Mel Atherinos established the Mount Isa -Lend A Hand Facebook page after she read a North West Star opinion article from former Mount Isa mayor Tony McGrady, expressing his disappointment in the lack of volunteers helping community and sporting groups.

"About two weeks ago I read the article, which got me thinking about ways to find volunteers and advertise volunteer work but also inform locals of why it is important," Ms Atherinos said.

"The page is not just a noticeboard but a service to help people with how to ask for volunteers and pry for more information about the task that needs doing.

"The Facebook page already has a following of more than 600 people, and a lot of the little tasks that we have put up on the page, have seen results already. People who are volunteering are finding tasks they enjoy and ways they can help."

From a young age, Ms Atherinos has been involved in volunteer work, but is now focused on encouraging others to get involved.

"Even when I was a child my Mum had us volunteering for many different causes within our community. Over the years I have continued to volunteer at many local community events, sporting clubs, Schools and P&C's, Bluelight Disco's, Vinnies and Salvos Op shops as well as volunteer fundraising for Starlight Foundation, Breast Cancer, Camp Quality and many more worthwhile charities.

"Now my focus will also include helping to increase the amount of volunteers we have in our local area and enhancing the people's awareness of why volunteering is so important to both yourself and the broader community.

"I believe volunteering is a very import part of both mine and my family's life as it gives us great joy in helping others, it is a great way of meeting people outside of our regular circle of friends and does wonders for your mental health."

Ms Atherinos encouraged locals to become involved in volunteer work that they enjoy.

"People always associate volunteering as a burden, however you can help the community by using your skills to help others," she said.

"You could be a graphic designer and volunteer to make posters for sporting clubs, therefore if it's not a chore you'll enjoy it and do it more often.

"We want to let people know that volunteering doesn't have to take up your whole life, it can be a casual thing and that there are a lot of small ways to help out."

Ms Atherinos believed the lack of volunteers was not an issue isolated to Mount Isa.

"I think there is a shortage everywhere. Everyone has busy lives, most people work so it makes it a bit harder to find the time to volunteer.

"There are also other things like Netflix and social media that take up a lot of people's time without them realising. There are a lot of distractions now-days, where once upon a time we may have used that time to do other things like volunteering.

"If someone is looking for volunteers in Mount Isa they can post directly to the Facebook page, or if they don't feel comfortable or don't know how to word their advertisement they can contact me through the page and I'll help them."

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