These heroes wear gloves… gardening gloves

This week I had the absolute pleasure of joining a special morning tea to acknowledge the vital contributions of some of the city’s hardworking volunteers.

Those sipping on tea, eating cake and enjoying the view at the Gleniffer Brae manor house included members of Bushcare, Rise&Shine, Fiready, Dunecare and the Friends of Botanic Garden Wollongong.

They were there as part of an event to mark National Volunteer Week, which provided the perfect opportunity for council to acknowledge their incredible contribution.

As a community, we can not underestimate the impact the passionate individuals who offer up their time for these programs have on our city.

Whether they’re scrabbling through the city’s dunes planting low-lying shrubs and grasses that help to protect and strengthen these vital ecosystems from the impacts of tides, seas and swells, delicately digging to remove unwanted weeds and planting native trees in key bushland sites to protect important flora and fauna, or running programs at the Wollongong Botanic Garden, these people are focused on doing things for the greater good.

Their efforts help to protect and conserve the local environment and the native plants and animals who call Wollongong home. They also help to keep our city looking beautiful by picking up the rubbish others leave behind and ensuring we’re ready should conditions put us at risk of bushfire.

Their volunteering is a selfless act, and this morning tea was about showing how much we appreciate all they do. As I move around the city I often receive compliments for the way our city looks, and that is thanks to these volunteers.

However, while they offer their time for free, there’s no doubt they get plenty of benefits in return – and the type of benefits you can’t put a dollar value on!

The friendship and camaraderie in the room was so very apparent. These volunteers have clearly found “their” people, and there was very real joy in that. Shout out to the ‘Disco Dollies’, who volunteer at the Discovery Centre, an energetic cohort of ladies I was delighted to join for a photo and chat.

Some of them who I spoke to acknowledged that part of what sparked joy for them in volunteering was the opportunity to learn – to find out about native trees, native animals and the vital ecosystems that give our local environment its individuality.

Plus, this type of volunteering can also keep you nimble and fit. Being outdoors doesn’t just offer mental gain but also the physical benefits of being out, about and moving around as they cared for the bush, the Garden, the beach and the environment.

Whatever their motivation, I’m pleased I was able to offer my thanks to this group of volunteers.

We’re very fortunate in Wollongong to have a wide range of volunteers and volunteering opportunities. If you’re interested in getting involved, check out Council’s website where you can find out how to get involved in diverse volunteering opportunities.

And if you’re someone who offers up your time for the benefit of others and the greater good, thank you. You help make Wollongong the fabulous place it is, to live, work and play.