Kingborough Council Acting Mayor, Jo Westwood said the Council was very proud of Kingborough’s army of volunteers and the support they provide to the community.
National Volunteer Week runs from Monday 17 until Sunday 23 May 2021.
“Volunteers around Tasmania contribute the equivalent of $4 billion to our economy each year,” Cr Westwood said.
“National Volunteer Week is an important time to celebrate and acknowledge the significant contributions made by our volunteers in Kingborough.
“This week Council will be sharing video messages on its website and Facebook page, shining a light on some the wonderful volunteers and the community members they help.
“Our Kingborough Volunteer Program assists people aged 65 and over with basic support services, enabling them continue to live in their own homes.
“Volunteers offer transport, gardening and pet support.
“The real benefit is the social support provided for the clients, which cannot be underestimated.
“Transport is the most popular service requested, and the volunteers assist their clients in getting to and from medical appointments, grocery shopping, hairdressers and attending social engagements.
“Walking dogs is also a regular request for members of our community.
“Some participants use the service long-term, whilst others just use it to help them manage whilst they are recovering from surgery or injury.
“The time spent by the volunteers with their clients provides valuable connections to support older people to avoid social isolation.”
“Research indicates the negative health-related impacts of social isolation is similar to smoking a packet of cigarettes a day.
Cr Westwood said the Council program had been operating throughout Kingborough since July 2012 and this year managed approximately 60 volunteers and helped around 170 community members.
Volunteer Program client, Gaenor said the kindness shown by her volunteer helped her to remain living in her own home.
“I don’t have to rely on busy working families, I can do shopping at more suitable hours. The gardening help has been a godsend. I could never have kept up with it,” Gaenor said.
The Kingborough Volunteer Program would like to help some more Kingborough residents.
If you’re aged over 65 years and living at home, please consider our support.
Please contact the Program Coordinator on 6211 8136, or alternatively, via email to tjay@kingborough.tas.gov.au