If you’ve ever had an interest in being involved in a community group, but do not quite know where to begin, this weekend’s Tenterfield Volunteer Festival may be just the thing for you.
Held at the Reid Show Pavilion in the Tenterfield Showgrounds on Saturday the 3rd of June, this festival is both an exercise in promoting local not-for-profit organisations and building and strengthening community bonds.
Lisa Dalton, who works for Lifeline and is a member of the Tenterfield Lions Club, says, “The main aim of the festival is to showcase as many volunteer, not-for-profit, sporting and community organisations in the shire.”
The day aims to give visitors the opportunity to engage with multiple local organisations, including charities, service clubs and sporting groups.
All stallholders are encouraged to showcase their programs in the hopes of heightening community awareness and engaging some new volunteers.
Ms Dalton says that two major local community groups have been pivotal in the festival’s planning and organisation.
“I am part of the Tenterfield Lions Club and, in conjunction with the Tenterfield Rotary Club, we implemented this Volunteer Festival with funding from the NSW Government and supported by Tenterfield Shire Council.”
The emphasis of the festival is very much on the social aspect of volunteering, not only in how it can keep people active and helpful in the community but also in the ways that new bonds can be formed through being a part of and participating in a group cause.
The festival will also offer the opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their volunteers, with guest speakers coming forward on the day to share their stories and experience of volunteering.
“There will be 2 guest speakers, children’s activities, a BBQ, an SES static display, plus as many displays as possible that will help promote their cause and hopefully gain local groups some new members and/or volunteers,” Ms Dalton said.
The festival will run from 10 am – 4 pm this Saturday the 3rd of June and entry is free.
For more information please contact Rotary Tenterfield or Tenterfield Lions Club.
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