The vital contribution of the Redlands’ dedicated volunteers will be celebrated at a Christmas brunch on Saturday (14 December) at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre.
More than 200 volunteers are expected to attend the Redlands Volunteers’ Christmas Celebration at the centre at 17 Runnymede Rd, Capalaba, from 9am–10.30am
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the event was a small gesture to acknowledge the countless hours of invaluable voluntary work provided to the community this year.
“As a responsible and caring community, we depend heavily on – and highly value – the contributions of our many volunteers,’’ Cr Williams said.
“Without them, the Redlands would be so much the poorer. Their selfless efforts – channelled through local church, sporting and youth groups, charities, bush care and wildlife groups and emergency services such as our SES, fire and marine rescue – are of enormous value.
“So too are the simple acts of kindness … simply volunteering to help a sick neighbour.’’
Cr Williams said it was particularly appropriate to pay tribute to the enormous contribution of the City’s volunteers in the lead up to the anniversary of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.
“When Oswald hit last January, the significance of our volunteers was particularly evident,’’ Cr Williams said.
“As Mayor and chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, it made me extremely proud to see the way Redlanders rallied to the cause. And I know from the feedback received that our communities were grateful.’’
Cr Williams said the Redland SES volunteers, in particular, deserved special mention.
“They are part of a substantial and highly commended movement recently awarded a fifth consecutive accolade for excellence,’’ she said.
This year Volunteering Redlands, a central register of volunteers, was launched by STAR Community Transport as a way of connecting the many generous volunteers in the Redlands with organisations in need of a hand.
“This initiative will help people get the most out of volunteering and is yet another example of the tremendous generosity that exists in the Redlands, Cr Williams said.
