Volunteers

Volunteering has always played a large in the Central Highlands, and this year was no different. In 2021-2022, volunteers across the Central Highlands offered their time and commitment to many community programs and events.

During National Volunteer Week 2022, we were proud to feature several local volunteers on our Facebook page and recognise their community commitment. From a year 6 student who volunteers every Sunday at the Sapphire markets, to a Comet resident of over 60 years who shares the region's rich history, volunteers are a vital part of our community.

Some of the events and programs that local volunteers are involved with include:

„ Queensland Seniors Month

„ Australia Day „ NAIDOC celebrations

„ State Emergency Service (SES) „ National Tree Day „ Youth Week

„ Healthy Active Highlanders „ Arts around August „ Central Highlands Arts and Cultural Advisory

Committee (CHACAC) „ Sports and Active Recreation Advisory Group „ Central Highlands Easter Sunflower Festival „ Queensland Day Park Run

All our volunteers receive a briefing about council’s expectations and their rights and responsibilities as volunteers, including health and safety requirements and code of conduct training.

We recognised the contributions of all the region's unsung heroes through events and programs including:

„ National Volunteer Week celebrations

„ appreciation gifts „ Australia Day Awards „ community grants program „ donations and sponsorship „ access to clubCOACH resources for sport and recreation organisations.

Spotlight ON: Giving back makes Anakie student proud

Amber Paulson proudly stands next to several bags of garbage she’s collected in her town of Anakie.

Amber, a year 6 student and captain at Anakie State School, is forging the path for youth volunteerism in the Central Highlands.

‘I love seeing my town clean and tidy,’ says Amber.

‘It makes me feel so proud.’

Aside from her commitment to pick up rubbish, Amber also volunteers with her mum every Sunday at the Sapphire markets. ‘I sell raffle tickets, chocolates and lucky number boards to fundraise for my school and the parents and citizens’ (P&C) association,’ says Amber.

‘I love the warm fuzzy feeling you get in your stomach when you help others.

'I think volunteering is such a fun and positive thing to do and it makes me feel like a valued member of my community.’

Amber was a featured volunteer in council’s National Volunteer Week Facebook campaign for 2022, which received an award for best social media campaign at the LGAQ LGx conference.

School student Amber Paulson voluntarily picks up rubbish to keep her town tidy.