Community spirit was on full display recently as locals gathered for a vibrant volunteer event for 2025.
Sunday 1 June, saw the Yarra Ranges Volunteer Expo in Lilydale showcase the many ways residents could get involved and give back across the Yarra Ranges.
Yarra Ranges Council Director of Communities, Leanne Hurst, said the volunteer Expo was a great success.
“It was inspiring to see so many volunteer groups showcase the incredible value that they bring to our community,” she said.
Information booths at the expo provided guidance on how to join community advisory groups and get involved in locally based volunteer initiatives. The event also offered a chance for people to meet current volunteers, who shared their stories and experiences, inspiring others to find their own path in community service.
Emphasising the importance of networking and collaboration, President of Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Steve Meacher said the day provided an opportunity to talk to lots of people, including councillors, about the work his group do to advocate for protection of the critically endangered Leadbeater possum and its forest habitat.
“It was also an opportunity to contact other volunteer organisations to discuss possibilities to work together to support each other’s projects,” he said.
“It was an enjoyable and busy morning.”
Mr Meacher said he would like to thank to Yarra Ranges Council for taking the initiative to organise this expo.
“We hope it will become a regular feature on the calendar,” he said.
Rotary Club of Lilydale members Anne van Horick and Richard Selway said they had a “fantastic time” showcasing the many projects the club takes part in throughout the year, like the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness Program, installing a kitchen at Holy Fools Felix House, the Wishing Tree Christmas gift drive and the donation of welcome packs for inpatients admitted to Maroondah Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit.
“Many people were unaware that Rotary also collects unwanted foreign coins to benefit charities like UNICEF.
“It was wonderful to chat with the general public, councillors and other community groups about how they can get involved and be a part of something truly special.
“We loved connecting with everyone and sharing how Rotary is building a stronger, more vibrant Yarra Ranges!”
Across the Yarra Ranges from CFA to arts and the environment, volunteers are everywhere, however, there is a need for more flexible volunteering opportunities as the increased cost of living and more demand for services challenge the industry.
According to the last ABS census, formal volunteering, where people volunteer through organisations, has gradually declined over the past 10 years but is still highest among people aged 40-54 years.
Informal volunteering which is where people volunteer directly in the community, is significantly more common among people aged 25-39 years, and the rates of online – or remote – volunteering has continued to grow in recent years.
Highlighting the adaptability of volunteers in embracing new modes of engagement, the proportion of people in Australia engaging in online volunteering has increased by 21 percentage points.
Ms Hurst said the event had around 250 community members come through the door to view the expo.
“We’re pleased to say that many of the volunteer groups were able to secure some expressions of interest from those who attended,” she said.
“For anyone who missed the event and would like to explore volunteering opportunities within the Yarra Ranges, we would love for you to reach out to us.”
