NewsA Community of Communities

Each year, National Volunteers Week provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

From May 19-25, 2025 we had the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you and this includes people in our parishes and agencies.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 was “Connecting Communities”.  This theme celebrated the power of volunteering to bring people together, create lasting relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities.  Giving to others fosters community engagement, connection and belonging.  Let’s acknowledge the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers have in building thriving and inclusive communities.

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St Mary’s School Clarkes Hill celebrated National Volunteer Week and the community thanked Melinda Prendergast for her dedication and hard work in coordinating the playgroup. Melinda’s enthusiasm and kindness have created a warm, welcoming space for our children and families to connect, learn, and grow together.

We thank Melinda for everything she does, our playgroup wouldn’t be the same without her!

Clare Scanlon – Principal

The Volunteering Australia website has National Volunteer Week resources, certificates of appreciation, volunteer thank you gifts and merchandise available.

Prayer for Volunteers

We pray for all those who volunteer in our parishes.

May we value the many talents and gifts

that God has given to these people.

We thank them for generously offering

their time to parish ministries.

For all these gifts, given out of your love,

we thank you, God of all goodness.

Amen.