Speaking at a Leadership Ballarat Western Region morning tea as part of International Volunteer Day yesterday, Father Bob said the volunteer scene in Ballarat was one of the strongest he had seen in regional areas.

The Triple J co-host said volunteers were the “backbone of the nation” and that their efforts were crucial in making Ballarat a successful city.

“This is the spirit of Ballarat, right here in this room,” he told the crowd at Saxon House.

“Ballarat hasn’t given up the idea of the basics, which is what we’ve got here today. 

“You could have all the suits in the world, all the businessmen, all the politicians in the bloody world getting together and talking, but you get this mob here and there will be less talk here, but there will be action.”

International Volunteer Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.

It is celebrated worldwide and in Australia it recognises the work of 6.4 million volunteers.