NATIONAL Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, taking place from May 15-21, 2023.
This year’s theme is The Change Makers, recognising the contribution of volunteers around the country and encouraging others to consider volunteering.
Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun, which takes place every Saturday at 8am at Mirboo North has been a volunteering success story since it launched on April 27, 2019.
During that time, 194 different people have volunteered at Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun, carrying out a combined total of 1,224 different volunteer roles. Their volunteer contribution has supported 1,224 people to complete the 5k course on 4,348 occasions.
What’s more, 117 people who have completed Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun did fewer than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly when they first signed up with parkrun. This means local volunteers are increasingly supporting people to take the first steps in their physical activity journey, which has major health and economic impacts for the community.
Parkrun events are free and open to anyone. People can walk or run the 5km course, help out as volunteers, or simply spectate and socialise. Participants can push a pram, bring their dog on a short lead or take part with their family. There is no time limit and nobody finishes last, thanks to volunteer ‘Tail Walkers’ who provide support and encouragement on the course.
Julia Groves, volunteer Run Director at Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun, said everyone in the community is invited to give parkrun volunteering a try.
Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun is one of 470 parkruns across Australia, with more than 143,000 different people volunteering at the free weekly events since the country’s first parkrun in 2011.
parkrun registration is free at www.parkrun.com.au/register
If you are interested in volunteering you can email the event at grandridgerailtrail@parkrun.com, message them through the Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun, Mirboo North Facebook page, or simply come along on a Saturday morning.