VOLUNTEERS from across Armidale were thanked for their contribution to the community at a lunch hosted by Armidale Dumaresq Council and the Armidale Volunteer Referral Service last week.
It was held to mark International Volunteer Day, a United Nations auspiced day (officially celebrated on 5 December) that began in 1985.
International Volunteer Day is now celebrated around the world as a day to recognise the contribution of volunteers in the community.
Armidale Volunteer Referral Service co-ordinator Jane Davies said most of the services in the community wouldn’t function without the assistance of volunteers.
“The contribution of volunteers to our community cannot be valued highly enough,” she said.
“Without their efforts many of the services we rely on for aged care, disability care and recreation for everyone, would be severely diminished or not exist at all.”
At the luncheon, mayor Laurie Bishop presented certificates to volunteers.
A total of 23 organisations nominated their volunteers for awards at the luncheon.
These included: Armidale Visitor Information Centre, United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW Inc., Helping Children and Families Association, Vision Australia, St Vincent de Paul, Lifeline Shop Armidale, Tablelands Community Transport, Special Olympics North West New England Region, New England Regional Animal Shelter, Armidale Neighbourhood Centre, St John Ambulance Australia (NSW), Gubi Gabun Children’s Mobile Service Inc., Armidale Dementia Day Respite Program, Armidale/Uralla Meals on Wheels Inc., Sailability New England, New England Art Society, Armidale District MS Branch, Ken Thompson Lodge Aged Care, Bicentennial Railway Museum, Saumarez Homestead, Armidale and Uralla ComputerBank New England, Lifeline Armidale, New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), Northern Settlement Services – Drummond Homework Centre.
