Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is calling on residents to consider stepping up as volunteers after receiving $23,000 from the State Government through Volunteering Victoria to strengthen volunteer connections on the Peninsula.
“There are many reasons to volunteer,” the council said in a statement. “For some it offers the chance to give something back to their community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Volunteering also benefits mental health through building new friendships and connections with like-minded people.
“Anyone with an interest and extra time to dedicate to a cause can volunteer. Volunteering can give you a great sense of purpose and can benefit your self-esteem as well as your community. Many organisations can cater for most abilities.”
The council said it could help with the recruitment and screening of volunteers in a COVID-safe way, adding there were many resources available to community members looking for a volunteer role and for community organisations wanting to recruit volunteers. Volunteering Mornington Peninsula is a free online portal where community organisations advertise their volunteer opportunities – https://volmornpen.com.au/ – while the council has established volunteering information hubs at the Mornington Community Information and Support Centre, 320 Main St, Mornington; and at Western Port Community Support, 185 High St, Hastings, where anyone is welcome to drop in to learn more about volunteering and available positions.
The council’s community development officer – volunteering is available to help community organisations with recruitment, screening, ‘onboarding’ of volunteers and information about resources for operating with COVID-safe practices. Email volunteeringmorningtonpeninsula@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Mayor Despi O’Connor said: “Volunteering allows you to connect with and make a difference in your local community. Dedicating your time as a volunteer not only helps the cause you choose to volunteer for, it’s also a good opportunity to make new connections and friends.”
