National Volunteer Week is from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 May 2021.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week 2021 we’re sharing stories from some of the incredible people who volunteer in the City of Yarra.

This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine. We acknowledge that it’s time to:

• Recognise - celebrate and thank volunteers for the vital role they play in our lives.
• Reconnect - to what is important by giving our time to help others and ourselves.
• Reimagine - how we better support volunteers and communities they help.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community. 

Across Australia there are an estimated 6 million volunteers. Here in Yarra we are above the Victorian average with more than 21% of our residents volunteering in a formal capacity. 

Our diverse volunteers come from many different backgrounds and include students, professionals, young people and retirees.

Yarra Mayor, Gabrielle de Vietri said:

“The contribution of volunteers makes Yarra a more vibrant and enjoyable place to live, work and play.”

“They are crucial to the success of countless community projects, programs and events in a range of areas such as social justice, environment, creative industries, education, training and mentoring, food relief and so much more.”

“Volunteering is also beneficial for those who volunteer, with some of the key benefits being improved mental health and social connectedness. 

Read more: Six stories from our unique volunteers 

• Leia Alex: Committee Member at Women’s Art Register
• Howard Oorloff: Mentor Supervising Driving at Yarra’s L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program
• Celia Schild: Digital Mentor at Carringbush Adult Education
• Erin Strong: Coordinator of gardening and composting programs at Burnley Backyard Community Gardens
• Ivantha Perera: Team Leader of Abbotsford Convent restaurant, Lentil as Anything
• Patrick Barrett: Volunteer retail worker (books) at the Abbotsford Salvation Army Op Shop

Yarra Council support volunteers

Yarra Council provides support and opportunities for volunteers and volunteer organisations, such as: 

• skills development through training workshops
• recognition awards and events 
• networking opportunities 
• grants
• discounted venue hire
• newsletters to keep you up to date on the latest volunteer opportunities and news partnerships with community organisations.

Get involved

For more information on volunteering in Yarra, head to 

yarracity.vic.gov.au/volunteer

Or you can:

• Email: [email protected]
• Call: 9205 5555