Parramatta’s Town Hall was abuzz with appreciation last week, as the City of Parramatta Council brought together more than 60 of its local volunteers for an annual celebration in honour of National Volunteer Week (19-25 May).
From planting trees and removing weeds to delivering Meals on WheelsTM, offering tech help and reducing social isolation, the event was a moment to acknowledge the incredible work of volunteers across Community Care, Library Services and Bushcare.
Lord Mayor, Martin Zaiter, who hosted the event, said it was the City’s way of saying ‘thank you’.
“Our volunteers are our true heroes, the invisible threads that hold Parramatta together – they are the people who keep our community spirit thriving,” Lord Mayor Zaiter said.
“Their work is an inspiration because they don’t just lend a hand, they build bridges between people, places and generations – showing us the best of humanity every single day.”
This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Communities’ set by Volunteering Australia for National Volunteer Week reflects the work our volunteers do across every age group, every suburb in the LGA and every service.
The event also served as a collective thank you to over 400 active Council volunteers, including:
- 45 Library Services volunteers: help with JP services, computer tutoring and homework help;
- Over 300 Bushcare volunteers: in 38 groups across the LGA meet monthly to regenerate bushland, remove weeds, plant natives and improve biodiversity;
- 66 Community Care volunteers: support Meals on WheelsTM, social inclusion activities and Over 55’s Leisure and Learning Services.
Winner of the 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year award, Philip Marsh is just one of 66 Community Care volunteers who brings warmth and connection to the lives of residents.
“I grew up in Five Dock as the youngest of four children, I worked in the Printing industry for fifty-five years – from an apprenticeship in a small family business to Production and Project Management and finally WHS Manager for a large company with around 2000 staff,” Mr Marsh said.
“On retirement, I had a lot of spare time, so I looked for opportunities and registered my interest with City of Parramatta Council in May 2017.
“I started with social Inclusion Peer Support on 6 July and Meals on WheelsTM, soon after and along the way, I also volunteered with over 55’s Leisure and Learning, and the Coffee and Lunch Group,” he said.
