General News
13 December, 2024
Many hands make light work in Hindmarsh
As a municipality, Hindmarsh Shire has always had more than its fair share of selling points, and now its community spirit is an additional source of civic pride.
"Hindmarsh has more than double the state average of people who volunteer – whether it's volunteering for council looking after assets like Yanac Hall, Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum, Yurunga Homestead, Rainbow Recreation Reserve or Jeparit Hall, to name just a few, volunteering for the visitor information centre, community taxi and libraries, or volunteering out in the community for the CFA, Lions and Leos, Landcare and the countless other volunteer groups that make Hindmarsh a fantastic place to live," mayor Ron Ismay said.
"Volunteers are at the heart of healthy communities."
Cr Ismay made the comments while thanking the shire residents who had given their time to help "support business and tourism, creating social and recreational events and opportunities, and supporting emergency services to keep us safe" over the past 12 months.
Cr Ismay said the lead-up to Christmas and New Year was an ideal time to acknowledge the people who "give their time, energy and money to organising, mowing, baking, being treasurers, secretaries and presidents, greeting visitors, selling tickets, looking after public halls and sporting grounds, selling snags, performing at events, driving people to medical appointments, picking up rubbish, planting trees and so much more".
"Our community would not be the same without you," he said.
"Volunteers are the backbone of our shire and their selflessness is the driving force behind the success of countless initiatives, from supporting local businesses, schools and tourism to enhancing social, recreational and emergency services."
Cr Ismay said he and his fellow councillors and council staff were "incredibly proud but not surprised" to learn that Hindmarsh had more than double the state average of volunteers per head of population.
"Our communities are made up of people who roll up their sleeves and have a go," he said.
"Without volunteers, our shire would not be the thriving, resilient community that it is."
In its 2023-24 performance report, published in September, Hindmarsh Shire reported that its local level of volunteerism was 15.4 per cent above the Australian average.
And last month, Torrens University Australia released the results of a survey that showed the Wimmera in general was especially generous with its time.
Not only Hindmarsh but also Yarriambiack, Buloke and West Wimmera shires were well above the norm in terms of pitching in.
In Hindmarsh, 28.6 per cent of residents aged 15 or above donated unpaid hours in some way.
By contrast, in the metropolitan area councils had figures as low as 6.9 per cent.
Speaking directly to Hindmarsh's volunteers, Cr Ismay said: "I'm deeply grateful for the invaluable contributions you make every day, each week, all year.
"I encourage everyone to continue their incredible work as we look forward to a brighter 2025 together.”
Information on volunteering in Hindmarsh is available from the shire's volunteer support officer on 5391 4444 or volunteering@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.