Don't miss the Bass Coast Volunteer Expo

Held in celebration of National Volunteer Week, the Bass Coast Volunteer Expo - Your Year to Volunteer - will highlight the range of volunteer roles across Bass Coast and the vital role thousands of locals play in strengthening the community, by contributing their time and talents.

Potential volunteers will learn about the positive benefits of giving back and can connect directly with local community groups.

There have been 18 registrations so far from Bass Coast community groups.

These groups will showcase their organisations and attract local volunteers who want to learn new skills and make a difference where they live.

The Expo offers a valuable chance to demonstrate the work of these community groups, network amongst other groups, and build meaningful partnerships.

A dedicated workshop after the Expo will also support community groups to further develop their skills and capacity.

The event is run in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council, Bayside Health Regional Care Group, MYLI (My Community Library), Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL), Phillip Island Nature Parks, and Volunteering Gippsland.

"Our volunteers work across the hospitals and also in the community, such as The San Remo op shop and auxiliary groups," Volunteer and Fundraising Manager at Bayside Health Regional Care Group, Kerry Redmond said.

"They are integral to the health services we provide to the community.

Volunteer roles include volunteer drivers for our community transport service, ward visiting, gardeners to name a few."

Marj Wagland has volunteered with Bayside Health Regional Care Group at the San Remo Op Shop for 29 years.

"Volunteering helps with social connections, builds new friendships and gives a reason for getting out and about," she said.

"It keeps mind and body active and uses skills built up over a lifetime as well as learning new ones.

It gives a feeling of satisfaction and pride that what I'm doing is helping the wider community in some small way.

It's fun."

Don't miss out on being part of this great event.

Registrations for stallholders and to attend the professional development workshop will close on April 24.

Bass Coast Volunteer Expo, Wednesday May 20 at Berninneit in Cowes, from 9.30am to 12pm.

Community groups wishing to take part as a stallholder are invited to express their interest by emailing volunteerexpo@pical.org.au

Professional Development Workshop, Wednesday May 20, Berninneit, Cowes from 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Groups interested in attending the professional development workshop can register via TryBooking: www.trybooking.com/DITJL