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CARETAKING at remote lo-cations including MaatsuykerIsland, Melaleuca and CockleCreek, restoring heritagebuildings and looking afterlocal reserves are among themany opportunities for volun-teers in Tasmania’s parks andreserves.

The Parks and Wildlife Ser-vice has acknowledged the ef-forts of volunteers duringNational Volunteer Week,which runs from May 8-14.

Parks and Wildlife Servicedeputy secretary Jason Jacobi

said that while the PWS is theprimary steward of the 19 na-tional parks and more than800 reserves it manages, itneeds the support of the com-munity.

“In the long term, these re-serves can only be effectivelymanaged in partnership withthe community,” Mr Jacobisaid.

“Many of our volunteers areprofessional people who bringsignificant skills to assist pro-jects. It is these skills, com-bined with passion, that create

high quality solutions for car-ing for the natural values andthe heritage assets of our re-serves.

“Our volunteers work in ex-tremely diverse and challeng-ing conditions, includingcoastal reserves, offshore is-lands such as Bruny, Tasmanand Maatsuyker, and a largepart of the Tasmanian Wilder-ness World Heritage Area.”

A ‘typical’ volunteer day va-ries from caretaking the wildand windswept Maatsuyker Is-land to assisting rangers and

field staff looking after historicsites such as Woodvine andAdamsfield, local reserves suchas Coningham near Hobartand track and hut mainten-ance at Mt Field NationalPark.

Mr Jacobi praised the workof local volunteers in meetingthe challenges of the region.

“These groups have con-tinually demonstrated theircommitment to working withus,” he said.

“For example the work ofthe Wildcare Friends of Bruny

Island Quarantine Stationover the past several years hasresulted in a successful care-taker program, a heritage trailof interpretative signs at thesite and the site being openedto the public on a regularbasis.”

People interested in volun-teering opportunities shouldvisit the PWS website atwww.parks.tas.gov.au and con-sider joining Wildcare Inc, theprimary volunteer partner forPWS.

Volunteers can register

their skills and interest withWildcare Inc, join one of the90 volunteer groups, find outabout volunteer activities andopportunities and be support-ed as a volunteer. To find outmore check out their websitewww.wildcaretas.org.auFor information about volunteering activities with the Parks and Wildlife Service Southern Region, contact regional volunteer facilitator Pip Gowen on email Pip.Gowen@parks.tas.gov.au or 0427 648 463.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE: Joss Haiblen and Trish McDonald enjoyed a six-moth stint as volunteer caretakers on Maatsuyker Island last year.

Many hands make light work

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Southern Region staff say ‘Thank You’ to the

many individuals and care groups that work to conserve local reserves throughout

southern Tasmania. Thanks also to those who have contributed to programs in areas

including the south-west, Cockle Creek and Maatsuyker, Tasman and Maria islands, to

name a few. The success of many of these programs is due in large part to our strong

partnership with WILDCARE Inc. and programs such as Green Guardians and

Get Outside with Community.

Your ongoing commitment and enthusiasm help us protect and maintain Tasmania’s

unique and outstanding reserve system for all people.

To be a part of these exciting volunteer

opportunities, contact Southern Region

volunteer facilitator Pip Gowen on 6165 4053

or email philippa.gowen@parks.tas.gov.au.

Our volunteers deserve a hand

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they were undertaking a Workfor the Dole placement at TheSalvation Army’s MoonahCorps.

Later, when they discoveredthat the Bridge Centre waslooking for some volunteers intheir kitchen, Hebe and Jenni-fer grabbed the opportunity tofurther their volunteering ex-perience with The SalvationArmy.

You will find them happilyworking away in the kitchen atThe Bridge Centre three days aweek, preparing morning andafternoon teas and lunches forthe participants of the Bridge’sAlcohol & Other Drugs pro-gram.

When asked about whatthey enjoy about volunteeringat The Bridge Centre, theyboth said “We love it here.We’re like a family here.”

Jennifer, who has a back-ground in catering, finds thepreparation of meals at thecentre one of the highlights ofher week. “We cheer [the par-

ticipants] up. We take care ofthem and build them up,” Jen-nifer said.

Hebe loves the interactionwith the variety of people she

gets to meet. She describes hervolunteering as a social outletfor her.

“What else would I bedoing? Sitting at home doing

nothing, I wouldn’t like that.This drives us out of home todo something,” Hebe said. To explore the opportunities that are

available to you through volunteering with The Salvation Army log on to: www.salvationarmy.org.au or call 6228 8400.

