City says thanks to committed volunteers

City of Newcastle has praised the service of its volunteers at a special morning tea marking National Volunteers Week.

Around 80 of 350 city volunteers gathered at Newcastle Museum this morning to be thanked by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and the City’s senior leaders for the countless hours they've dedicated over the past year.

Volunteers from all walks of life lend their skills, passion and time at various locations across the city including 23 Landcare sites, Libraries, the Museum, Gallery, Civic Playhouse and at major events like the Newcastle 500.

Volunteers joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at today's morning tea

"On the behalf of the city, I'd like to thank all of the volunteers for their selfless contributions to Newcastle," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"Today is about recognising every one of our volunteers equally and acknowledging the work that they do across the City, whether that’s at our variety of outdoor Landcare sites or at City-owned facilities, their dedicated service is highly valued by City of Newcastle and our community.”

Today’s morning tea ties in with National Volunteers Week, of which the theme this year is Making a World of Difference. Throughout the week, thousands of people will gather across the country to say thank you to the more than six million Australians who volunteer their time for their community.

In Newcastle alone, volunteers sit on multiple committees, help manage city parks, fields and halls, and act as city guides through the NewCrew program.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes addressed the congregation of 80 volunteers

Mel Histon (speaking) from Got Your Back Sista, Karissa Lewis from Camp Quality and 2014 Citizen of the Year
Rick Prosser Sixty NewCrew volunteers have helped attendees at 14 events, providing around 800 hours of their time as well assisting in the Newcastle Shop at Newcastle Museum since the team was formed in October 2018.

One of the biggest contributions they make to the City is their assistance at various Citizenship ceremonies throughout the year, which often draw some 200-300 people at each event.

NewCrew were among the volunteer groups thanked at today’s morning tea that included Museum, Landcare, Parks and Playhouse volunteers.

More than 80 volunteers attended today's morning tea held at Newcastle Museum

Chris Marley, a Nobbys Beach Landcare volunteer, said he was humbled by today’s morning tea and pleased to be able to share the moment alongside other City volunteers.

He said hearing from a panel of local businessmen and women, comprising of Mel Histon from Got Your Back Sista, Karissa Lewis from Camp Quality, and 2014 Citizen of the Year and Soul Café Owner Rick Prosser, was particularly rewarding.

"It was great to hear from the panel members speaking about their passions and commitment to supporting the City’s volunteers who’ve come today from all over Newcastle to be here," he said.

“The men and women in this room are truly the unsung heroes of our community doing great work to proudly service our City. It’s such a pleasure to be recognised for all the work we do, and I thank those that have helped make today's morning tea possible."