This week (National Volunteer Week, 21 to 27 May 2018) we’re saying a huge thank you to the people who take action and make our country a happier place.

Volunteering happens in all kinds of ways. Like the simple act of sharing a social media post about supporting newly-arrived migrants which, when thousands of others share, can have a huge impact. Other kinds of volunteering require a bigger commitment, like driving elderly isolated people to regular medical appointments and social outings, and can have a profound effect on the lives of individuals.

At Australian Red Cross, volunteers are a lot like our engine room; they support communities when natural disasters hit, make daily phone calls to isolated people, greet customers to our op shops, donate blood, and fundraise for us.

This week we’re celebrating not just our volunteers in New South Wales, but everyone who takes action to make our society stronger, more connected and supportive.

Thank you for your generosity and making New South Wales and Australia a better place. Find out more about volunteering at redcross.org.au/volunteer

Jody Broun

Director, Red Cross in New South Wales

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This National Volunteer Week (21 – 27 May), the Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) is saying thanks to all shedders for the contributions they make to local communities.

The 2018 theme Give a Little. Change a lot. is a great opportunity to recognise thousands of shedders who make a profound impact across Australian communities by simply giving a little time.

"Many people don't realise shedders are all volunteers who donate their time to the running of the shed and to the various community projects coming out of the shed," says AMSA Executive Officer David Helmers.

This year AMSA is paying a special tribute to Men's Shed Management Committees and Regional Volunteers for the additional time put into driving the Men's Shed movement forward.

"We want to take a moment to especially recognise Committees and Regional Volunteers (past and present) for going the extra mile for their comrades in the Men's Shed community," said Mr Helmers.

"Many men and women spend a great deal of time devoted to organising shed programs, building community partnerships, attending to the day-to-day running of the shed and applying for grants and funding to keep the shed open."

"We know they do it for the love of it – but it’s often thankless and sometimes not the best of fun," said Mr Helmers. No matter what their role, shedders around the country are playing a huge part in making their communities a better place.

New members are always welcome at the Grenfell Men’s Shed, call in on Wednesdays from 9 am – 12 noon next to the Railway Station precinct and see the terrific variety of services and activities on offer.