An Advertising

Feature

ACCORDING to legend, in1878 when the leaders of theChristian Mission in Londonwere preparing their annualreport, the masthead read,“The Christian Mission is aVolunteer Army”.

Their founder WilliamBooth wasn’t happy with theheadline, so he crossed it outand wrote “The Christian Mis-sion is a Salvation Army”.Since then, the name has stuckand in almost 130 countries thevolunteer army that is The Sal-vation Army continues toserve.

Today, there are thousandsof volunteers across Australiathat support their communitythrough their service with TheSalvation Army.

They may drive a van, doadministration, provide pro-fessional advice, clean, playmusic, lead a playgroup, raisemoney, work in a charity storeor just about anything else thatfits their interests and skills.The opportunities are endless.

Suffice to say that The Sal-vation Army depends on itsvital army of volunteers.

Two volunteers are HebeSullivan and Jennifer Walker,who for the past six years havebeen supporting those recover-ing from addiction throughcooking meals at The Sal-vation Army’s Bridge Program,in New Town.

They originally met when

Salvation part of the job

HAPPY TO HELP: Salvation Army volunteers Hebe Sullivan and Jennifer Walker at work in the kitchen.

We love it here... We’re like a family here

SALVOS VOLUNTEER JENNIFER WALKER

Thank YouOur fabulous volunteers gifted

9,062 hours of their time and talent in 2016to help us keep families close.

We really can’t thank you enough.

“Alone we can do so little: together we can do so much” (Helen Keller)

The Sorell Municipality has many individuals, community groups and committees who generously donate their time, energy and resources year in and year out to make a positive difference to our community. We take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions made by our volunteers. You all play a significant role in our community and your contributions are truly appreciated - Thank you!

The Mayor, Councillors and Staff ofSorell Council.

Meals on WheelsTasmania would like to thank all our volunteers

for the outstanding service they provide

Phone 1800MYMEAL (1800 696325) or email

admin@mowtas.org.au • www.mowtas.org.au

Tasmania VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED

We deliver over

200,000 meals in Tasmania.

Without dedicated volunteers

this would not be possible.

LINC TasmaniaDepartment of Education

l

Thank you to all our volunteers for the valuable contribution you

make to our communityfrom LINC Tasmania.

www.linc.tas.gov.au

C I T Y O F C L A R E N C E

Thank you

to all the

volunteers

across Clarence

who make

such a valuable

contribution

to our

community.

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Praise for vital work

THANKFUL: Volunteering Tasmania's Deb Cameron and Julie Rattray appreciate those who volunteer.

VOLUNTEERING Tasmaniachief executive Alison Lai isthanking volunteers aroundthe state for helping to build ahappier and healthier Tas-mania.

With the theme for thisyear’s National VolunteerWeek being Give Happy, LiveHappy, Ms Lai said there isplenty of research supportingthe fact that volunteering isgood for us physically, psycho-logically and for our mentalhealth in general.

“Simply put, volunteering isone of the strongest predictorsof individuals becominghealthier and happier,” Ms Laisaid.

“Our volunteers are notonly making themselveshealthier and happier, they arealso making Tasmania a hap-pier and healthier place tolive,”

“A healthy and happy com-munity is one where everyonehas an opportunity to be in-cluded, regardless of howmuch money they make, thecolour of their skin, where theylive, which political party (orfootball team) they follow orhow old or young they are.

“Volunteering is, and willcontinue to be one of our mostpowerful ways to bring peopletogether.”

Ms Lai said it is importantfor everyone to thank a volun-teer for doing what they love.

“So when you thank a vol-unteer this week for their in-credible contribution, don’tjust thank them for umpiringyour game this week, drivingyou to your doctor’s appoint-ment, planting trees in yourneighbourhood or for beingthe usher at your local theatrebut thank them for helping to

make our community great.”And the numbers tell the

same story with four in fivepeople generously giving 7.1million hours every year to theTasmanian community.

Ms Lai said these are over-whelming figures, and onesthat Tasmanians should cer-tainly be proud of.

“Volunteers are everywherewhether it be helping our mostvulnerable, caring for our envi-ronment, protecting our wild-life, coaching our children or

showing tourists around ourbeautiful island,” Ms Lai said.

“It’s a testament to thestrong community spirit andconnectedness in Tasmaniathat we can celebrate our in-credibly high levels of giving,”

“It’s the time when we try towrap our heads around theequally incredible statisticswhich show how much are vol-unteers contribute every year.”

