North Bankstown Soccer Club President Catherine Kearns says it’s a step in the right direction.
“During lockdowns, there’s a real disconnect that happens, people find other things to fill up their time,” she said.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge volunteers and their connection to something bigger.”
Kearns said the Sydney 2000 Olympics had the biggest volunteer workforce in history, in which she was happy to have played her part.
“There was such an incredible sense of belonging; we even had the word ‘Volunteer’ on our t-shirts and I will never forget that amazing experience.”
Junior Vice President of Bankstown District Cricket Association and Secretary of Revesby Workers’ Cricket Club, Christine Benham, was also a volunteer at Sydney 2000 and agrees.
“Our association is strong and each club looks after volunteers as best they can,” she said.
“But society is changing, parents of previous generations were quick to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand but many parents today are leading busier lives.”
Benham said a lot of parents were unhappy about not being able to watch their child play sport when the last lockdown ended so what was the point of volunteering?
“It’s just one of the many challenges but we would love more volunteers and provide training; whatever is being done to encourage volunteers is a good thing.”
