BVSC has partnered with the NSW Office of Communities to support Timebanking in the Bega Valley, which lets people register the hours that they help others to receive services from other members on an hour-for-hour basis.

“Timebanking brings volunteering into the 21st Century,” BVSC volunteering coordinator Nathan Marshall said.

“It not only allows volunteers to ‘bank’ the hours they volunteer as a means of being recognised, but they can also donate their hours to support those in need, so in effect, they can volunteer once and give twice.

“For example, an elderly lady can earn time credits by volunteering her cooking skills to the neighbour for two hours. 

“When she wishes to, she can spend her time credits on a volunteer service she needs, such as asking a volunteer to mow her lawn for her, or she may choose to donate her hours to someone else who is more in need.

 “I’m excited by the project because it’s such a simple website to navigate and use, but it has so much potential in supporting volunteers, organisations and the wider community – it’s kind of like a virtual volunteer resource centre,” Mr Marshall said.

Those interested in Timebanking are encouraged to attend one of the Volunteer Week events, log onto www.timebanking.com.au/home/Bega%20Valley , or contact the council’s volunteering team. 

Council staff will be promoting the project, signing up volunteers and organisations and offering guidance and training on how to maximise community benefits in the following places - Littleton Gardens, Bega, Friday from 9am until 1.30pm; Dickinson Oval, Bermagui, Saturday from 10.30am until 1.30pm; in Imlay St, Eden on May 15 from 10.30am until 1.30pm; and at Hylands Corner, Merimbula, on May 16 from 10.30am until 1.30pm.