Indigo Shire Council gave its thanks to those volunteers involved with Council’s Aged Services programs across the Shire at its annual volunteer fun day.

Indigo Shire Council Health and Well Being Manager Ms Sally McCarron said volunteers were vital within the Shire and many services such as Meals on Wheels and Community Transport would not exist without their dedication and support.

She said many disabled and aged residents would not make essential medical appointments without the community transport service and were able to attend medial services in the Shire, Albury-Wodonga and Wangaratta as a result. 

“We have 430 volunteers in the Aged Services programs giving up their time throughout the year and they are instrumental in the provision of these services,” she said.

“Each week on average 285 meals are delivered to homes in towns across the Shire and community meals are held for groups of people who would otherwise have no social contact.

“A major problem for residents in a rural Shire is many aged and disabled residents would be socially isolated if it were not for these services and the care of volunteers.

“What a wonderful way to say thanks by allowing the volunteers to relax and enjoy each other’s company each year.”

Ms McCarron said the volunteers ranged in age with volunteers aged in their 80s but it was vital for more people in the community to put their hands up to help.

She said volunteering for your community was a rewarding way to give something back to the community and to know you were making a difference. 

Almost 100 volunteers were treated to a day of sightseeing, lunch and entertainment for all their hard work throughout the year on 5 December 2005.

Among the festivities the volunteers enjoyed morning tea in Beechworth at the International Hotel, La Trobe and tours of the main buildings with a history of the building. 

Sightseeing at Mt Pilot and a look at the devastation caused by the storm in the Friday before around Wooragee prior to lunch at Quinny’s Café and Wine Bar, Chiltern, a performance by the Fruit Bats at the Lakeside Music Bowl, and then out to Watchbox Winery where they finished the days tour with afternoon tea.

To volunteer people can contact Indigo Shire Council Volunteer Co-ordinator Ms Kay Rowe on (03) 5728 8025.