General News
26 May, 2025
Adrian's 23 years of volunteer service
As part of National Volunteer Week, Rainbow's Adrian Bennett is being celebrated for over two decades of unwavering community service.
For 23 years, Mr Bennett has volunteered with CFA Rainbow, joining the local brigade almost immediately after moving to town.
"We've been here for 23 years, and I pretty much got onto the CFA straight away," he said.
Mr Bennett's dedication doesn't stop at the fire brigade.
He's also been an active member of several local groups, including the town committee, Lions Club, and other community initiatives.
Currently, he also volunteers with the Rainbow Rises Events committee, which organises the town's race meetings.
"Country life without volunteers just doesn't exist," Mr Bennett said.
"If we don't have the volunteers, nobody's gonna do the work."
Despite the challenging nature of some tasks, including emergency responses, Mr Bennett continues to show up.
"There's nothing enjoyable about going in and putting out a house fire or anything like that," he said.
"I've always been volunteer-minded, and I just help out wherever I can."
His commitment to helping others began in small ways during his childhood in Melbourne and has only grown since settling in Rainbow.
Over the years, he's also spent two decades supporting the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
When asked about the encouragement for new volunteers, Mr Bennett offered a simple message: "Just do it, just get out and enjoy your time."
Though modest about his achievements, Mr Bennett's quiet dedication is exactly what National Volunteer Week aims to highlight, as everyday people making extraordinary contributions to their communities.
