By Logan Chamber of Commerce president Arwen McGregor
We recently celebrated a powerhouse sector of our local economy that doesn’t show up on a standard corporate balance sheet: our volunteers.
Without them, Logan would lose the vital pulse of our sporting clubs, youth groups, social circles, and local museums.
Right now, roughly 40,000 Logan residents give their time.
While that represents about 10% of our population, the value this dedicated group brings to our community and local economy is immeasurable.
They are our business owners, retirees, students and employees.
They see a need, step up, and plug the gaps.
In the business world, we talk a lot about infrastructure.
Volunteering is our community’s “invisible infrastructure.”
On average, there are six unpaid volunteer roles for every single paid position in our community organisations.
Nationally, this powerhouse sector contributes an estimated $43 billion to the economy.
However, goodwill alone cannot fuel this engine.
The Federal Government’s recent $10 million allocation for grassroots non-profits is a welcome start but, capped at $1500 per organisation, it barely scratches the
surface.
Furthermore, navigating the administrative burden of grant applications can be exhausting for small groups.
Thankfully, Logan City Council’s free grant-writing workshops provide practical relief here.
We also need systemic support.
I applaud Volunteering Queensland’s current advocacy for direct volunteer funding, like fuel reimbursements, to counteract the rising cost of living.
Put simply: people cannot volunteer if they cannot afford the drive to get there.
Recruiting and retaining volunteers is a challenge, but the rewards are profound.
Strong communities build strong economies.
When our social fabric thrives, our local businesses and families thrive too.
If you benefit from a local organisation, or if your business has the capacity to support one, I urge you to put your hand up.
You might be surprised by just how much of a difference you can make to the future of Logan.
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