Volunteers are our lifeblood. Without them, many of Goulburn Mulwaree’s tourist attractions, services and projects would not function.

The late Robbie Hughes, who died last Wednesday, typified the very best of volunteerism. He was a humble man with a wealth of experience in emergency services, including 50 years as a Rural Fire Service volunteer. Mr Hughes also gave his time to the SES and worked hard in his spare time to improve Goulburn’s response to emergencies. 

Like so many of his ilk, he simply wanted to make the place better. Recently we wrote of the late Peter Mowle and council’s recognition of his civic contribution through the naming of a reserve near Goulburn wetlands. Mr Mowle, a former council operations director and engineer, never stopped thinking about improvements, from the wetlands to Wollondilly Walking Track, the the rail trail and much more. 

Both men were widely respected due to their expertise and passion for the place.

But we have so many more like them, as the council’s volunteer expo exposed on Friday. The Mulwaree museum helpers (pictured) work tirelessly to improve our understanding of Goulburn’s role in war. Riding for the Disabled, the AP&H Society, SES, Rocky Hill and Waterworks and many other organisations are fundamental to our rich social fabric.

The council should be congratulated for the expo. It also feeds nicely into its efforts to entice new residents and introduce them to our community. What better way than becoming involved? 

On the subject of humble people, we and indeed many others were thrilled with Gary Worboys’ promotion to NSW Police Deputy Commissioner regional commander of field operations last week.

The former Goulburn Local Area Commander, who still calls this city home, is above all a ‘community cop’ and never loses sight of the fact. He is ideally suited to new Police Commissioner Mick Fuller’s stated mission to put people first.

From being a Sergeant at Lightning Ridge and later commander of the Illawarra Region, we tip even bigger things are in store for Deputy Commissioner Worboys.