Celebrating Volunteers
MEDIA RELEASE - Volunteers - an asset to the community
May 2016
National Volunteer Week provides an opportunity to recognise the time and effort of volunteers all over the country; the Shire of Manjimup is no exception.With one of the highest volunteer uptakes per capita in WA, local volunteers are certainly deserving of gratitude and celebration.
"Without even knowing it, we've all felt the valuable contributions that volunteers make in our community," said Shire President Wade DeCampo. "Sometimes volunteers are responsible for the most subtle of provisions and other times it is glaringly obvious. What matters and counts is that without our volunteers, both locally and nationally, there would be major gaps in services, entertainment and activities throughout the community," explained Cr DeCampo.
"Volunteers are particularly prevalent in the regions and I have to say that each and every time I'm out in one of our towns or settlements, I see someone volunteering their time to provide something to the community," said Cr DeCampo.
People volunteer their time for a range of causes such as selling raffle tickets to raise money, volunteering at a sporting or youth event, making refreshments, working in some capacity at a local event, rescuing injured animals, collecting rubbish, documenting local history, St John Ambulance, SES, Fire and Rescue Services and bushfire brigades - to just name a few.
"Let us all take the time this week to be thankful for our local volunteers and think about how we too can take a little time to make a difference in someone else's life," said Cr DeCampo.
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MEDIA RELEASE - National Volunteer Week celebrates Home and Community Care (HACC) volunteers
May 2016
The Home and Community Care (HACC) team are one of the invaluable community services delivered by the Shire of Manjimup.Providing support to people with a disability, the aged and their carers.HACC aims to assist this demographic to live independently in their own home and to stay active in their community.HACC relies heavily upon the time and generosity of volunteers to assist with the delivery of their program, and as the demand for HACC services increases, so too does the need for more volunteers.
Shire President Wade DeCampo explained that some people who are eligible for home support may not realise it. "Different clients require different things. The range of services provided by HACC is so varied that the level of support provided is tailored to suit the individual and their carer."
"It is often volunteers who bridge the gap between the service that is provided and the needs of the client," said Cr DeCampo.
HACC provide services such as light housekeeping, laundry, personal care, meal preparation, home maintenance, gardening, respite care and social support. There is also an extensive timetable of social and physical activities which are aimed at assisting HACC clients to maintain social connections and stimulation, particularly for those who may not leave their home very often, and to stay active.
"Volunteers can be involved as little or as often as suits them," said Cr DeCampo. "Volunteers are mostly needed to assist with meals on wheels and with driving clients to and from appointments, but are often a part of scheduled activities such as day trips," he explained.
For more information or to register interest in becoming a volunteer, please contact HACC on 97771455.
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Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President
Contact: 0427 094 081
