Linda Bourke enjoys volunteering with Benalla Rural City Council.
Linda’s story of giving back and gaining more
For Benalla Rural City local Linda Bourke, retirement hasn’t meant slowing down — it’s meant stepping up.
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After a career in customer service and education, and time spent working in both Shepparton and Benalla, Linda found herself looking for something meaningful to do after retiring earlier this year.
With a strong community spirit and years of life experience, she turned to volunteering — and hasn’t looked back.
“I just wanted to do something that kept me connected,” Linda says.
“Ten years ago, I had a close call with cancer. That changed how I look at things. I don’t worry about the small stuff anymore — I just want to give back.”
Linda is currently volunteering with the Benalla Visitor Information Centre and the Benalla Art Gallery.
Starting in June, Linda will also volunteer as a driver mentor with the L2P learner driver mentor program, helping young people who don’t have access to a supervising driver.
“I’ve taught four kids to drive — including my own — but some young people don’t have that support. L2P gives them a chance,” she said.
“It feels good to be part of something that makes a real difference.”
While she admits she knew nothing about art before volunteering at the gallery, Linda said the experience had been eye-opening.
“It turns out it doesn’t matter. I’ve learned so much. The team have been amazing. I just love giving back and sharing my own knowledge too,” she said.
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said Linda was a wonderful addition to the gallery team.
“With the gallery being reliant on generous volunteers for front-of-house duties, Linda has ensured visitors benefit from her warmth, skills and knowledge — delivering a great first impression for each and every person who walks through the door,” he said.
“It is a pleasure for the gallery staff to have Linda here with us.”
Volunteering has also allowed Linda to keep using her customer service skills and stay socially connected, while still having the freedom to travel.
She and her husband Joe — himself an active volunteer with the local photography club — are currently preparing for a four-week road trip to South Australia, with more adventures planned for Katherine and Western Australia next year.
“You’re not tied down with volunteering. You can still travel, enjoy retirement and give back. It gives me self-satisfaction and a way to keep contributing to my community,” Linda said.
Linda, who has lived locally for more than 40 years, said it’s the little moments — like receiving feedback from a happy gallery visitor — that makes volunteering worthwhile.
“Other people have helped me in small ways over the years, and this is my way of paying that forward,” she said.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn praised the impact of volunteers like Linda.
“Linda’s story is a perfect example of how volunteering benefits not just the community, but the individual as well,” Cr Hearn said.
“We are incredibly grateful to all our volunteers who give their time to enrich the lives of others.”
Cr Hearn encouraged other positive, passionate and enthusiastic community members who are interested in volunteering to help make a difference in the lives of others.
“Council is always looking for volunteers who are community-minded, approachable, and ready to make a difference,” Cr Hearn said.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities, contact Benalla Rural City Council at council@benalla.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5760 2600.
Reach out and reap the rewards
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, held from May 19 to 25, this year.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Benalla Rural City — they give their time and energy to make this beautiful region a better place to live, work and play.
Whether you want to make a hands-on contribution, gain new skills, share your knowledge and experiences, or stay active and form new friendships, Benalla Rural City may have the right opportunity for you.
Council’s volunteering opportunities can be flexible to suit your availability, skills and interests. Join to make a difference — they will be excited to have you.
To learn more about our volunteering opportunities, please email council@benalla.vic.gov.au or call 5760 2600.
All volunteers must have current background checks before starting and will undergo volunteer induction, with training and support provided.
Ian’s volunteering journey
Ian Gonzaga had a great time volunteering with the Benalla Street Art Festival.
Before moving to Benalla Rural City, Ian had already heard of the town’s remarkable street art and its iconic festival. This knowledge stayed with him. So when the opportunity arose to help rejuvenate the festival in 2024, Ian knew it was something he had to be part of.
“I’ve always loved street art and knew about the incredible pieces in Benalla Rural City even before I moved here,” Ian said.
“When I found out the festival was making a comeback, I couldn’t wait to get involved. It seemed like the perfect way to meet people and contribute to my new community.”
Ian quickly became a key part of the festival’s success — not only as a volunteer but also as a member of the Benalla Street Art Festival committee.
During the 2024 festival and its continuation into 2025, Ian took on the role of leading the walking tours. This experience, he said, had been one of the most fulfilling parts of his volunteering journey.
“Leading the walking tours has been such an incredible experience for me,” Ian said.
“I loved introducing people to the artists and their work and sharing the hidden stories and meanings behind each piece.
“Seeing the artists interact with festival-goers and watching their excitement and connection unfold was so rewarding.
“It really showed me how much the festival means to the community and its visitors.”
For Ian, volunteering wasn’t just about supporting an event, it became a way to feel at home in a new place.
Through his work on the festival, he’s built strong connections with council, local residents, artists and others in the arts community.
“Joining the festival gave me the opportunity to meet people and be part of something bigger,” he said.
“It’s been a great way to settle in, make friends and really feel like I’m part of the community.
“For me, volunteering turned out to be about so much more than just helping out.”
Cr Hearn praised Ian’s enthusiasm and dedication, describing him as an inspirational volunteer.
“Ian has truly embraced what it means to contribute to his community,” she said.
“His passion for the arts and his willingness to step up as part of the Benalla Street Art Festival committee has brought fresh energy to this much-loved event.
“Ian’s story shows how volunteering benefits not only the community but also the individual.
“We’re so fortunate to have Ian volunteering for Benalla Rural City.”
This National Volunteer Week, Benalla Rural City Council celebrates Ian Gonzaga and all the incredible volunteers who give their time, talents and hearts to our community.
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