Australia thanks our volunteers

The Australian Government would like to thank the 6.3 million volunteers across the country for their dedication and hard work throughout the year, Minister for Community Services Nigel Scullion said today.

‘As we celebrate National Volunteer Week (14-20 May 2007), I would like to acknowledge the significant and vital contribution made by volunteers right across Australia,’ Senator Scullion said.

‘Volunteers keep our country ticking by working in all spheres of our community and across many sectors. From parents in the school canteen to referees at sporting events to our heroic volunteer fire-fighters, volunteers touch all aspects of our lives.

‘Sectors like health and welfare, emergency services, arts and culture, heritage, environment and conservation, sport and recreation, education, overseas aid, animal welfare, human rights and youth development benefit from the millions of hours donated annually by volunteers.

‘The valuable contributions volunteers make to our community will be recognised during National Volunteer Week.

‘This year’s theme, See the CHANGE….Volunteering, promotes the value of volunteering and encourages people to find out more about the exciting opportunities to contribute in their communities.

‘More than 7000 community volunteer organisations were recently funded through the $16 million Volunteers Small Equipment Grant initiative.

‘They demonstrated their work significantly contributed to supporting families and strengthening local communities and, through this funding, they are able to continue their invaluable work.

‘These initiatives are excellent examples of the work the Australian Government does, to continue to support and encourage volunteers across the broad spectrum of the Australian community.