A Brief History Of The MVRG

Tony Macer, Jeff Hoober and Claire DeNatris conceived the idea of the MVRC ( Maryborough Volunteer Resource Centre) through informal discussions shortly after the 2020 Energy Breakthrough.

It was recognised, even in that pre-Covid time, that volunteering was in decline across the shire.

There was a clear need to reinvigorate volunteering, to assist volunteer organisations with recruitment and to provide a vehicle for those who had become isolated to become reengaged with their community in a meaningful way. Covid has since exacerbated loneliness and social disconnection both here and in the wider world.

The Maryborough Community House agreed to auspice the MCRC in 2021 and it received generous support from the Bendigo Community Bank, the Carisbrook Lions Club and the Central Goldfields Shire (CGSC).

Over the past three years, the MVRC membership broadened, its mission sharpened and its activities  increased.

Some of the highlights since inception have been

  • connecting with local organisations to ascertain their volunteer needs
  • publishing regular features in the local print and electronic media, promoting volunteering and recruiting volunteers for local organisations and events
  • pop-up information stands in shopping centres, markets and supermarkets to recruit volunteers
  • the establishment of a popular MVRC shop in the main street to give local volunteer organisations a highly visible venue to promote themselves
  • organising Volunteer Week activities
  • partnering with Council to hold volunteer thank you nights, survey local volunteers and to put on a well attended community volunteer forum
  • speaking about volunteering at local group events and schools
  • providing training and networking for our local volunteer community 
  • MVRG continues to give critical ongoing support to Energy Breakthrough.

In 2024 MVRC changed it’s name to to the Maryborough Volunteer Resource Group (MVRG) which members felt best reflected the nature of it’s role and position in the community.

The MVRG is currently working on creating a strong online presence with a web page and is actively engaged with council (CGSC) in the preparation of the council’s volunteer strategy for 2025 and onward.