Latest News

The event was delivered through the Community Connections – Volunteering Information Hub Establishment Grant Program and forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen volunteering across the Moree region.

CCNI Chief Executive Officer Melanie Squires said the project was designed to celebrate volunteering while also helping organisations attract and support volunteers into the future.

“We received funding from the Centre for Volunteering and the Australian Government Department of Social Services to be able to run this Expo celebrating volunteering, and to try and get more volunteers involved,” Ms Squires said.

As part of the project, CCNI established a Volunteering Connection Hub at Moree Campus, providing information and support for people interested in volunteering, as well as resources for organisations seeking to strengthen their volunteer programs.

The Expo attracted approximately 23 community members, including 18-year-old Aliyah, who attended with her mother to explore volunteering opportunities that aligned with her interests in animal welfare and spinal cord research.

Her attendance reflected one of the key goals of the Expo—connecting people who are willing to contribute their time and skills with organisations seeking volunteers.

Moree Rural Fire Service District Officer Renee McMillan said volunteers were critical to the organisation’s ability to support communities across north-western New South Wales.

The Namoi-Gwydir District covers approximately 42,000 square kilometres across the Moree Plains, Narrabri and Gwydir local government areas and is supported by around 1,600 volunteers.

“There is no way that we could do what we do every day if it wasn’t for our volunteers,” Ms McMillan said.

She said many people were unaware that volunteering opportunities with the Rural Fire Service extended well beyond firefighting, with roles available in communications, catering, aviation support and other operational areas.

“Regardless of what organisation, without you our community wouldn’t be what it is,” she said.

Moree Lions Club President Lyn Moore also highlighted the important role volunteers play in supporting community programs and services.

Ms Moore said Moree Lions Club has been serving the local community and surrounding district for more than 70 years, with a dedicated membership of around 20 volunteers.

“How we support the family is with our barbecues—they are the engine that drives the club,” Ms Moore said.

Funds raised through community-supported fundraising activities enable the club to contribute to a range of charitable causes and local initiatives each year.

Ms Moore also spoke about the club’s recently introduced Lions Eye Health Program, which provides free vision screening for children. The program aims to reduce the incidence and impact of vision problems through early detection and referral for further assessment where required.

Attendees also heard from long-time volunteer Kam Wheeler, who was recently added to the 2025 NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll in recognition of her contribution to communities across north-western New South Wales.

A volunteer with the NSW State Emergency Service for almost four decades, Ms Wheeler spoke about her strong connection to the Moree community and the pride she feels representing the district during training and emergency deployments.

“It’s Moree. It’s where my heart is,” Ms Wheeler said.

Her remarks reflected a theme that resonated throughout the Expo—that volunteering is not only about giving time, but also about supporting and strengthening the communities people call home.

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and recognises the millions of Australians who contribute their time, skills and experience to strengthen communities across the country.

Ms Squires said the strong participation from both organisations and community members demonstrated the value of bringing people together to explore volunteering opportunities and build stronger community connections.

Community members interested in volunteering, or organisations seeking information about volunteer support, are encouraged to contact CCNI Moree Campus Coordinator Kylie Gray on (02) 6751 1430 to learn more about the Volunteering Connection Hub initiative.