It’s Your Year to Volunteer

‘It’s Your Year to Volunteer’ is the official theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week, running from 18 to 24 May. 

This national celebration of volunteering is an opportunity for all of us to pause and reflect on the enormous impact volunteering has in our community. Volunteers are our quiet achievers, making a real difference to people’s lives, often without seeking reward or recognition.

Council volunteers patrol beaches, care for our environment, assist at Gosford Regional Gallery, act as Visitor Service Centre ambassadors and more. 

Community volunteers help at local schools, assist sports clubs, act as Justices of the Peace or care for people in need. And where would we be without our highly trained volunteer fire and emergency services crews, who play such a vital role in keeping our community safe?

As Mayor, I’ve recognised more than 20 volunteers as Community Champions. These are people who’ve seen an opportunity, and taken the initiative, to support vulnerable woman and children, people experiencing homelessness and isolation, and community groups that need a helping hand, like Scouts.

If you’re a volunteer, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of our community. We truly appreciate your work and value your significant contribution. 

If you’re thinking about becoming a volunteer, your community needs you! No matter what your area of expertise or interest is, there’s an opportunity for you to become involved. 

And volunteers report they gain great satisfaction from their work and enjoy developing skills and making new friends. 

If you’d like to discover how you can become a Council volunteer, visit Council's website and search ‘Join our Volunteers’. 

You can also visit NSW Volunteering to find an opportunity that suits you, or drop into the Central Coast Volunteer Expo 2026, run by Volunteering Central Coast, at the Erina Centre, Erina Fair on 20 May. 

Mayor Lawrie Mckinna