For more information visit www.volunteeringtas.org.au

PUSH TO HELP: The Hobart City Mission volunteering team at one of the organisation’s biggest fundraisers, the Great Southern Pram Push.

On a Mission to lend a handIN November this year,Hobart City Mission will cel-ebrate 165 years of service tothe southern Tasmaniancommunity.

There have been manychanges and developmentsmade within the organis-ation throughout theseyears, however, one thinghas solidly stayed the same –volunteers are the back boneof the organisation.

Back in 1852, when Hob-art City Mission was found-ed, volunteers helped to walkand ride the streets to pro-vide assistance packages to

those in need, as far out asBagdad.

Today, Hobart City Mis-sion has about 150 volun-teers who provide services ina range of different areas.The majority of volunteershelp out in the nine City Mis-sion Op Shops around Hob-art.

Their role in the stores isvital, as without them, theOp Shop’s doors would notopen. Volunteers also helpwith transporting and sort-ing the stock for the OpShops.

Hobart City Mission also

has a range of individuals,community groups and cor-porate teams that assist withfundraising, such as theGreat Southern Pram Pushwhich was held in March.

Although the volunteersare helping out in differentways and in different areasthese days, they still remainthe reason that Hobart CityMission can provide such awide range of services.

The history and success ofHobart City Mission is to becelebrated by the efforts anddedication provided by thevolunteering community.

St John Ambulance... Wishes To Say

THANK YOU

St John Ambulance - TasmaniaP: 1300 360 455

E: volunteers@stjohntas.org.auW: www.stjohntas.org.au

making first aid a part of everybody’s life

To all of our wonderful volunteer family

Thank you!to the 4 out of every 5

Tasmanians who volunteer and make a difference.

www.volunteeringtas.org.aufreecall 1800 677 895

RSL (Tasmania Branch) says “THANK YOU” to all our volunteersIn the weeks leading up to ANZAC Day, the dedicated volunteers at our RSL Sub Branches spent countless hours in preparation for the ANZAC Day Services in their local communities.Around Tasmania, our RSL volunteers conducted Dawn and Main Services in 67 different towns and cities. Many worked from 3am in the morning to ensure that Gunfire Breakfasts were prepared and ready for the community after a Dawn Service. For your dedication – we say thank you.

The RSL Tasmania State Branch also wishes to acknowledge and thank the soldiers of the 2nd Force Support Battalion who volunteered their time to sell ANZAC tokens on the streets of Hobart and at Eastlands to raise money for the welfare of veterans. We would also like to thank the public for their generosity.

Further, we wish to acknowledge and thank the many Australian Defence Force personnel and Defence Cadets, Scouts, Guides and school students who volunteer their time on ANZAC Day to provide the Catafalque Parties, flag bearers, choirs and guest speakers at the many Services around the State.

For further information regarding RSL (Tasmania Branch) please visit our website at www.rsltas.org.au

ph: 1800 781 033

Community Transport Services Tasmania Inc.

To the CTST Volunteer Driver and Volunteer Office Support Team;

www.ctst.org.au

CTST extends to you our sincere gratitude for your dedication, empathy and

commitment to your community through your role as a volunteer with CTST.

Your unwavering support to ensuring our eligible clients ‘get where they need to

be’ for shopping, visiting family or to attend medical appointments is remarkable

and appreciated by the wider Tasmanian community.

On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of CTST, Thank you!

Interested in becoming a

CTST volunteer?

Phone: 1800 781 033 or

email: info@ctst.org.au

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EACH year CommunityTransport Services TasmaniaInc. volunteers provide trans-port to hundreds of clients forsocial outings including shop-ping, visiting friends, payingbills or medical appointments.

While the not-for-profit or-ganisation is funded by theFederal and State govern-ments to enable independenceand social inclusion for thefrail, aged and younger dis-abled members of the Tasma-nian community, CTST relieson about 380 volunteers driv-ers to keep the 75 vehicle fleetrunning.

Chief executive Lyndon

Stevenson said CTST extendsits sincere appreciation and ac-colades to the statewide volun-teer team, for ensuring itsservice is delivered in an ef-ficient, safe and sustainablemanner.

“A strategic goal of CTST’sis to ensure that our volunteersare engaged, supported andrecognised for the crucial con-tribution they provide to theTasmanian community and weare committed to that goal,”Mr Stevenson said.

“Thank you to all membersof the CTST volunteer teamfor getting our clients wherethey need to be.”

