Byron Community Centre Celebrates 130 Years of Community Spirit During 2025 National Volunteer Week
By Kate Love
Byron Community Centre proudly joins the national celebration of Volunteer Week, held from 19–25 May 2025, honouring the invaluable contributions of its volunteers as part of its broader 130 Years of Community Spirit anniversary.
National Volunteer Week is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering, recognising the vital role volunteers play in building stronger, more connected communities.
At Byron Community Centre, over 250 volunteers dedicate their time and skills across every part of the organisation. They support performances at the Byron Theatre, assist vulnerable community members through Fletcher Street Cottage, help deliver seniors programs and social events, provide visitor information services, coordinate arts and wellbeing activities and work behind the scenes on administration, community events and fundraising.
This vital contribution allows Byron Community Centre to redirect funding towards delivering essential services and expanding community support.
“Our volunteers are the lifeblood of Byron Community Centre,” said Kate Love, Communications Manager. “Their generosity and community spirit have carried us through the past 130 years, and their impact continues to be felt every single day.”
Throughout Volunteer Week, the community centre will host a series of appreciation activities to celebrate the lasting impact of its volunteers. The festivities will culminate in a 60s-themed 'Flower Power' celebration on Friday 23 May at Byron Theatre. A joyful evening designed to thank those who help sustain Byron’s vibrant community life.
“Our volunteers show up with open hearts and open hands,” said Cath Levins-Byres, Volunteer Coordinator. “Whether they are welcoming visitors to Byron Theatre, providing a warm meal to someone doing it tough, creating a friendly space for seniors to connect or helping bring arts and cultural projects to life, their contribution touches every corner of our community. Volunteer Week is an opportunity for us to truly celebrate their dedication.”
Byron Community Centre’s volunteers come from all walks of life, sharing a collective commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Byron Shire. Their work ensures the community centre can meet the evolving needs of the local community, particularly supporting those who need it most.
The 2025 celebrations form part of the community centre’s wider 130 Years of Community Spirit campaign, honouring the people who have shaped Byron’s community life across generations and ensuring that community connection remains at the heart of Byron’s future.
Anyone interested in volunteering, donating, or supporting Byron Community Centre’s work can find more information at www.byroncentre.com.au.
The Byron Community Centre is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides community services, as well as arts and social programs for the benefit of the whole community.
For more information please see: www.byroncentre.com.au.
Fletcher Street Cottage provides support and services for people experiencing homelessness and hardship. For more information please see: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 7am - 12pm