A lifelong love of books led Julie to join the Bendigo Book Fair volunteer team, but her connection to Bendigo Foodshare runs much deeper. Growing up with parents who experienced the hardships of the Depression, she developed a strong commitment to food security and ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food.
Each Monday and Thursday morning, Julie joins a dedicated team of volunteers who carefully inspect and prepare donated books, ensuring every title that makes its way to the Book Fair is in excellent condition and ready to find a new home.
After retiring last year following a 30-year career in the aged care industry, Julie was looking for a way to connect with her new community after moving to Bendigo to be closer to family. Twelve months on, she continues to volunteer every week, finding purpose, connection and friendship through her role.
“Having a valuable purpose, knowing that what I do contributes to people having food on their table, is important to me. It’s also such a lovely team. They’re warm, helpful people who genuinely enjoy what they’re doing. We also have fun.”
Julie firmly believes that volunteers are the backbone of communities.
“The country runs on volunteers. Without volunteers, so many wonderful programs simply wouldn’t exist,” she said.
As preparations ramp up for the 2026 Bendigo Spring Book Fair, we’re calling on community members to volunteer their time during the event. Two-hour shifts are available across the long weekend, providing a flexible and rewarding way to support local families experiencing food insecurity.
Those interested in volunteering can register at bendigofoodshare.org.au/bookfair.
The 2026 Bendigo Spring Book Fair will be held at MacGillivray Hall, Bendigo TAFE, 128 McCrae Street, Bendigo, on:
- Friday 25 September, 9am to 5pm
- Saturday 26 September, 9am to 5pm
- Sunday 27 September, 9am to 3pm
Every shift helps make the Book Fair possible, with proceeds supporting our work helping provide food relief to more than 17,000 people across Central Victoria each week.
