Community celebrates hardworking Stanthorpe volunteers with recognition event

A special event this week will honour the people who selflessly donate their time to the Granite Belt community by cooking meals for the elderly, assisting the local sports clubs and more.

To recognise those deserving volunteers who tirelessly support the Granite Belt community, there is a celebratory event on this week. Picture: iStock

The Granite Belt is filled with tireless volunteers who are always willing to go the extra mile for the community, and this week it is their time to be on the receiving end of kindness.

Southern Downs Regional Council will host a celebration to honour the significant contribution of Stanthorpe volunteers on Friday.

The event coincides with National Volunteer Week, where the community can give back to Stanthorpe volunteers who give their time to support community groups, organisations and sporting clubs.

Stanthorpe Meals on Wheels president Fran Hodgson said volunteers were driven by a desire to help others.

“Volunteers give their time to support those in need, we don’t volunteer for the thanks, but it’s nice to get the recognition,” she said.

Councillor Stephen Tancred said it was important to thank and recognise those who did so much for others.

“We’ve had a tough couple of years in Stanthorpe with drought, bushfires and COVID and a lot people have been working hard to keep our community going,” he said.

“Council appreciates all the volunteers in the community who make our region a better place.”

Volunteer or members of a registered volunteer organisation are invited to a free barbecue where Mayor Vic Pennisi, councillors and council staff would like to say ‘thank you for your volunteer contribution’.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend and bring a gold coin donation to support community groups.

The Volunteer Week barbecue event will be held at Weeroona Park from 11am to 1pm on Friday, May 21.