The City of Cockburn is helping the community be Better Together by providing a customised search tool on its website for people looking to volunteer locally.
The new digital search platform was built by Volunteer WA and the City has made a customised version available on its website, displaying only those roles available within Cockburn and nearby suburbs.
City of Cockburn Volunteer Resource Centre Acting Coordinator Tracey Radcliffe said the new easy-to-use search tool was launched to coincide with National Volunteer Week (16-22 May) whose theme for 2022 is ‘Better Together’.
She hoped the new search facility would make it easier for people to share their skills with fellow locals and organisations in the community.
“We want to make it as simple as possible for residents to volunteer right here in their own backyard,” Ms Radcliffe said.
“While some people don’t mind where they volunteer, for others the whole prospect becomes much easier when they don’t have to travel far and they can see their efforts directly having a positive effect in their own community.”
Like everything, volunteering levels have been significantly affected by the pandemic and people still need to exercise care for themselves and the community when deciding to fill a volunteer role.
“Covid has left many volunteer organisations short of willing helpers as people are forced into isolation at a moment’s notice. This is putting an immense strain on volunteer-based services all over Cockburn,” Ms Radcliffe said.
“When people are ready to venture back out into the community, or perhaps considering volunteering for the first time, the City has worked with Volunteering WA to make the process a bit easier via this online tool.”
Maureen (pitured, front right) is a volunteer kitchenhand at the City’s Cockburn Seniors Centre. This is what she has to say about her time helping others in the community: “Volunteering is my way of giving back to the community, helping people. I have made many friends through volunteering, it’s great.”
The search platform is currently advertising around 80 local volunteering positions. These include:
- Driving Mentors for Cockburn RYDE (youth driver education) Program
- Adopt-A-Spot litter collection
- Transport Service - drivers
- Volunteer Kitchen Hand
- Animal Carers
- Learning support
- Marketing and communication
- Gardening.
Some benefits of volunteering include:
- Maintains and develops skills
- Increases confidence
- Builds relationships
- Make a positive difference in your community
- Helps maintain positive mental health
- It’s great fun.
Search for a volunteer role online at
www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/volunteerjobs or chat with a Volunteer Resource Centre staff member by calling 08 9411 3490 or send an email to
[email protected]