Andrew Leigh

LINDA BURNEY MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES

MEMBER FOR BARTON

ANDREW LEIGH MP

SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CHARITIES

MEMBER FOR FENNER

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

This week marks National Volunteer Week.

Recent events have reminded us of the importance of volunteers and their contribution to the Australian community.

Emergency relief services and food relief organisations have provided assistance with food and bills as well as ensuring our most vulnerable Australians remain socially connected during the pandemic.

Our volunteers have been and will remain an integral part of Australian life, before and after this pandemic – from our local theatres and museums; to environment and conservation groups; youth and mentoring; homelessness and housing; migrant services; seniors and aged care; health and wellness, including disability services; to our local sports teams and clubs. When communities were torn apart by bushfires, volunteers were along the first people on the ground to help.

Volunteering is valued at more than $200 billion to the Australian economy. But it provides us with some things we cannot put a dollar figure on: a sense of belonging, wellbeing and strong communities.

All of us are eager to get back together with our local community groups. This is a testament to the power of volunteering.

This week we say thank you to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers around Australia, including many retirees. 

You can find out more about how to volunteer and participate in your local community group at govolunteer.com.au.

ENDS

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.