While volunteer roles have changed a lot during these uncertain times, with many being stood down due to restrictions and health concerns, it's these people that, in 'normal' times, keep our communities running.

It's the people that give up their time for another, be it someone they know, or don't know, and help them better their lives in some way.

This year National Volunteer Week, which runs from May 18 to 24, has the theme Changing Communities. Changing Lives. It's a fitting one for this year when we are all facing such great changes due to COVID-19 and the restrictions that have been imposed upon us to keep us safe.

Each year in Dubbo hundreds of people give their time to volunteer, and each and every one of them has an impact on improving our community, and those smaller communities that surround the city.

While the current environment has meant a change in the way people volunteer, we have seen innovation and technology being used to pave the way for volunteers to be home-based.

While the style of volunteering may have changed, the need for our volunteers has not.

Volunteers are vital to our communities and they carry our such important work.

Without so many volunteers we wouldn't have even half of the events that we have around our town - from the weekly parkrun (now on hold), to the annual Dubbo stampede (done virtually this year), our volunteers are the life-blood of our community.

So, this week, if you know a volunteer, take a minute to say thanks. Thanks for all the work they do, for the countless hours they give up, and for all the behind-the-scenes work we may not even know about.

This might be on hold or a little different at the moment, but our volunteers will still be there when needed.

Have a great Sunday everyone,