As we celebrate National Volunteer Week from Monday, 20 May through to Friday, 26 May, we take this opportunity to recognize and thank the incredible volunteers who enrich our community.
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. Through the 2024 theme of Something for Everyone, this week highlights the vital contributions of volunteers across the nation.
In Council, we have a number of dedicated volunteers, including those who work in our Visitor Information Centres, our Resilient Alpine Youth Squad, and our L2P volunteer mentors.
Council's L2P program matches learners from 16 to 23 years old who don't have access to a supervising driver with a fully-licensed volunteer driver. With cars based in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford, our mentors support young people across the entire Alpine Shire.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr John Forsyth, said our L2P mentors are instrumental in the success of our local L2P program as they help young people gain the driving experience they need to obtain their licences - a crucial skill in our regional community.
"Currently, we have around 20 learners in various stages of the L2P program, from those just starting to a few who are about to take their driving tests," Cr Forsyth said.
"Our 16 amazing mentors are the backbone of this program, providing guidance, support, and encouragement."
"Our L2P mentors exemplify the spirit of community service. Their dedication helps young people achieve their driving goals and we are deeply grateful for the value they bring to our local communities."
Among our mentors, we have extraordinary individuals with years of dedication.
Bill Little, our longest-standing mentor, joined the program in July 2012 and has been a cornerstone ever since. His wife, Gael, also contributed significantly for nearly a decade.
Other long-serving mentors include Keith Pike (joined 2012), Noel McDougall (2013), Frido Pizzolitto (2015), Rod Browning (2017), and Jon Miller (2019).
Newer mentors like Diana Feltrin and Peter Mack, who both began volunteering in 2022, continue to bring fresh energy to the program.
Their efforts extend beyond teaching driving; they also manage car maintenance, support each other, and ensure the smooth running of the program.
We are always looking for more mentors to join our L2P program. A commitment of just one hour per week can make a significant difference, especially at the beginning of a learner's journey.
As learners progress, they often need more hours, but every bit helps. Mentors receive training and support and need to obtain a Working With Children Check (WWCC).
If you are interested in making a positive impact on young people's lives and our community, please consider becoming an L2P mentor.
For more information or to apply, contact 03 5755 0555 or email L2P@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.