Photos: Supplied.
FROM THE PORT OF BRISBANE
Every year in May, Australians celebrate National Volunteer Week – an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the work of volunteers all around the country.
This year natural disasters, COVID and the rising cost of living continue to put pressure on communities, with volunteers playing increasingly crucial roles in helping people and towns get back on their feet.
Here in the Bayside, volunteering and the spirit of ‘giving back’ to our community runs deep.
We’re fortunate to be home to many charities, not-for-profit organisations, community groups and hard-working people – those who put the needs of others first and help bring people and communities together.
Giving back to the community is also at the heart of many of our local businesses, big and small.
This year, to recognise National Volunteer Week, Port of Brisbane staff rolled up their sleeves to work with their long-term partners, The Smith Family and Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre.
Staff had the privilege of sitting down with students from Pacific Pines State High School as part of The Smith Family’s ‘Work Inspiration’ program to provide one-on-one mentoring to young people considering their options after school.
A break in the weather enabled a group of port employees to travel to one of Queensland’s most historic islands, St Helena, to help clean up the beaches following the recent heavy rain and flood events.
One of Moreton Bay’s jewels and part of the nationally significant wetlands area, St Helena also has a rich Indigenous history. We were honoured to have Matthew Burns share cultural stories and his knowledge with the volunteers.
While National Volunteer Week may be over for another year, organisations around the country are always looking for more volunteers to help those in need.
If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, get in touch with Go Volunteer – an initiative of Volunteering Australia: https://govolunteer.com.au/ or visit the Volunteering Australia website to find out more: https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org.
