VOLUNTEERS from neighbouring districts are being welcomed to Volunteering Coffs Harbour’s inaugural volunteer expo on Wednesday 18 May at the Cavanbah Centre main hall from 12.30-2.30.

The free expo provides an opportunity for community organisations which support volunteering to link with people seeking volunteering opportunities.

“The expo is aimed at helping people across our community be able to see the wide variety of opportunities there are across our community – from gardening, to driving, to supporting others, to cooking or working with older people or children – whatever your interest or skills – there is bound to be something of interest for everyone,” Di Woods, Manager at Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre, told News Of The Area.

“One of the lovely parts of working with volunteers is that everyone has a unique personality, with individual motivations as to why they want to volunteer and such a diverse range of skills and abilities.

“Coffs Coast Volunteering takes pride in matching these factors with what will be rewarding for the volunteer, with what will strengthen and benefit our community.

“Several Nambucca Valley volunteers travel into areas of Coffs Harbour because they are passionate about helping in a particular role or organisation, in the same way several volunteers from Coffs Harbour are also happily sharing their skills and time in Nambucca Valley.

“Having volunteer opportunities across neighbouring areas helps ensure there is a perfect volunteering opportunity for everyone.

“The Volunteering Expo will provide the perfect opportunity to connect a range of services and volunteers from across both the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour together,” encouraged Di.

“For some community members getting a foot in the door towards employment can be difficult.

“Volunteering is one of the best ways to gain experience and references about the quality of your work.”

Often people who are at Centrelink are obliged to seek fifteen hours of volunteer work, and attending the expo is a convenient way to explore your options and seek a meaningful role towards personal employment goals, says Di.

“The expo provides a wonderful opportunity to find where everyone fits and can contribute.

“With the expo, every organisation that supports volunteers has the opportunity to let community members know the range of positions they have available and explain how their organisation supports our community and what those volunteers will contribute to.

“It is inspiring to be part of something that can be much bigger than what we can achieve alone.”

Stall holders and community have the opportunity to exchange info and engage in active conversation about volunteer opportunities and finer details.

Over 25 stall holders will provide information about their organisation, the work they do and the roles they have available.

People will be able to register their interest to volunteer directly with organisations on the spot.

Free tickets are available at www.trybooking.com/BYZQO.

Contact amber@chnc.com.au for more information.

 

By Andrea FERRARI