Port Macquarie is widely acknowledged as a community that volunteers and now Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre is leading the charge with the introduction of Timebanking.

Timebanking is a community program that allows the voluntary exchange of services between members. 

It’s as simple as give an hour, receive an hour: by giving one hour of help to another member you earn one hour of time credits, which can be used to receive services that are of personal value such as dog walking, ironing, community gardening, massage, language tuition, painting, administrative assistance … you’re only restricted by your imagination.

It’s the ultimate in paying it forward.

Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Multiculturalism, John Ajaka and Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams announced a grant to support the growth of Timebanking in Port Macquarie-Hastings.  

Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre and Volunteer HQ will host Timebanking in the local area, providing innovative and progressive ways to connect people who want to make a real difference.

Timebanking is online, and membership is free. Timebanking strengthens local communities and provides tangible recognition for local people supporting one another.

The neighbourhood centre’s coordinator of Volunteer HQ Beck Miles  said it is an exciting time in our community, where people can give their time in a flexible and supportive way.

In Timebanking you are volunteering your time, but unlike traditional volunteering you are likely to be volunteering for another member of your community.

Also, in Timebanking you earn time credits for giving services to another which you can then use to receive services that are useful and valuable to you.

Timebanking was introduced in NSW three years ago and has 6500 members across the state. Already 27,500 hours have been exchanged using the system.

Contact Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre for more information.