Thank you to volunteers across Ararat Rural City
Ararat Rural City Council is recognising the outstanding contribution of volunteers across the municipality, thanking the many residents who give their time to support local services, events, facilities, and community groups.
From visitor information and tourism, to arts and culture, multicultural events, libraries, sports, emergency services, neighbourhood houses, community transport, environmental groups, and countless local committees, volunteers are helping to keep Ararat Rural City running every day.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Bob Sanders said volunteers are often working quietly in the background, but their impact is felt right across the region. “Our volunteers are the unsung heroes in our community,” Mayor Sanders said. “You are the people who turn up early, stay back late, and quietly get things done so others can learn, connect, and feel supported. On behalf of Council, and as a fellow community member, I want to say a sincere thank you.”
Mayor Sanders said volunteering takes many forms, and every role matters.
“Whether you are helping at the Visitor Information Centre or the Gallery, coaching juniors on the weekend, driving someone to an appointment, serving on a hall committee, or lending a hand at a fundraiser, you are part of the glue that holds our towns and districts together,” he said. “You are often the first to step up and offer a hand, and that is something we should all commend and celebrate.”
Across Ararat Rural City, a number of community events are being held to recognise and celebrate volunteers. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for local activities and head along to say thank you to the people who give their time, skills, and energy to support others.
As part of the national campaign to celebrate volunteers, Ararat Town Hall will be lit up red from dusk to dawn on Monday 18 May, providing a visible show of appreciation for volunteers and the difference they make in our community.
Council works alongside volunteers in many areas, including at Ararat & Grampians Visitor Information Centre, Ararat Gallery TAMA, Ararat Library, and Ararat Town Hall, where community members support visitor services, programs, and events that benefit locals and visitors alike.
“Every volunteer hour is a gift to someone else,” Mayor Sanders said. “It might be making a cuppa, offering local knowledge to a visitor, reading with a child, helping a neighbour, or serving on a committee, but together these efforts add up to something pretty special in Ararat Rural City.”
Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging residents who are interested in volunteering to explore opportunities with local community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and Council-supported programs, including roles listed through Engage Ararat and regional volunteer networks.
“Some people can give a few hours a month, others a few hours a week, and that is more than enough,” Mayor Sanders said. “If you have a skill to share, an interest you would like to explore, or a bit of time you are happy to offer, I would encourage you to connect with a local group and see where it leads.”
Council extends its thanks to every volunteer across the municipality, acknowledging your generosity, your community spirit, and the steady, reliable way you keep Ararat Rural City moving forward.
