It’s time to celebrate the people that make our community tick with National Volunteer Week.

As part of National Volunteer Week celebrations, which runs from today (Monday 17 May) to Sunday 23 May, Council is promoting a series of interviews with current volunteers sharing their experiences in the local community and what makes volunteering great.

Alan Baker Art Gallery volunteer, Gladys Nimac, said volunteering gave her purpose.

“I’ve been volunteering in this capacity for about two years now, with a small break due to COVID-19, and I love it,” she said.

“It’s such a warm, welcoming and beautiful place to be and I truly feel I am needed here. It’s lovely to be amongst people and out and about in the community talking about art and heritage buildings, which I am really interested in.

“For anyone who may want to volunteer but might not know where to start – it’s okay to be a little nervous. I would say find where your interests lie and then move on from there. Ask around and see what you can do and what you would like to do.”

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said volunteers are the backbone of our community, often contributing countless hours.

“Volunteers are very important to the function of many projects across any community and Camden is no different,” Cr Fedeli said.

“We have many fantastic people who give up their time to not only help others in the community, but also assist in maintaining and preserving our beautiful environment.

“As the Camden community continues to grow, so do opportunities to give back and help your neighbour. Council aims to support all our volunteers in a way to improve the lives of so many in our community.

“I encourage residents to think about their passions and volunteer even a spare hour a week. Every little bit helps.”

For more information on volunteering in the Camden area, go to camden.nsw.gov.au and search ‘volunteers’.