Frankston’s volunteer sector has been recognised during National Volunteer Week, with Council figures showing more than 16,800 residents give their time through community groups and organisations across the city.
The figure represents about 10.5 per cent of Frankston City’s population.
Local volunteers support more than 100 registered organisations, from emergency relief and disability services to Meals on Wheels, environmental programs and community support.
Local groups raise pressure points
Frankston City Council marked National Volunteer Week with two events last week.
More than 20 local volunteer and community organisations took part, along with 30 Council volunteer groups.
At one event, Frankston City Mayor Cr Sue Baker and Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea brought local community leaders together for a roundtable discussion.
The discussion focused on the role of volunteers in the not-for-profit sector and the pressure many groups now face.
Council said participants raised issues including volunteer training, resource sharing, insurance costs and fuel costs.
The groups represented several areas of community support, including emergency relief, family violence support, mental health and disability services.
Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, attended as guest speaker.
Council thanks more than 150 volunteers
Council also thanked more than 150 volunteers from its programs, committees and services.
Those volunteers work across community centres, environmental programs, mentoring initiatives, family support services and Meals on Wheels.
Cr Baker said volunteers played a central role in the city.
“Volunteers are often the unsung heroes of our community.”
She said people contributed in different ways, often around work, family and other commitments.
“One of the strongest messages from the day was that there is no such thing as ‘just a volunteer’. People contribute in different ways, some alongside work and family commitments, while for others it becomes a lifelong passion and purpose.”
“To every volunteer across Frankston City, thank you. Your contribution matters deeply, and our community is stronger because of you.”
Ms Belyea said National Volunteer Week gave local groups a chance to connect and share their experiences.
“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to bring together and recognise the incredible people who give their time to support others and strengthen our community.”
She said the roundtable also highlighted practical challenges facing community organisations.
“The roundtable highlighted real challenges facing community groups, but it showed that when organisations come together, ideas are shared, connections are formed, and there is a genuine willingness to support one another. That’s the strength of Frankston City’s community sector.”
National Volunteer Week runs across Australia each year and recognises the role volunteers play in building stronger, more connected communities.
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