Celebrate National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week from May 21-27 is a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of our Sunshine Coast volunteers who make a difference in our community.

This year’s theme is Give a little, Change a lot and Sunshine Coast Council invites volunteers to attend the free Volunteering Sunshine Coast National Volunteer Week event from 9-11.30am on May 24 at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Auditorium.

The free event includes panel discussions, informative exhibits, music, giveaways and morning tea and is the perfect opportunity for volunteers to celebrate their contribution to the region.

Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said each year thousands of volunteers enriched life on the Sunshine Coast by supporting a diverse range of community organisations and council community programs and services.

“Sunshine Coast residents have a remarkable history of volunteering their time and giving back to the community life and it is important to recognise the valuable contribution they make to our region,” Cr McKay said.

“The Volunteering Sunshine Coast National Volunteer Week event on May 24 is the perfect opportunity for volunteers across the Coast to take a bow for making a difference in our community.

“This event is proudly supported by council’s Community Grants program and is a fitting way to thank the generous contribution our volunteers make.”

One volunteer who is making a difference on the Sunshine Coast community is Phillipa Robertson who has been volunteering at Maleny Library since January 2017 as a technology helper.

Phillipa had been a librarian in one form or another for her whole life so it is a natural environment to find her volunteering her time.

Phillipa said she started working in the public library system in Sydney and finished her working career at Queensland Rail where she spent 14 years as a librarian and then into marketing research and strategy.

“I love the interchange with people and hearing their stories, requirements and assisting them with their technical questions at Maleny Library,” she said.

“I love computers, in particular Apple products which I have at home, and love sharing my skills and sometimes I pick up tips from those I’m teaching.

“I am also on the executive committee of the Mapleton Community Library with a specific role as book buyer, plus I look after the website and Facebook page.

“In total, I volunteer approximately 14 hours a week sharing my time between Maleny Library, Mapleton Community Library and you will even find me at the Montville Tourism Information Centre on the weekend.

“I also keep myself busy running a small B&B with my partner or you will find me in the garden or cooking in the kitchen.

“Volunteering keeps my mind engaged and my heart open and I would definitely recommend it to anyone as you meet lots of different people with different stories. I just love it.”

Visit council’s website to register for the National Volunteer Week event and to find out how to help your community through volunteering.

Image caption: Pictured left to right: Phillipa Robertson providing technology support to Janet Lutje at Sunshine Coast Council’s Maleny Library.