VOLUNTEERS are the backbone of the community – and there are 536 organisations across the Cardinia Shire.
From disability provider Outlook to the U3A (University of the Third Age) there is a wealth of opportunities for people wishing to give time to the community.
And many of these opportunities can be found online on a volunteer database.
The database is just one of three objectives the Volunteering in Cardinia Shire project has delivered, the other two are the establishment of a shire-wide volunteer network and subsidised volunteer training.
Bronwyn Fleming of LLINC, said her organisation wouldn’t be where it was today without its 30 to 40 regular volunteers.
U3A president Ron Topp said the university relied on volunteers as it had no paid administration.
Next week the community will celebrate the contributions of its volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week. Organisations across Cardinia are looking for volunteers and some of the listings on the database include Community Centre volunteer at Big House Communities (based in Pakenham), firefighter at Bayles CFA, volunteer nursery worker at Outlook greenery and computer tutor U3A. For more volunteering opportunities visit: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/volunteering/opportunities/default.asp