Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau Inc

The subject for the September training was ‘Valuing Volunteers’. Robyn Wyatt gave us a very animated talk on this topic which is always near to our hearts. We know Robyn as ‘our bread lady’ as she arrives most Monday mornings with a load of bread donated by her community in Manningham. Always bright and cheerful Robyn is a welcome visitor.

Robyn and her husband are Pastors and in this capacity have travelled the world doing voluntary charity work. Volunteers are  essential workers in the community. Think of all the organisations almost totally reliant on their input, as well as our area of community care, sporting groups, environmental groups, guides at Art galleries and the Museum, schools libraries and fetes, play groups etc., the list is endless.

Robyn quoted some statistics from the ABS in 2006. 

 5.2 million people over 18 years participated in voluntary work  (34%) of the population giving  713 million hours of their time and saving 8-10% of Victoria’s gross product or $10 billion per year.

Young people are being targeted to encourage them to volunteer. They like moving from one experience to another and often stay only a few months with any one group. Volunteering is encouraged by example from parents and grandparents.

To show how much we are valued Robyn presented each of us with a small box containing positive words and a spring bulb to be planted to show that from small beginnings larger things grow and flourish. Volunteering  requires commitment but the rewards are personally rewarding and volunteers often say they get more than they give.

If you would like to volunteer and need ideas about how, where and what, the two MCABI offices have lists available.

The speaker at the August training was Derek from North Ringwood Care, an organisation MCABI helped and advised when they were developing their services , and Derek thanked those present for their support at that time. North Ringwood Care has now a group of about 40 volunteers who are trained in -house over a period of time on a specific training model. A computer base can track clients progress.  Limited funds are available for filling prescriptions and dental costs. Financial counselling and a pre-school program are offered through the church. An important feature is the vegetable garden which is tended byVolunteers, a disabled group and some school children. Produce grown is then offered to the clients. Thank you Derek for a very interesting and informative talk.