Celebrating Volunteers in Hindmarsh
Published on 07 May 2026
Hindmarsh Shire Council is celebrating passionate volunteers through a series of events this National Volunteer Week (18 – 24 May 2026). National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, spearheaded by Volunteering Australia. This year’s theme of ‘Your Year to Volunteer’ recognises millions of volunteers across the country and invites everyone to discover how giving their time and talents can create connection, purpose and stronger communities.
Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay said, “Volunteer Week is a time to say thank you to the people who give their time, energy and care to others. Council recognises and appreciates the tremendous amount of hard work that our volunteers do and the significant role that they play in keeping our community connected and stronger, particularly through difficult times”.
To celebrate National Volunteers Week, Hindmarsh Shire Council is saying thank you to the hard-working volunteers in our community for everything that they do through several activities.
Volunteer Shout Out
Hindmarsh Shire Libraries will have a ‘Volunteer Shout Out’ board for the week where you can highlight an individual, group, or project that deserves recognition.
Free Classic Movie and Morning Tea
The Classic Movie ‘Young Frankenstein’ scheduled for Tuesday 19 May 2026 from 10am will include a light morning tea and refreshments, giving volunteers an opportunity to enjoy the movie and enjoy a relaxing time, while sharing stories and networking with other community members.
Meet and Greet at Cuppa Connections
Council’s highly successful Cuppa Connections program will include a morning or afternoon tea with special guests talking about the volunteering opportunities in Hindmarsh Shire. Cuppa Connections is a regular event where community members can meet new people, catch up with old friends and enjoy a cuppa in their local library.
Our Volunteers Week Cuppa Connections will be on the following dates:
- Jeparit – Wednesday 20 May 2026 from 10am – 12noon
- Rainbow – Wednesday 20 May 2026 from 2pm – 4pm
- Nhill – Thursday 21 May 2026 from 10am – 12noon
- Dimboola – Thursday 28 May 2026 from 10am – 12noon
Volunteering Opportunities Spotlight and Recruitment Drive
Council recognises the challenges around volunteering and will take the opportunity to highlight the individuals currently volunteering and community groups currently recruiting volunteers. Council is inviting the community to participate in the promotion of Volunteer Week by providing volunteer spotlights on individuals, projects, and community groups. An expression of interest form has been created. To participate in promoting your community group and vacant volunteering positions visit www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/NVW and complete the expression of interest form.
Volunteer Education and Resources
Community groups and organisations that are registered through Council’s database will also receive educational resources about volunteering. Resources include training opportunities, templates, and tips on reducing volunteer burn out, streamlining administrative tasks, and keeping up to date with key legislation.
“Our communities run on the power of volunteers, and we understand the challenges in attracting new volunteers. We encourage all community groups to contact Council so we can support your volunteer recruitment efforts and help ease the workload on our volunteer army”, Cr Ismay said.
A list of detailed events and resources for National Volunteer Week can be found at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/NVW. For more information or any enquiries, please contact Council’s Community Strategy and Engagement Team on (03) 5391 4444 or email community@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer