JUST where would we be without volunteers? How on earth would local sports events run, who would be there when disaster strikes to fill up sandbags, who would deliver meals to the elderly in our community and how would our amazing environment stay protected without the tireless dedication of volunteers to name just a few.
In our region, we are fortunate to have so many wonderful community groups to volunteer with and one could literally pick a different organisation to volunteer with every day of the week – so spoilt for choice we are here and what an outstanding representation of how amazing our community is at helping and supporting others.
This National Volunteers Week, if you are a volunteer we say “Thank you” for all your commitment and dedication and if you have been on the fence and thinking of volunteering why not start by joining one this very week?
One local group who are always looking out for volunteers is Coolum and North Shore Coast Care who are defenders of our natural environment for the past 24 years – one group of volunteers has been removing invasive weeds from the beach and dune areas, with regular planting working bees to restore degraded habitat. Several members also monitor turtle nests and activity and give occasional talks to our younger residents who are keen on saving our marine life from extinction.
The volunteers work on sites extending from Marcoola to Coolum Beach and on the first Thursday of each month these groups meet at a nominated site, the most recent being when 15 volunteers filled 22 bags of weeds and rubbish collected from the Coolum Lions Park (across from the Coolum Hotel). Afterwards, morning tea was provided by one of Council’s Conservation Officers, who work with each group.
New members are always welcome and can relax in enjoyable company at the monthly lunches held at one of our local restaurants and along with doing something good, social connection is also guaranteed. For more information on volunteering with Coolum & North Shore Coast please phone Linese Norrish on 5446 5116.