Just in the past two weeks, I have noticed the large number of people who are willing to put their hand up to help. 

When Dalmeny man Ray Speechley first disappeared, complete strangers to the man’s family offered to help. Some donned torches, gum boots and tarps and set out in the dark of the night in an effort to return Ray home. 

Unfortunately, despite the efforts of these volunteers and the Narooma VRA rescue squad, Ray is still missing but it isn’t for lack of volunteers searching high and low. 

More often than not, I see people walking along the highways and beaches collecting debris to keep our coastline pristine. 

Just recently, we saw volunteers spend a day on the Tollgate Islands collecting marine debris, while the environmentally minded also recently volunteered to remove weeds from Montague Island.

In Batemans Bay, Moruya and Bermagui, SES volunteers were out in wild weather recently to help cut trees from people’s backyards and off of houses.

I encourage everyone to volunteer. Big or small, it all counts. 

I struggle to take an hour out of each day, but I do find the time to commit to Disabled Surfing Australia (DSA) events on the South Coast each year. 

I get just as much out of it as I put into it. Volunteering is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. 

DSA is a fun day out for all; participants and volunteers. 

As well as experiencing looks of complete and utter joy on peoples’ faces, which is something I’ll never forget, I have made life-long friends. 

The NSW Rural Fire Service, Volunteer Rescue Association, Marine Rescue and SES are all looking for new recruits in the Eurobodalla. Each group currently has a campaign trying to attract volunteers of all ages and abilities. The aging population has made things difficult. 

Now is the time to make contact, stop in for a chat and find a role for perfect for you. There is something out there for women and men of all ages, whether it be back in the shed or headquarters as an administrator or out in field abseiling down cliffs, towing in a boat or mopping up a bushfire. Go on, get out there and make yourself useful!

 – Emily Barton