Volunteering

 

Volunteering Australia states that ‘volunteering’ is time willingly given for the common good without financial gain. The benefits of volunteering could be enormous to you and your community. The right match can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and for youth, advance your career.

Council recognises and celebrates the immense volunteering spirit that exists in our communities. In 2011, the region's volunteer numbers were well above the regional, state and national benchmarks and this illustrates the commitment of residents to working together to build strong communities.

Locally, there are many opportunities to volunteer in community activities including sport, emergency services, animal welfare, charities, assisting vulnerable people, arts and culture, and the environment. Find something you are passionate about, then search out the opportunity. Volunteer doing something you'll love - there is a role to suit you.

A range of resources are available to help people who want to get involved, find new opportunities, or develop their skills as a volunteer. Please see the links to the right for more information.

Volunteering at Snowy Monaro Regional Council

Council engages volunteers in a range of services and programs. Opportunities are available in areas such as:

  • Section 355 Committees, providing advice to Council on a range of community issues such as Arts and Culture, Tourism, Reserves, Aged Care Services and more;
  • Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to older people and people with a disability;
  • Contact Centre, providing support during programs for older people;
  • Community Transport, driving individuals and groups to medical and social appointments across the region;
  • Library services, assisting librarians to sort, maintain and re-shelve items;
  • Yallambee Lodge, interacting with residents and providing general support during activities;
  • Maintaining halls, cemeteries and more.

Volunteers undertake such activities without monetary reward to support the community and make new connections. The activities undertaken are of benefit to Council and the local community and complement the services and programs provided by paid staff.

Volunteering with Council is a great way to get involved, have your say in issues which are important to you and to contribute to the community. It is also an important way that Council seeks feedback and communication with the community.

For more information on volunteering with Council, please contact your local branch.

Volunteering in our community

  • Visit the Snowy Mountains Neighbourhood Centre and volunteer to help with assistance to locals and tourist wanting information on our town and services. This includes library assistance and access the PCs and WiFi.
  • Sign up to support your community in times of emergency, through local branches of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) or State Emergency Service (SES)
  • Get in contact with your local Community Garden, help design and plant next season's crop.
  • Join the Snowy Monaro Regional Youth Council, and have a direct link into Council's decision making for youth development projects.
  • Join a service club like CWA, Lions or Rotary and make a difference on a local level. Clubs/branches exist in many of the region's towns and villages.

Group photograph from Volunteer Week Morning Tea