Volunteers across Coonamble took Wednesday morning off to celebrate the National Volunteer Week for a morning tea at the Bowling Club.
The Coonamble Shire Council hosted the event to thank the “backbone of the community”, and celebrate the hard work they do for the district.
The happy group of around 20 volunteers enjoyed jam and cream scones, tea or coffee and each other’s company.
Coonamble Shire Council’s Community Service Manager Azita Sobhani and Coonamble Shire Community Development Officer Amanda Daniels said they are extremely grateful for the volunteers.
Azita said the fabric and tapestry of the town is woven strongly thanks to the local volunteers.
Shire General Manager, Greg Hill also shared his gratitude with the group.
“Without you, as volunteers, the community wouldn’t function,” he said.
“You are the backbone of our community.”
The Bowling Club function room was filled with volunteers from a wide range of organisations.
To Bill Caroll, from local radio station MTM FM, volunteering is not about praise.
“Volunteering isn’t about being important or getting recognition,” he said.
“Most of the time its unseen work. The early mornings and late nights.
“But it’s about helping out where you can, and even occasionally wondering why you agreed to it in the first place. Because if someone smiles, or feels included, then that’s reward enough for me.
“People ask me why I volunteer in the Coonamble Community. The answer’s pretty simple: it’s because this town matters to me.”
Julianne Smith from Meals on Wheels also shared her reason for donating her time to the community.
“I just love helping people.”
Another morning tea attendee Renate Hume wears many hats across the town’s volunteering scene.
She gives her time to aqua aerobics, quota, rosemary bead making, Meals on Wheels and Towri units.
“Volunteering keeps you involved in the community, and it often provides purpose in your life,” Renate said.
“It’s a way of giving back.”
Beverly Ryan also is involved in rosemary beading, Quota and the Coonamble Cancer Survival fund.
“It’s a wonderful way to make friends,” she said.
“Enjoy your volunteering,” she told the group.
A common discussion point among the group was the need for younger volunteers.
As most of the attendees were retirees, they are calling for Coonamble’s youth to get amongst the fun and give back to the community through volunteering.