Noosa Council has celebrated the contribution and efforts of our hard-working volunteers and their impact upon our community.
As part of International Volunteer Day, hundreds of volunteers were treated to a free brunch to celebrate the 2019 theme of ‘Volunteer for an Inclusive Future’.
One such volunteer is Louise Paynter, who for the past 25 years has served as the 4th Officer of the Noosa North Shore Rural Fire brigade.
“I volunteer because we live in a unique area and community participation is important,” she said.
Louise is responsible for the recruitment and communications at the Noosa North Shore Fire Brigade and does it because she finds it satisfying to help someone in genuine need.
“It makes for a happier disposition of life – it keeps it real you could say,”
“Fighting fires is the same, if there’s something at hand that needs attending I’d rather pitch in because I can rather than sit back and hang onto my lot,’ said Louise.
“Above all, it’s a great way to get to know your neighbours, you may need them or they may need you one day,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie said Noosa was lucky to have such a wonderful group of unselfish, giving people.
“Noosa is known as an incredibly giving community because of people who put others first, especially in times of need and the recent fires are testament to this,” he said.
“The response to the fires showcased our strong, inclusive community and highlighted the importance of the volunteers of our dedicated service providers.”
Council is helping make it easier for local groups to find volunteers.
