Community volunteers clock up 3,000 hours of help JUNE 2010

The extraordinary efforts of the 40 Bonnyrigg volunteers has seen their assistance range from providing 100 hours of music lessons to young students through to 360 hours of computer tutoring.

Connie Xu was one of the many volunteers recognised for her work in a Volunteer recognition ceremony held by Newleaf Communities.

“It’s a great pleasure to see us all here to honour and celebrate Volunteer’s Day,” Connie said.

“Being a volunteer is not an easy task .... Even though we are of many different ages and of difference interests, it is certain that we all have one thing in common, we are all passionate and courageous people.”

The ceremony was held at the Bonnyrigg Community Centre. Volunteers were awarded with certificates and enjoyed a live band, tai chi breathing lessons, and a traditional Lao and vegetarian Vietnamese lunch.

Newleaf Communities General Manager Claudia Stevens thanked the volunteers for their help over the years.

“Volunteering at Newleaf benefits both the community and the volunteer. It’s a great way to build skills and confidence, make new friends and help your community at the same time.” Ms Stevens said.

“Bonnyrigg is a very close-knit and supportive community. Our volunteers continue to contribute a great amount. It’s great to see them starting to think about the skills that they have gained that can help them move into employment with confidence”

Newleaf partners with organisations like TAFE Outreach, BASI and other training organisations to provide education and training opportunities. These courses are designed to help volunteers to move into paid work or to assist them in starting their own small business.

Some of the work volunteers help with at Bonnyrigg includes homework help, creative and performing arts classes, event organisation, administration dutiesand organising sport teams for young people.

For more information about how you can get involved or volunteer at Bonnyrigg, please contact Pauline at Cabrogal Cottage on (02) 9610 0275 or drop in at 1 Kennedy Way Bonnyrigg.