By Aaron Cordy
VOLUNTEERS have always been vital to the daily running of many organisations across the Goulburn Valley. Greater Shepparton Volunteer Manager’s Network (GSVMN), in conjunction with Greater Shepparton City Council (GSSC), is developing a Volunteer Action Plan to help organisations continue to deliver their services in the best way possible.
There are over 30 organisations in GSVMN that rely on volunteers across various fields from health care, education, providing food and help to those in need, and much more. The network provides a place where they can share ideas and knowledge, they share volunteers from time to time especially during Covid, when some places had to close and were sending people away, while others needed all the help they could get.
“That’s the strength I think of this group is the generosity. They share information and knowledge and if someone in this group is unsure, if they’ve got an issue with recruitment or whatever, someone else will have faced that issue and will share that information. So, they’re really amazing,” said Emma Hofmeyer, Community Development Officer at GSCC.
GSVMN seeks the community’s input before finalising the plan to best understand how they can outline key goals and initiatives relating to volunteering across Greater Shepparton. To have your say go to, https://shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/volunteer-action-plan.
If you know a fantastic person offering their time in the community, GSCC’s Volunteer Recognition Awards are still open for nominations until Monday, February 26, at https://greatershepparton.com.au/community/neighbourhoods/awards/volunteer-awards.
For anyone in the community who wants to get involved with one of the many great organisations that need feet on the ground, you can find a list of organisations in the Greater Shepparton Volunteer Manager’s Network at, https://greatershepparton.com.au/community/volunteering/volunteer-opportunities.
If you are a local organisation that relies on volunteers and want to become part of the network or learn more about them, call (03) 58329700, or email volunteers@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
