This week community health organisation Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) is thanking its nearly 200 volunteers with lunches in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale coinciding with National Volunteer Week.
For Lakes Entrance residents Kevin and Geva Kramer, who have dedicated 27 years to delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering is a way to give back to the community
“It really lifts our day, it’s a great part of our day,” Kevin said.
“If anyone else wants to volunteer we have great people here at Gippsland Lakes who can help you through the whole process.”
GLCH has volunteering opportunities in its Meals on Wheels teams working across daily runs to Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Paynesville, and further afield.
The community health organisation also has volunteers who work with Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden programs in East Gippsland schools, from Orbost to Eastwood.
For Newmerella resident Liz Filmer volunteering helps her feel connected to her community.
“I want to live in a great little community. I think great little communities happen because of the work people do in that community for that community,” she said.
GLCH volunteers also help organise social gatherings and connections for vulnerable people in the community, including transport to help people travel within their communities.
This support work can involve driving a bus or car, caring for kitchen gardens, taking clients fishing, to the shops, preparing meals or simply spending time with people.
GLCH runs two kindergartens and has opportunities available for those interested in volunteering with children.
Lakes Entrance resident Sylvia Stroud says working with kids brings humour and fun to volunteering.
“Oh do it, it’s the most worthwhile thing,” she said. “It’s tremendous what you can provide for the community.”
For those interested in volunteering with Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, you can seek more information by calling volunteer engagement officer Karren Hackling or visiting the GLCH website.
“We can work out an area that will suit you and the amount of time that you are willing to give,” Karren said.
“It’s all about giving back. We have people of all ages helping. Our volunteers want to be part of their communities and want to give back to those communities.”
