Community & Business
17 May, 2023
Week showcases the ‘change makers’
DIANA Russell, Margaret McCreath and Miche Raccoursier are just three of the thousands of volunteers in the region who are being celebrated as part of National Volunteers Week (15-21 May).
DIANA Russell, Margaret McCreath and Miche Raccoursier are just three of the thousands of volunteers in the region who are being celebrated as part of National Volunteers Week (15-21 May).
The week is aimed at acknowledging the gen-erous contribution of volunteers and highlighting the critical role they play in our communities.
Like other local governments throughout the nation, Tablelands Regional Council is fortunate to have the services of volunteers to help run com-munity facilities and will be lauding those in the community who step up to make things happen.
“This year’s theme is ‘The Change Makers’,” Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew said.
“This recognises that our volunteers are change
makers across our nation.
“In our region, our volunteers are integral to the promotion and the smooth running of our galleries, information centres, museums, nurseries, events, emergency services, and community, environmental and sporting organisations.
“But we’ve always got room for more! We are looking for people interested in helping in our visitor centres, galleries and plant nursery.”
Community Revegetation Nursery volunteer Diana Russell is involved in processing seeds, weeding, washing pots, data collection/entry and seed collection.
“I love working with plants and gaining local plant knowledge,” she said.
“I enjoy the social contact with like-minded people, and the variety of jobs to choose from depending on how sociable I feel.”
Margaret McCreath has been a volunteer at the Atherton Tablelands Information Centre for 11 years and is motivated by meeting new people and other volunteers.
“It’s great meeting people and helping make their time in our region more enjoyable,” she said.
“As a traveller myself, it’s great to get tips about other regions too.”
As a new volunteer, Miche Raccoursier also loves meeting new people and sharing her knowledge of the local area.
“I always wanted to work in the tourism industry but instead I worked for a German bank,” she said.
“At 57-years-old ,I applied to work as a volunteer at the Atherton Tableland Information Centre and I love it! I will continue to volunteer as long as I can.”
Cr Cardew said there were many rewards for volunteers.
“Being a volunteer gives you a chance to meet new people, make a difference to our community and environment, contribute to the growth and promotion of our region, and spend time with of like-minded people,” he said.
Those who wish to volunteer can do so by registering at www.trc.qld.gov.au/volunteer
