Volunteers Thanked for Selfless Contribution

The City of Newcastle has praised the service of its volunteers at a special morning tea marking National Volunteers Week. Around 80 of 350 city volunteers gathered at Newcastle Museum late last month to be thanked by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and the City’s senior leaders for the countless hours they've dedicated over the past year.

Volunteers from all walks of life lend their skills, passion and time at various locations across the city including 23 Landcare sites, Libraries, the Museum, Gallery, Civic Playhouse and at major events like the Newcastle 500.

"On behalf of the city, I'd like to thank all of the volunteers for their selfless contributions to Newcastle," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"Today is about recognising every one of our volunteers equally and acknowledging the work that they do across the City, whether that’s at our variety of outdoor Landcare sites or City-owned facilities, the City of Newcastle and our community highly values their dedicated service.”

The morning tea tied in with National Volunteers Week, the theme of which was “Making a World of Difference.” Throughout the week, thousands of people gathered across the country to say thank you to the more than six million Australians who volunteer their time for their community.

In Newcastle alone, volunteers sit on multiple committees, help manage city parks, fields and halls, and act as city guides through the NewCrew program.

Sixty NewCrew volunteers have helped attendees at 14 events, providing around 800 hours of their time as well assisting in the Newcastle Shop at Newcastle Museum since the team was formed in October 2018.

One of the biggest contributions they make to the City is their assistance at various Citizenship ceremonies throughout the year, which often draw some 200 to 300 people at each event.

NewCrew were among the volunteer groups thanked at the morning tea that included Museum, Landcare, Parks and Playhouse volunteers.

Chris Marley, a Nobbys Beach Landcare volunteer, said he was humbled by the accolades and pleased to be able to share the moment alongside other City volunteers.

He said hearing from a panel of local businessmen and women, comprising of Mel Histon from Got Your Back Sista, Karissa Lewis from Camp Quality, and 2014 Citizen of the Year and Soul Café Owner Rick Prosser, was particularly rewarding.

"It was great to hear from the panel members speaking about their passions and commitment to supporting the City’s volunteers who travelled from all over Newcastle to be at the event," he said.

“The men and women who attended are truly the unsung heroes of our community doing great work to proudly service our City. It’s such a pleasure to be recognised for all the work we do, and I thank those that have helped make the morning tea possible."