CTST volunteers are dedi-cated, sympathetic, and politeand are committed to ensuringeach client’s trip is delivered ina timely and safe manner.

They ensure that the clientis comfortable; they wearidentification, have the rel-evant training and checks, andprovide every client with thebest transport service, secondto none.

The volunteers are so fan-tastic that CTST have manysponsors that provide financialor other support including;MAIB, Tasmanian Commun-ity Fund, Co-Op Toyota, Tas-Networks, Project Lab,

Workskills, and previously theSydney Myer Foundation andthe Allport Bequest.

Volunteering with CTSTprovides its own mechanismfor community inclusionthrough integrating with othervolunteers; staff and clients ourvolunteers build friendly life-long relationships.

If you feel you may be eligible for the service and would like to be transported by our amazing team of volunteers, or would like more information on becoming a CTST volunteer, please call 1800 781 033. We want you on our team!

Driven to help out others

GOING PLACES: CTST chief Lyndon Stevenson and volunteer Donna Gibbons trial CTST’s latest vehicle.

BEING a volunteer is one ofthe most rewarding experien-ces that you can be part of, saysMeals on Wheels’ volunteerDhreen Sheppard-Keam.

Mrs Sheppard-Keam saidvolunteers have the pleasure ofknowing that their participa-tion in delivering meals is as-sisting those who need it.

“It’s not just in delivering awonderful nutritious meal, butin knowing that we are oftenthe highlight of those recipi-ent’s day,” she said.

Working with the Wynyardgroup, Mrs Sheppard-Keamassists the drivers and co-ordi-nators in facilitating the deliv-ery between Mondays andFridays, to vulnerable peoplein and around her immediatecommunity.

“With a team of like-mind-ed people we are availablethrough a roster system de-pending on our availability asoften as we like.”

She said that one of the

most rewarding parts of hervolunteering is the friendlygreetings and smiles from boththe volunteers and recipients.

“We know that behind thesmile at times is a lot of pain orsadness, but when we arrive,

that pain and sadness disap-pears, even just for a littlewhile,” she said.

“We always chatter whilewe assist where needed in ei-ther placing the meal into kindexpectant hands, or seeing thatthe meal is safely packed awayinto the refrigerator where re-quired. Often we are asked toassist in small daily tasks thathave become difficult; for ex-ample unscrewing a jar or bot-tle or reaching something thathas fallen down behind a pieceof furniture.”

Mrs Sheppard-Keam saidthe reward is knowing that vol-unteers really matter.

“As our Meals on Wheelsslogan says ... “We are morethan just a Meal. I am suremany if not all our volunteersfeel privileged and take greatpride in being a volunteer.”

So much more than just a mealSERVICE WITH A SMILE: Meals on Wheel volunteer Sandra Aldous delivers lunch to a client.

Thanks to our Fire and Emergency ServiceVolunteers and Supporters

Every day ordinary Tasmanian women and men perform extraordinary roles asemergency service volunteers. Whether tackling extreme weather, fire, floods,chemical spills, vehicle crashes or rescues, our highly dedicated and skilledmembers make an enormous contribution to their respective communities.

We thank them, their families, and the businesses that support them for theirgenerosity and understanding.

Together, we all help to make Tasmania a safer place.

Chris ArnolChief OfficerTasmania Fire Service

Andrew Lea DirectorState Emergency Service

Commited to Community To each of our volunteers.

Thank you!If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering with UnitingCare Tasmania please contact:

Southern Tasmania 03 6244 1144 Northern Tasmanina 03 6333 8018

“THANK YOU”

to all our volunteers who play such an important role within our municipal area.

Council greatly appreciates the selfless, ongoing commitment and dedication given by all our volunteers who work tirelessly in so many different ways to improve the quality of life for everyone. Volunteers really are the life blood of our community.

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MARK Bartlett and AngelaKnight are two locals who areon a mission in the Brightonmunicipality.

Last year they formed theBridgewater/Gagebrook CleanUp Group that has been dedi-cated to cleaning up rubbish inthe area, and already it’s hadmassive success.

Not only have the tirelessefforts of the group started tomake a visual difference in thecommunity, the group has alsoreceived acknowledgmentfrom other organisations.

To recognise their out-standing efforts, both Markand Angela were awarded withthe prestigious Citizens of theYear award at the AustraliaDay ceremony by the BrightonCouncil.

Mark said that the state ofsome areas of the municipalitycame to his attention when hewas doorknocking for the Red

Shield appeal so he decided itwas time to do somethingabout it.

