Hume and Whittlesea volunteers take a bow

Volunteers from across Melbourne’s north will be the focus of local celebrations next week.

From meals on wheels to town fairs, talking history or just walking, thousands of local people give of their time and special expertise across many areas of community life.

This year is the 25th anniversary of National Volunteer Week. Hume and Whittlesea councils have organised special events for the thousands of people who have signed up.

“I am humbled by the thousands of volunteers within Hume who selflessly dedicate their time to volunteer each year,” Hume mayor Casey Nunn said. “People volunteer for many different reasons, such as a desire to give back to others, stay active, meet new people, learn new skills and gain experience.’’

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Hume Volunteer Gateway program – a free council-run service that helps volunteers connect with organisations that need them.

The service has registered more than 3000 volunteers since 2009, with 221 organisations offering 564 recurrent roles.

Hume council will hold information sessions next week for current and prospective volunteers. The first will be held next Tuesday at 6pm, at the Hume Global Learning Centre [GLC] Broadmeadows. Other sessions will be at Craigieburn GLC next Wednesday at 6pm and Thursday at 2pm, and at Broadmeadows GLC from noon on Friday.

For details about National Volunteer Week activities and the Hume Volunteer Gateway, visit www.hume.vic.gov.au/volunteering or phone 9356 6999.

Whittlesea council is looking for new volunteers for community events and festivals To register, phone 9217 2004.