35 Years, One Big Thank You: BCR Kicks Off Anniversary by Honouring Its Volunteers

BCR Communities has kicked off its 35th anniversary celebrations the way it started 35 years ago – by putting volunteers first.

Staff, volunteers and special guests gathered recently for our Volunteer Celebration Dinner, the first event to mark 35 years of BCR's work across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

There was good food, lots of laughter, a fun trivia competition, prizes and awards, but the real focus of the night was recognising the volunteers whose everyday generosity keeps BCR's programs running.

It was the perfect way to open our anniversary celebrations. Volunteers have been essential to BCR Communities since the very beginning, and our growth over 35 years owes so much to a long line of dedicated, selfless people who really wanted change for their community.

Making a difference in so many ways

BCR's volunteers turn up in more places than most people realise. Some of the ways they get involved include:

• Aged Care Social Support – helping out with group activities and outings, driving our buses, and simple companionship for older people.

• Respite– supporting our staff to ensure our clients living with dementia have a welcoming, enjoyable experience, while their carers get a chance to rest and recharge.

• Ls to Ps Driver Mentors – sitting alongside learner drivers as they clock up the supervised hours they need for their licence.

• Bay & Basin Community Radio (92.7FM) – presenters, producers, and the behind-the-scenes crew who keep our local radio on air.

• Activities Hub – supporting the community through our woodworking shed, our enrichment gardens and even our BCR chicken coop.

• The Pirates Band - providing entertainment across our community with their repertoire of classic songs.

• Community services support – lending a hand with the Pocket Pantry, the BCR 2nd Chance Op Shop, Christmas Hampers and many other community initiatives.

  
  

More than anything, the dinner was a chance to pause and take stock of just how many volunteer hours have gone into BCR over the past three and a half decades. To everyone who has given their time, past or present, BCR says thank you.

Interested in becoming a volunteer with BCR Communities?

Whether you're drawn to supporting older people, mentoring a learner driver, getting involved with community radio, or simply lending a hand at events – we'd love to hear from you.