Viewpoint – Volunteers are the backbone of Rodney

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the countless volunteers who carry out the often thankless tasks that help keep communities across Rodney thriving.

There are far too many to name individually. They include those who give their time to museums, hall committees, sports clubs, community groups, ratepayers’ associations, op shops, pest and environmental groups, shelters, animal rescues, fire brigades, markets, lifeguard services, men’s sheds, Coastguard, Scouts, emergency resilience groups, arts and crafts organisations, boating clubs, Lions clubs and many other groups and organisations.

Since being elected to the Rodney Local Board, I have been struck by the sheer number of people who volunteer their time and go the extra mile to make Rodney a special, welcoming and functional place to live.

The fact that I am thanking volunteers will probably prompt some to dismiss their contribution. But that is typical of volunteers. They generally do not do it for recognition or awards. They do it because something needs doing — and they are prepared to do it.

The Rodney Local Board supports many of these groups through community facilities, sports fields, community leases, landowner approvals, community coordinators and various community initiatives.

We also regularly hear from volunteer organisations at our monthly public business meetings. Groups come along to explain what they do, their role in the community and the work they are undertaking. It is often humbling to hear what is being achieved.

Whether it is a Scouts sausage sizzle raising money for a Jamboree or a sports collective working towards a new multisport facility, these are people giving their time to make Rodney a better place.

For that, we should be truly grateful.

One of the common issues I hear as I travel around community groups is the difficulty of maintaining volunteer numbers. Finding people willing to take on roles such as secretary, treasurer or minute-taker can be particularly challenging.

In some communities, the same people seem to turn up everywhere, volunteering for several organisations simply because there is a job that needs doing.

So my plea is simple: support your community and the groups that make it work.

If you have never volunteered before, start small. Help at a local planting day, join a pest-control group, attend your community ratepayers’ association or lend a hand at the local Anzac Day commemoration.

You might be surprised by how rewarding it is. It is also a great way to meet people and become more connected with your community.

Rodney is fortunate to have so many people prepared to give their time without expecting anything in return.

To every volunteer across Rodney – thank you.

I look forward to seeing you out there.