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This article was published on Thursday, 24 April, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Greater Shepparton Volunteer Action Plan 2025–2029 noted at April Council Meeting

The Plan has been developed in partnership with the Greater Shepparton Volunteer Managers Network (GSVMN), a collaborative group of approximately 40 Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) from across the municipality. The document sets clear goals and initiatives aimed at increasing volunteering participation, supporting volunteer-involving organisations, and recognising the valuable contribution of volunteers in the region.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the Plan highlights the importance of volunteering and the urgent need to address the decline in volunteer numbers locally.

“Volunteers play a vital role in building strong, connected communities, and we know that the sector has been under pressure in recent years,” he said.

“The Greater Shepparton Volunteer Action Plan 2025–2029 is a proactive step in ensuring our local volunteer organisations are supported, and that residents are encouraged and empowered to give their time and skills for the benefit of others. We thank the GSVMN for their leadership and commitment to this important work.”

The Plan has been informed by a broad community consultation process, which asked residents about the benefits and barriers to volunteering and their ideas for a vibrant volunteering sector. Feedback was gathered through surveys, workshops, and online engagement, and has been used to shape the Plan’s key focus areas. These include volunteer promotion, engaging young people, reward and recognition, training and skills development, inclusion, and corporate volunteering.

Council supports the GSVMN through leadership, administration, and by acting as a Volunteer Involving Organisation itself, engaging over 500 volunteers to deliver events, programs, and services across the municipality.

Council and the GSVMN will now begin the implementation of the Plan and will work with the local community to report on progress, address challenges, and celebrate success.

The Greater Shepparton Volunteer Action Plan 2025–2029 is available on our website here.

For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.