- Latest News
GREAT CONTRIBUTORS: Volunteers from left to right with Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer include James (Jim) Spikin (Model Railway volunteer), Jim Cochrane (model railway volunteer), Geoffrey Buckland (model railway volunteer), Heidi French (Ada Ryan Gardens volunteer), Vicek (Vince) Wheeler (Model Railway volunteer), John Wallace (Ship volunteer) and John Moore (Library volunteer).
The City of Whyalla kicked off this week’s national Volunteer Week with a special presentation at the Council chambers.
Mayor Lyn Breuer hosted a morning tea on Monday where a group of Whyalla volunteers was recognised and presented with commemorative certificates.
“I can’t praise them enough, they help form the backbone of our community.” - Mayor Lyn Breuer
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of the nation’s volunteers. From May 21 to May 27, thousands of events like Whyalla’s are held throughout the country.
This theme for the week is “Give A Little, Change A Lot” representing the millions of volunteers who make a profound impact in their communities and on society, through giving a little time.
In presenting seven certificates to the dedicated volunteers on Monday, Mayor Breuer said the spirit of volunteering was vital in the city and Council was always keen to support these valuable members of our community and the groups they may represent.
“It was an honour to catch up with these wonderful people and give them some official recognition of the work they do,” Mayor Breuer said.
“I, like many others, know most of these people as we come across them in the community and see, first-hand, the work they do for our city and its people.
“I can’t praise them enough, they help form the backbone of our community.”
Those honoured on Monday included James (Jim) Spikin, Jim Cochrane, Geoffrey Buckland and Vicek (Vince) Wheeler (model railway volunteers), Heidi French (Ada Ryan Gardens volunteer), John Wallace (HMAS Whyalla Ship volunteer) and John Moore (Library volunteer). Kay Golding from the child care centre was also recognised with a certificate but was unable to attend the morning tea.
“This small gesture is the least we can do to recognise their efforts and the positive effect they have on our community,” Mayor Breuer said.
“As a council we try to help out volunteers and volunteer groups throughout the city as much as we can.
“Hopefully this recognition week and our own little ceremonies will encourage more people in the community to step-up and volunteer some time.
“I know these great people get just as much out of their activities as they put in.”
Mayor Breuer will also host an afternoon tea on Monday, May 28 at the Whyalla Public Library to recognise the many volunteers who pitch in at the city’s public facility.