Volunteers at the heart of Carlyle Gardens Townsville

One of the many volunteer groups featured was the village’s Huggy Teddy knitting group, which has lovingly created more than 19,000 teddy bears to comfort children in hospitals, ambulances and women's shelters locally and overseas, including communities in Africa.

Huggy Teddy volunteer Sue Reid said the group found great joy in knowing their handmade bears were helping children during difficult moments.

“Knowing our teddy bears can bring comfort to children in hospitals or being cared for by ambulance officers really brings a smile to our faces,” Mrs Reid said.

“Our knitting group loves coming together to make them, and it’s very rewarding knowing something handmade here in Townsville can help a child feel a little safer and happier during a difficult time.”

Mrs Reid said the group had received touching feedback over the years from families, hospitals and community organisations sharing the impact the bears had made.

The showcase event also highlighted the strong sense of community connection throughout the village, with residents participating in a wide range of social, creative and volunteer activities.

Assistant Village Manager Cathryn Croton said the event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the contribution residents make both within the village and across the broader community.

“National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to recognise the incredible residents who help make our village such a caring, connected and vibrant community,” Mrs Croton said.

“From volunteering and fundraising to hobbies, social groups and everyday acts of kindness, our residents continue to support each other and the wider community in so many meaningful ways.”

National Volunteer Week celebrates the important role volunteers play in strengthening communities across Australia.