The City of Greater Geelong is marking National Volunteer Week by recognising the contributions made by over 300 volunteers across eight City programs and venues.
The 2026 theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘Your year to volunteer’, which celebrates those who give their time while inviting everyone to make 2026 a year of meaningful volunteering in ways that work for them.
City volunteers provide support across the Bellarine Arts Centre, Family Services, Geelong Botanic Gardens, Grovedale Neighbourhood House, L2P, National Wool Museum, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, and Study Geelong.
Their efforts reflect a dedication and passion for making Greater Geelong a better place, as seen in Nancy Donkers, who has volunteered at Grovedale Neighbourhood House for four years, and is a member of the Grovedale Neighbourhood House Steering Group.
Nancy also leads the Neighbourhood House's walking group, which meets every Friday for an hour and a half around Grovedale, finishing with a coffee together.
Nancy Donkers:
I live in a community that I feel very privileged to be part of.
I was a social worker for 38 years, so now that I've retired, any skills I have in social work I'd like to continue to contribute and give back.
Because I'm a walker, I volunteered to do the leaflet drops in the area to promote Grovedale Neighbourhood House and out of that came the idea that I could host the walking group.
Give it a go, it’s just wonderful, it’s lovely to feel like you’re a part of something and belong somewhere.
Being able to participate in our community in a way that helps you grow and develop is very rewarding - you meet lots of people and gain a real sense of belonging in different places.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
At the City of Greater Geelong, we champion each other, and that's especially true for our volunteers - they play such an important role supporting each other, and the wider community.
Volunteering for the City is a welcoming and supportive experience, where everyone's contribution is valued.
I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our 300 volunteers for their part in making our City a better place.
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