Volunteer Stories Display “Incredible Gift” to Community

Our Community, My Story - experiences of volunteering in the City of Melville, is a display of individual stories, which personalise volunteering and highlight its vital role.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said that volunteers were the very fabric of the community.

“Like a handmade, patchwork quilt, the story of volunteering comes to life when you view the Our Community, My Story displays,” he said.

“We have gathered together peoples’ individual journeys, stories and contributions.

“The displays are made up of heartfelt recollections, prose and poems, which have been written, drawn, photographed or emailed.

“The combined thoughts and memories illustrate the incredible gift that volunteers continue to give the people of this City.”

City of Melville Volunteer Joy Morrison, who trains the managers of volunteers in not-for-profit organisations and has previously owned a registered training organisation, said she hoped Our Community, My Story would dispel old stereotypes about volunteering.

“I have come across a perception that volunteers must be second best or not credible because they don’t get paid. But the reality is that volunteers have incredible work and life experiences to offer,” she said.

“It would be really wonderful if Our Community, My Story helped to dispel the notion that we are second best.”

The contributions will be displayed starting in National Volunteer Week (10 - 16 May 2010) and then throughout May at all City libraries and community centres. The displays will be interactive, inviting comment from the viewer.

For further information contact City of Melville Volunteer Resource Centre Coordinator Nicola Schuman on 9364 0794.