December 7th, 2023Got a mo’ to spare: council wants to hear from you

The Mount Macedon Shire Council is searching for community-minded residents with some spare time to help service an expanding program of diverse, fulfilling volunteer initiatives.

The council relies on volunteers to help deliver services across many areas including visitor information centres, environment and the Kyneton Museum. Volunteers will also be needed to help manage planned resale shops at resource recovery facilities in Kyneton and Romsey.

Recently, Council’s volunteer program expanded to include the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS): a free service available for aged care residential or Home Care Package recipients, who are matched to a volunteer with similar interests for regular visits.

RM Begg Kyneton resident Alois recently joined the ACVVS program and has been matched with volunteer Diane (Di) Aliker for regular visits. He said he looks forward to Di’s visits and having meaningful conversations.

“I’m not a big talker, most men are not, and Di would lead me. She would start something and we could converse. For me it’s good to have someone coming to talk to, I enjoy it,” he said.

Di said she also looks forward to her visits and chats with Alois. “He takes me for a little walk around every now and then to show me what’s going on, and sometimes we listen to music,” she said. “It’s something different to what I’m up to at home.”

Council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, said volunteering delivers a range of benefits for both the individual volunteering and the recipient, by strengthening social bonds and supporting inclusion.

“Our volunteers play a significant role in keeping our community connected, helping those who need assistance and providing company to those who may be feeling isolated or lonely,” she said.

“I would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers for their commitment and for making such a positive impact on the lives of others in our community. I also encourage anyone who has been thinking about volunteering to see what opportunities are available through council’s programs.”

On Tuesday the council marked International Volunteer Day (5 December) by thanking and recognising the outstanding contribution local volunteers are making to the community, while also encouraging others to explore the benefits of volunteering.