This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week, giving us all the opportunity to promote the role of volunteers in our community and to say thank you to millions of Australians who give their time in the service of others.

On behalf of all local residents, I would especially like to thank all volunteers in the Lowan electorate for the work you do.

It is hard to think of any sector in the community that isn’t touched by the vital contribution that our volunteers make.

Volunteers provide support and care for the elderly, look after our beautiful natural environment through Landcare groups, run our local junior and senior sporting clubs and, at the times when the community is at its most vulnerable, our emergency services volunteers in the CFA and SES are there to protect us.

One of the best things we can all do is to roll up our sleeves and get involved. Research tells us that just a few hours of volunteer work makes a difference in people’s happiness and it is proven that volunteers are healthier and even sleep better than those who don’t volunteer.

The experience of helping others provides meaning, a sense of self-worth and an important social role in the community.

The contributions made by volunteers to our rural and regional communities are invaluable and I am proud to be part of The Nationals team committed to actively supporting and respecting volunteers in our community.

Thank you again for the fabulous contribution that you continue to make to our local communities.

Emma Kealy MP
Member for Lowan


Above - The SES and CFA are two of the many organisations that rely heavily upon volunteers to provide valuable services to the community.