $250.
Yarrawonga Lions members enjoyed a complimentary dinner on Tuesday night with the motto "Volunteers are not paid because they are worthless, they are not paid because they are priceless”.
The Lions Club was joined by fellow volunteer-back groups Friends in Common and Tunzafun, which is supported by fundraisers and local skilled members conducting assembly and maintenance work.
Unfortunately, Tunzafun experienced a burglary recently, but the Yarrawonga Lions was able to assist with a donation of $2000 towards the replacement of items stolen and damaged.
Tunzafun Community Volunteer Group was also supported by a Federation Council Volunteer Week Micro Grant of $250.
“The Micro Grants are funding a range of gratitude celebrations that are projected to benefit over 300 volunteers, with events such as afternoon teas, award presentations, outings, luncheons, barbeques, and training and development,” Federation Mayor Pat Bourke said.
Cr Bourke said the grants supported not-for-profits, 355 committees, clubs and local community groups as well as organisations or schools with a volunteer branch or committee.
CFA and SES volunteers were also praised for their countless hours of work as were those from Landcare.
Other volunteers in the community include those in churches, neighbourhood houses, Foodshare and op shops as well as those in sport such as coaches, scorekeepers and many others.