Our region is rich in opportunities to contribute and there are always places for helpers and participants.

Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew is encouraging the community to take advantage of the volunteering opportunities TRC has to offer.

‘Our volunteers are integral to the running of visitor information centres, galleries, libraries, museum and community nursery.

‘Without them we wouldn’t be able to provide these services to our community and visitors.

‘You don’t need any special skills, we’ll provide all the necessary training and ongoing support.

‘The hours and days are flexible so it’s possible to fit in a few hours around other commitments.

‘The best part about volunteering is that it gives you a chance to give back to your community by sharing your knowledge, and at the same time meeting new locals and visitors, and maybe learning new skills,’ Deputy Mayor Cardew said.

Carol Purchase volunteers at the Herberton Mining Museum and Visitor Information Centre.

She likes sharing time with like-minded people and ‘telling people where to go … nicely’.

Margaret McCreath and Arthur Green are regular volunteers at the Atherton Tablelands Visitor Information Centre.

‘I get a good feeling from helping people discover the region and I enjoy meeting and talking to people from diverse backgrounds and countries.

‘I’ve made some great friends among the other volunteers and enjoy spending time with them on familiarisation tours,’ said Margaret.

‘As a retiree I enjoy the social aspect of volunteering, and it’s great talking to people about the Tablelands and why we love living here.

‘I get a lot of self-satisfaction from volunteering and I really enjoy the camaraderie,’ said Arthur.

Robyn Andersen has been volunteering at the Community Revegetation Nursery for 18 months.

‘Since I started volunteering I have greatly increased my knowledge of the local vegetation and environment in general.

‘I learn something new every day I am here.

‘It is very rewarding to see the results of our work and feel appreciated for the contributions we make … the social interaction is a bonus!,’ said Robyn.

If you’d like to make a difference to the Tablelands community while having fun and sharing your knowledge, fill out an application form or call us on 1300 362 242.