Without volunteers many activities and services that we take for granted would disappear.

Volunteers drive community activities, help out in times of need, and strengthen services and programs.

To honour Devonport’s volunteers, the Devonport City Council will host a breakfast from 7-9am on Tuesday, 6 December in Market Square, as part of International Volunteer Day.

Newly elected Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said the breakfast is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all the dedicated and committed volunteers in our community.

“Council recognises the vital contribution volunteers make to our local community. They are often the lifeline to many organisations and clubs that would not survive without their dedication and support,” Cr Jarman said.

“We look forward to anyone who volunteers in Devonport joining us at the breakfast and I hear our Council staff are on cooking and serving duties.”

Council’s Bass Strait Maritime Centre is one of those local facilities that rely on volunteers.   

“We couldn’t do what we do without our passionate volunteers. Important parts of Devonport’s history would be lost without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers,” Bass Strait Maritime Centre Coordinator Joanna Gair said.

“We are always looking for people with an interest in maritime history and local history.  If that’s you, we’d love to hear from you.”

Helen Anderson has been helping people in Devonport trace their family history as a volunteer since the 1990’s.

“I was looking for an activity after losing my job. It was my interest in history that led me to volunteering with the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, and I haven’t looked back. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning,” Helen said.

Chris Mitchell, another volunteer at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, said volunteering is a great way to keep the brain cells active.

“I enjoy sharing what I learnt from my days in the navy with visitors to the Centre. But I also learn so much from visitors as well,” Chris said.

The Volunteer Breakfast will be held Tuesday, 6 December from 7-9am in Market Square. Please register online by Tueday, 29 November at https://booking.devonport.tas.gov.au/volunteer-breakfast-2022/ or call Council on 6424 0511.