To celebrate National Volunteer Week (16-22 May), East Gippsland Shire Council will acknowledge the important work of volunteers who make our community a better place to live, work and play.

Launching this year, Council is calling on volunteers to register or nominate for the East Gippsland Volunteer Honour Roll. The honour roll will list the names of East Gippsland residents who have made a voluntary contribution to our community. Names will be added annually each National Volunteer Week, with nominations open to all community members.

According to the last Census, over 9,000 people in East Gippsland volunteer. Many volunteers give their time to support a range of programs and activities, from running community events, sporting clubs, social and service clubs and much more.

Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said the last few years have had a significant impact on the volunteering roles and Council wants to thank everyone for their valuable contributions during a time when community support was particularly important.

“I would like to see many people nominated for the East Gippsland Volunteer Honour Roll, as we all know, volunteers don’t look for accolades – they just lend a helping hand,” Cr Reeves said.

The honour roll will allow the community to see the positive and wide-ranging contribution our volunteers make, and hopefully encourage more people to make a difference.

During National Volunteer Week, Council will hold volunteer recognition events in Cann River, Lindenow and Tambo Crossing which will be open to anyone who volunteers. The events will be promoted on Council’s website, social media and in the local paper. These events follow the popular recognition events held in 2021 at Bairnsdale, Orbost, Lakes Entrance, Omeo and Mallacoota.

For information about the volunteer honour roll, visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/community/national-volunteers-week. Registrations for the 2022 intake close at 5pm on Friday 6 May. Forms are also available from all Council customer service centres.

‍