For Trish Levido, volunteering brings joy; for Humberto Gonzalez it’s about making a commitment to the community.
Their contribution and those of others were recognised at a Mosman Volunteers Afternoon Tea, held during National Volunteer Week.
The more than 270 volunteers registered with Mosman Council are involved across a range of areas including Community Care, youth services, Bushcare, library services and Mosman Art Gallery.
In 2024, more than 20 of these individuals are celebrating up to 25 years’ volunteer service.
About 100 volunteers attended the afternoon tea, where Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan presented certificates to individuals who have reached five, 10, 15 and 20 years’ service milestones.
Trish Levido has volunteered for 20 years across a range of services and programs including Mosman Meals, Community Care, a walking group and recording oral histories of Mosman residents.
“I’ve been a volunteer for most of my life or at least half of it anyway,” she said.
“It’s only been since I’ve been working with Mosman Council that my whole life has been filled with joy.
“We do get joy from being there, from talking to other people and talking about them and giving them value.”
Humberto Gonzalez has also volunteered for much of his life, in the past six years in Mosman for the free weekly Justice of the Peace (JP) service available to the community at Barry O’Keefe Library.
“I wanted to further my commitment to the community and become a Justice of the Peace,” he said.
Mr Gonzalez said the JP offering was well used, and people valued the service provide by Council.
Mayor Corrigan said volunteers made an invaluable contribution to the Mosman community and Council was proud to support their achievements.
“We recognise the diverse passion and talents everyone brings to volunteering,” she said.
Mayor Corrigan said the assistance volunteers provided to Council was significant; they also helped other residents feel connected, valued and respected.
