Statistics from Volunteering Australia identified that 36.2 per cent of people aged 18 years or over took part in formal volunteering in 2010. That is 6 million people. By 2014 that statistic had dropped to 31 per cent with 5.8 million people selflessly putting their hand up to help with charitable projects.

According to Wingecarribee Volunteer Centre manager Thomas-Andrew Baxter 8000 of those volunteers have contributed to about 600,000 hours of voluntary support in the Highlands alone in the past 12 months.

The statistics sound impressive to say the least, but in an era where funding for not-for-profit projects is limited and rising costs put greater pressure on the effective use of funds that are available, it is not surprising that more and more voluntary support is needed.

Any contribution a person can offer in a voluntary capacity is invaluable and helps to strengthen the backbone of our community. But it is not all a one way street. Most volunteers will concede that helping another person or contributing to an ongoing community service provides a sense of achievement that is its own reward. Valuable friendships are also formed.

The bottom line is that the volunteer options within this or any community seem endless. Whether it be assistance on the school canteen or local sports club, helping out with major charitable organisations such as the Smith Family, Red Cross, Lions or Rotary Clubs to name a few, or offering support for valuable fundraising projects there is always something that needs a helping hand to survive.

Perhaps it is important to be mindful that while each and every one of us has the capacity to offer some sort of voluntary support, it is also extremely likely that we have also benefitted from the voluntary efforts of others at some stage. Above all remember that every volunteer is making a contribution out of the goodness of their heart so don't forget to thank them for their efforts.

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities in the Highlands go to www.volwing.org.au