Volunteer week, 13-19 May 2013, is a nationally recognised week acknowledging volunteers across Australia.   North central Victoria is home to many volunteer groups and individuals who go about their business with little fuss or fanfare.

Volunteering is vital to the social, economic and environmental well-being of Victorians. The most recent figures show that the value of volunteering in Victoria is equivalent to $22 billion of unpaid work per annum.

Mr David Clark, Chairman, North Central Catchment Management Authority, said the simplest way to describe volunteering is 'working for a not-for-profit organisation for no pay'.   “It's a way for people to become involved in their community that is interesting, satisfying and fun. It can be formal or informal, full-time or part-time, occasional or even once-off.

“In some communities, support for extended families, neighbourhood groups or social networks is seen as an intrinsic part of belonging to that community. For these communities volunteering is not viewed as a separate or unique activity.

“The North Central CMA is proud to support over 160 Landcare groups or 4,000 volunteers in the region.

“Landcare groups undertake a variety of natural resource management activities.  These groups depend on volunteers and are often the fabric which holds a community together, particularly during difficult times. Landcare began in north central Victoria in 1986. The collective improvement that Landcare volunteers have made to our natural environment is quite staggering.

“These groups are also able to join in with other groups or activities in the region.  One of these is the ‘Trees for Mum’ program,” said Mr Clark.  

‘Trees for Mum’ began in 2002 with a small tree planting event held in Sydney.   Two women who had lost mothers to cancer were interested in doing something for other people who do not have mothers to celebrate with on Mother's Day.

Ms Angela Van Dam lives in Woodend with her family and became involved with the program after she lost her Mum to cancer.  “Trees for Mum was created to give motherless children of all ages the opportunity to remember their mum whilst planting a tree – a beautiful symbol of new life.

“With support from Landcare and the North Central CMA last year an event was held in Woodend.  Response to the program and participation last year was overwhelming with this year’s event promising to be even bigger,” said Ms Van Dam.

To find out more about the program and how to become involved in your area visit www.treesformum.com

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au