Volunteers across the South West celebrate another successful year in honour of International Volunteers Day

Hundreds of volunteers from across the South West came together last week to celebrate International Volunteers Day. The event at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre was a way for volunteer organisations and volunteers to celebrate the year that was, embodying this year’s theme — solidarity through volunteering. Organised through a partnership with by Bunbury MLA Don Punch and Volunteer South West, the group gave thanks for the hard work put in by the dedicated volunteers this year, with special addresses from vice chair Brenda Hamlet. Volunteer SW manager Shamara Williams expressed her gratitude for their service throughout the year and the effect it had on the wider community. “We pay tribute to volunteers across our region, across Australia and the world, on International Volunteer Day — their time, efforts and passion make a positive impact on people’s lives and community issues,” she said. “The 2022 Theme: Solidarity through Volunteering reminds us that we must act together and we must act now, this is not an era to stand alone but together, as one, in solidarity with each other — together act now, inspires people to take action now.” The event also saw the announcement of the inaugural Bunbury Show race, which will see volunteer organisations compete in a variety of nostalgic childhood races in the hope of winning $1000. Groups will take on an egg and spoon, three-legged and sack race for a series of points based on where they finish and the team with the most points at the end of the day will claim the cash prize. Interested groups are encouraged to sign up via the Bunbury Show website, with the event to take over Bunbury Trotting Club on April 22.