MEDIA RELEASE - Volunteers crucial to the region
May 2015
National volunteer week for 2015, which runs from 11-17 May, has great significance in the Shire of Manjimup, where volunteers are responsible for services ranging from St Johns Ambulance, State Emergency Services, bushfire brigades, sporting clubs, meal delivery, streetscape design, rubbish collection, environmental conservation and event management.
"Our Shire has one of the highest rates of volunteer uptake per capita in the State and this week is just a small acknowledgement of the valuable contribution they make to our region and regions just like ours across Australia," said Shire President Wade DeCampo.
Cr DeCampo outlined how the value of volunteers in the region became truly evident during the Northcliffe and Walpole bushfires this year. "I was taken aback by the generosity and endurance of the volunteers during the fires; the tireless effort that went into fighting the fires, protecting assets, providing meals, making snack bags for firefighters, the list goes on."
Cr DeCampo believes it is during an emergency, when the community is at its most vulnerable, that we see the significance of volunteers as several groups, from across towns, come together to get us through, adding "the efforts of volunteers have continued well into the recovery phase."
Cr DeCampo acknowledged the family, friends and employers of all volunteers throughout the community, who support them in their capacity as volunteers, and provide them with the encouragement, support and comfort that they need to fulfil their roles within the community. "A large majority of our volunteers are available 24 hours a day, meaning they often sacrifice family time, work and sleep to assist those in need."
"If we all take a moment to think about what our Shire might be like without volunteers, we would realise exactly how much they contribute to the fabric and richness of our communities," explained Cr DeCampo. "Without the combined efforts of the Shire's volunteers, a lot of services simply would not exist, or at the very least, their activities would be significantly less."
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
