Serving up a big ‘thank you’ to our volunteers

Service clubs from all over the Warwick district have been serving our communities with food and drinks for many years, enhancing events, raising funds for many important causes, and making the “day” happier for children and adults alike.
National Volunteers Week was the perfect opportunity to give back to them.
Southern Downs Regional Council organised an “after work” soup and savoury event at Slade Campus dining hall Thursday night, for those service clubs who are usually seen on the other side of the hospitality table. All those present enjoyed the excellent catering provided by Kel Williamson.
Cr Glynn Rees, presented “thank you” certificates to club members, and along with community development officer Pam Burley and volunteer coordinator Bette Bonney, expressed appreciation for the important ongoing contribution they make to our community life.
“We were very keen to return the favour to these marvellous people,” Mrs Burley said.
“Our service club volunteers need to know how much we appreciate the contribution they make to the community, especially during tough times,” she said.
Mrs Bonney expressed a desire to assist service clubs and volunteers to link up.
“Finding volunteers seems to be an ongoing concern. We have great tools on the council website to encourage vibrant community involvement,” she said.
A surprise guest for the night was Carol Burke, part of a Rotary exchange team visit to Warwick from the USA.
Carol, a member of Sunrise Rotary in North Carolina, brought greetings from her club and expressed gratitude for the great welcome she has received during her three-week stay in South East Queensland. She said how very impressed she has been with the educational facilities she has seen during her stay and is keen to set up ongoing links, particularly for students from her home town.
Service clubs acknowledged on the night included Warwick groups – Rotary, Sunrise Rotary, Apex, Zonta and Lions as well as Allora Rotary and Killarney Lions. A similar event is being planned for Stanthorpe service club volunteers in the near future.