Well known to many of the program’s regular customers, you can find Community Living and Respite Services volunteer Kim at the Recyclability Op Shop counter.
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This National Volunteer Week, Community Living and Respite Services proudly celebrates more than 10 years of supported volunteering, recognising the dedication, growth and contribution of people with disability across our social enterprises Recyclability and the Murray River Tea Rooms.
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For more than a decade, these programs have delivered inclusive and meaningful volunteer opportunities, offering structured and supportive environments where volunteers can build practical skills, confidence and social connections while making a valued contribution to their community.
Established in 2015 with strong community support, Recyclability was created to give people with disability the chance to take part in meaningful environmental and community-based work.
The program focuses on recycling, waste sorting and sustainability activities, delivered in a safe, inclusive and supportive setting.
Building on its success, the Murray River Tea Rooms opened in 2017, offering real-world experience in hospitality, customer service, retail and food preparation.
Across both Recyclability and the Murray River Tea Rooms, volunteers are supported to develop a wide range of practical, hands-on skills.
These include customer service, food handling and workplace routines such as punctuality, teamwork, following instructions and taking direction.
These foundational skills help prepare volunteers for greater independence and create pathways towards future employment opportunities.
CLRS staff and community volunteers work alongside participants, adapting tasks to meet individual needs and providing encouragement, coaching and positive reinforcement.
This person-centred approach ensures each volunteer is supported to succeed at their own pace.
Over time, many participants demonstrate increased independence, improved communication skills and growing confidence in their abilities.
Kim has been a valued and supported volunteer at Recyclability since the program began in 2015 and is now a familiar face at the Recyclability Op Shop counter, well known to many of the program’s regular customers.
CLRS Recyclability volunteer Kim has been a valuable member of the team since the program began in 2015.
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Starting with hands-on recycling tasks, Kim has grown significantly in confidence, developed strong workplace routines, and built positive relationships with staff, fellow volunteers and community members.
This strong foundation has enabled Kim to expand her volunteering to community events and, most recently, the CLRS Annual Fundraising Dinner Working Group.
CLRS volunteer Kim expanded her volunteering to community events and, most recently, the CLRS Annual Fundraising Dinner Working Group. Pictured is the CLRS fundraising working group in 2024.
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The programs foster strong outcomes in inclusion, skill development and community connection and have become valued and well-established initiatives within the local Echuca Moama community.
Their continued success reflects the importance of consistent support, flexible approaches, genuine inclusion and the powerful impact volunteering can have on individuals, workplaces and communities alike.
Keen to get involved, learn new skills, or find out more this National Volunteer Week?
