North Queensland will play host to a volunteering conference for the first time in five years thanks to Palaszczuk Government funding.
Minister for Communities Coralee O'Rourke today announced the Palaszczuk Government would provide $50,000 to contribute to the North Queensland Volunteering Conference.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting and encouraging volunteers, particularly in regional areas," Mrs O'Rourke said.
"That's why we are backing the North Queensland Volunteering Conference, recognising its ability to bring together volunteers and build community connections.
"Volunteers are the backbone of our state's thriving communities, rolling up their sleeves and lending a hand when times get tough.
"The location of this conference is particularly fitting, given the vital role volunteers played in supporting North Queensland communities and helping them recover after devastating flooding earlier this year."
The North Queensland Volunteering Conference, which is expected to be held in Townsville over three days in May next year, gives volunteers an opportunity to participate in workshops, sessions and talks from guest speakers.
Participating in the conference will give volunteers a range of practical techniques to assist in dealing effectively with change in their communities.
The conference will be the first of its kind in North Queensland for five years, with a strong emphasis on volunteers in rural and remote areas of the north.
Volunteering North Queensland president Margie Ryder welcomed the State Government's contribution to the North Queensland Volunteering Conference.
"This will allow volunteers and volunteer groups from all over North Queensland to get together to discuss the challenges and opportunities for volunteers who are an important part of community events and activities," she said.
Mrs O'Rourke said supporting the North Queensland Volunteering Conference was another example of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to creating thriving communities.
"We want to create thriving communities where Queenslanders, regardless of their personal circumstances, are able to participate and be included in their communities, be resilient and enjoy social and economic wellbeing," she said.
"Supporting volunteers is an important aspect of supporting the creation of thriving communities in Queensland."
