National Volunteer Week

Celebrating the People Who Strengthen Our Communities

This week marks National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, recognising the millions of people who generously give their time, skills and energy to support others. Held from 18–24 May, this year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer”, celebrates the contribution of existing volunteers while encouraging more Australians to get involved in ways that are meaningful to them.

Across the Mornington Peninsula, volunteers are the quiet force behind so many of the events, services, sporting clubs, emergency response teams and community organisations that help make this region such a connected and special place to live. Their impact is often felt long before it is seen, creating stronger communities, supporting those in need and helping local traditions continue year after year.

At Buxton Mornington Peninsula, community involvement has always been something we value deeply, and we are incredibly proud of the team members who volunteer their own time within the local community.

James Redfern is a member of the Flinders District Lions Club and supports many of the events and initiatives the club is involved in throughout the year, helping contribute to the strong sense of community that exists across the region.

Tim Ripper volunteers with the Red Hill CFA, dedicating his time to supporting and protecting the local community through emergency response and fire safety. Living and working locally, Tim saw volunteering as an opportunity to give back to the community he is part of every day and support the people and places that make the Peninsula so special.

Sarah King is also a volunteer with the Dromana CFA, currently holding the role of Secretary and supporting the ongoing operation and administration of the brigade. Sarah follows in the footsteps of her father, who has dedicated more than 45 years to volunteering with the CFA, reflecting a strong family commitment to community service and support.

As a business, we also actively encourage volunteering through our internal mentor group program. Each mentor group selects a local cause, event or community organisation to support, with team members encouraged to volunteer their time during work hours and become actively involved within the community. It is one of the ways we aim to give back to the region that supports us.

Managing Director Holly Longmuir says community involvement has always been an important part of the culture at Buxton Mornington Peninsula.

"So many of the events,organisationsand support services we value across the Peninsula simply wouldn’t exist without volunteers. Supporting the people who give sogenerously oftheir time is incredibly important to us as a business, but also personally.There’ssomethingvery rewardingabout being involved, givingbackand contributing to the community that supports us every day. Seeing our team step up and support local causes is something that genuinely fills my cup."

Community groups, sporting clubs, emergency services, charities and local events simply would not operate the same way without volunteers. Their contribution helps create the connected, welcoming and resilient communities we are fortunate to be part of every day.

To every volunteer across the Mornington Peninsula and beyond, thank you. Your time, generosity and commitment make an enormous difference.

And for those who may have been considering getting involved, perhaps this is your year to volunteer.

Learn more about National Volunteer Week here :

https://www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au/events/national-volunteer-week/