It’s National Volunteers Week here in Australia so I’d like to take a moment to give a public thank you & SHOUT OUT to all the fabulous volunteers around Australia.

People volunteer because they have a passion and last night I was able to attend the NT Volunteer of the Year Awards with our 2 fabulous nominees (Marco & Peter) and their partners.

Partners and family play a pivotal role in allowing an individual to be able to volunteer – so thanks also to all of them.

At Lifeline, where I am currently working, we could not exist without the selflessness and generosity of our volunteers who sort in the shop, drive the truck, answer the 13 11 14 crisis support calls and take on so many other roles.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with many volunteers during the course of my career to date. Oxfam, St John Ambulance Brigade, NT Breast Cancer Voice, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Dragons Abreast, Dragon Boat Northern Territory, AusDBF, Melaleuca Refugee Centre and Lifeline are the main ones to date.  I have learnt so much by working with these amazing people.

Individuals do not volunteer expecting recognition but it’s always nice to be able to say ‘thank you’ in a public way and National Volunteers week is a great opportunity to do so.

Volunteers everywhere – I salute you!

Michelle