Gracie the Tibetan mastiff might not have a choice in volunteering but she sure seems to enjoy it. 

Owner Frank Jones said dogs such as Gracie enlivened people wherever they visit, be they nursing homes or paediatric wards. 

“They can get through to a person where a normal visit doesn’t get through to them,” he said. 

“The smile just says it all.” 

Ballarat United Way chief executive officer Geoff Sharp said volunteers were a backbone of the community. 

“We want to celebrate what makes Ballarat great. A lot of people know us for our history, for our heritage ... what we want to celebrate is the amazing people that make our community so strong and so special,” he said. 

For anyone looking to get involved, Mr Sharp said there was something for everyone. 

“Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. You might be a dog owner, and you can go and volunteer with your dog. You might want to go and play dress-ups in Sovereign Hill, you can go and do that. Whatever your interest is, there’s a space for you in volunteering.” 

Portraits of Ballarat’s volunteers are also on display at Central Square and in the Town Hall for National Volunteer Week.