Hobsons Bay City Council in Melbourne’s west has launched two programs aimed at increasing rates of volunteering among older members of its community. The two volunteering programs, Volunteer Ambassadors and Friendly Mentoring, are running from January to May this year.
In the first program, community leaders over 55 years of age are recruited to act as Hobsons Bay volunteer ambassadors. These ambassadors develop a plan of action for a four month recruitment drive. This may include making presentations to senior groups, holding stands at festivals or discussions with health professionals. The ambassadors will be invited to volunteer their time to assist in the recruitment.
In the mentoring program, volunteers aged over 55 years of age are offered training to mentor someone adjusting to their new volunteering role. Training will be provided in February to allow mentors to be able to assist a new volunteer in a role similar to their own. Older volunteers will be recruited and matched to a mentor in these community organisations.
Council will provide assistance and support to the mentor and community organisations during the first three months.
Hobsons Bay Mayor, Councillor Renee Caruana, is encouraging older residents to get involved and share with peers the personal benefits they can gain from volunteering. “Volunteering not only benefits the community, but it is also a very rewarding and valuable way to pass on skills and experience to worthwhile causes in the wider community,” she said.
An estimated 30 per cent of Hobsons Bay residents, including long serving Rotary volunteer, Mayor Caruana, currently give their time to help others.
For further information contact Cindy Godden, Volunteer Development Coordinator, on (03) 9932 1181.
