“Our volunteers are such an important part of the local health district and we would struggle without their help and support,” director of nursing and midwifery for the Western Local Health District Adrian Fahy said.

Mayor of Orange Cr John Davis said Volunteers Week, which is being celebrated now, was the perfect time to pay tribute to the thousands of volunteers in Orange who enrich the community.

“We are so fortunate in Orange to have so many wonderful volunteers who give so freely of their time whether it is for major events like the Relay for Life, to volunteering at the hospital or even the mums and dads who turn up every week to help out in their child’s sporting team - they are all making an important contribution,” he said.

For Orange hospital kiosk volunteer Brian Brooks, who has been volunteering at the hospital for 12 years, it is a labour of love.

“I come out here three times a week and I really enjoy it,” Mr Brooks said. “If we have someone who comes in and they might be upset we go over to them and have a little chat.”

For husband and wife Joy and Bob Fabry volunteering at the Orange hospital in the Wayfinders group is something they became involved when the idea was first mooted during the building process.

“We get a lot of feedback from people about how helpful it is to be able to be shown to where they have to go,” Mrs Fabry said.

“People come through the front doors who are often anxious and upset about a family member who is in here as a patient and they have often driven a long way to get here.”

Member for Orange Andrew Gee said in a statement without volunteers many of the community services in Orange would come to a halt.

“From Meals on Wheels, to driver revivers, Legacy, the Red Cross, hospitals, emergency services and sporting clubs, the list is as impressive as it is long,” Mr Gee said.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au