As each representative walks up to receive their Gift of Time certificate, the mayor of Campbelltown, George Brticevic, recites the number of volunteers involved and how many hours they have contributed over the past 12 months.
But the packed civic hall really comes alive this morning when Cr Brticevic invokes the volunteering spirit of the 2000 Olympic Games.
And while the number of volunteers and the hours they put in are very impressive, it’s the spirit of volunteering and the example that it sets in the community that’s rewarded by council’s Gift of Time ceremony every year.
The event almost coincides with the United Nations’ annual International Volunteer Day, which is celebrated worldwide on December 5.
And of course there are many familiar faces in the hall, from Bill Salter and Drew Percival of Ingleburn Rotary to Liz Stonestreet and many others.
No fewer than 45 local groups are here today to receive their certificates from the mayor.
They represent, the mayor tells us, 1,100 volunteers who have put in a combined 280,000 hours of work.
The Zonta Club of Macarthur, Lifeline, the Benevolent Society, the St Helens Park Public School P&C, Ingleburn Lions and of course the Campbelltown SES, who get a particularly big cheer, are among those 45 groups being honoured today by Campbelltown Council.
“I have the utmost respect for all of you,’’ the mayor tells them.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“You are the backbone of this kind and generous community,’’ Cr Brticevic says.[/social_quote]
For more information on the Gift of Time awards, visit the council website link here.