“I noticed how much rub-bish was on our streets and Iwondered what I could do tohelp and make the streetscleaner, and somehow lessenthe visual problem,” he said.

“I’ve lived in Gagebrooknearly all my life and it alwayssaddened me to hear whatother people think of us.

“We are incredibly proud ofwho we are and, also, of wherewe live, and this is why westarted the group.”

That was the start of theBridgewater/Gagebrook CleanUp group which he began topromote with partner Angela,on Facebook.

The group’s aim was toclean the rubbish from thestreets and to further beautifythe local area which they be-lieved, in itself, would remove

any perceived stigma about theBridgewater and Gagebrookcommunity.

“It really so uplifting and ifour Bridgewater/GagebrookClean up Group can helpachieve this, and it already isstarting to do so, then we are

VITAL: Heather, Emily and Annie help out with housekeeping and cleaning at Ronald McDonald House.

THERE are few roles in theworld where you can see thepositive impact you have insomeone’s life happen rightbefore your eyes.

As a volunteer with RonaldMcDonald House, when yougreet a family at the door whohas just been rushed by plane,helicopter or ambulance oftenin the middle of the night to astrange city, so their child’slife can be saved, you have theability to make a huge differ-ence. Families don’t have timeto think about packing, wherethey will be sleeping or whatthey will be eating.

Nor should they have to,their only concern is the well-being of their child.

So arriving on the doorstepof 62 Collins St Hobart, morecommonly known as RonaldMcDonald House to a friend-ly smile, a cup of tea and awarm bed, helps them toknow everything will be okay.

Nine times out of 10 thatfriendly smile will belong toone of our volunteers.

RMH Hobart has morethan 65 volunteers dedicatedto the wellbeing of familiesfrom across Tasmania.

Between them they give

around 7000 hours of volun-teer time a year, and with justfour staff employed at theHouse it will come as no sur-prise, that RMH Hobart staysopen 24/7, 365 days a year dueto the time our volunteersgive.

Away from the House thevolunteers are many things,they are university students,builders, nurses, hairdressers,chefs and administrators.

However, when they aretogether under the roof of theHouse, each and every one ofthem means the same thing tofamilies in need: security, sup-

port and love. You may knowone, have met one, or want tobe one. One thing is for sure, ifyou are one of our volunteers,you are that positive impactfor a family arriving in themiddle of a dark night.

Ronald McDonald HouseHobart welcomes anyoneover the age of 18 years to vol-unteer at the House. Policeand Working with VulnerablePeople checks are requiredwith acceptance of your appli-cation. Limited positions areavailable so please contactvolunteer co-ordinator LisaTadd, lisa.tadd@rmhc.org.au

House helpers offer hope in dark times

long way to realising the goalswe set for ourselves,” Marksaid.

For more information go tohttps://www.facebook.com/Bridgewater-Gagebrook-Clean-Up-Group-1729934377223885/

Making a difference

SUCCESS STORY: Clean-up group founders Angela Knight and Mark Bartlett are achieving great things in their area.

The Brighton Council extends its appreciation to all volunteer community groups, organisations, associations, individuals and in particular those volunteers of the Brighton State Emergency Service, Country Fire Brigades and Brighton Meals On Wheels who work tirelessly for the benefit of the community.

RON SANDERSONGENERAL MANAGER

BrightonCouncil

The Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Volunteers provide a friendly and professional service with the sole aim of supporting consumers and staff in making a positive difference to a person’s day.

The RHH takes this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude for the kindness and dedication our Volunteers contribute on a daily basis, and we wish you all a very “Happy National Volunteer Week”.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Contact Shelley Haas on 6166 7087 or email rhhvolservice@ths.tas.gov.au

www.ths.tas.gov.au

thank you......to the network of

Royal Hobart Hospital Volunteers

Our services, events and stores could not operate without the

generous support and donation of time from over 150 volunteers who

assist us throughout the year. Hobart City Mission would like to sincerely thank all our volunteers

for their dedication and commitment.

For volunteering enquiries, please call 6215 4200 or sjackson@hobartcitymission.otg.au

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers help make Hobart a more connected, stronger community. The City of Hobart thanks all volunteers across our many volunteer- involving programs. We are grateful for your skills, your time and your tireless enthusiasm to make a positive difference.

To find out more about volunteering with the City of Hobart please call 03 6238 2973 or download a brochure or registration form from our website hobartcity.com.au/volunteer

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Photos: City of Hobart, Alastair Bett, Graziano Di Martino

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