Volunteering Minister Stephen Dawson has acknowledged and commended the hundreds of thousands of Western Australian volunteers who work tirelessly to support their communities.
The tributes to the State's 523,000 volunteers were flowing at the International Volunteer Day annual garden party. The event was held at Government House and hosted by the WA Governor His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson APM, Patron of Volunteering WA.
Each year - in celebration of International Volunteer Day - Volunteering WA holds the annual party to acknowledge and raise awareness of the key role that our volunteers provide to the State.
This year, more than 500 volunteers from more than 60 different organisations and community groups attended the special event. The volunteers were from:
- university guilds;
- fire and emergency services;
- arts and theatre;
- wildflower clubs;
- corporate volunteers;
- aged care services;
- migration;
- humanitarian support and advocacy; and
- mental health.
The combined economic, social, and cultural value that volunteering brings to WA has been calculated as more than $39 billion and events such as the garden party provide an important avenue to acknowledge the contribution of the State's volunteers.
Recipients of the WA Volunteer Service Award - with more than 50 years of service - were also acknowledged at the garden party.
The annual volunteer garden party reflects the diversity in the volunteering experience in WA.
As stated by Volunteering Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Western Australia can be truly thankful for its amazing and committed volunteers that are actively engaged in so many different programs and activities that support others.
"Many services around the State would simply not exist without the support of volunteers.
"Whether it's team sport on the weekend or emergency services, volunteers are the backbone of many of our communities and we can't take them for granted. I am pleased to mark and acknowledge their contributions today.
"Volunteering is not only beneficial to our communities, but extremely rewarding and empowering for those that take up volunteering opportunities.
"The McGowan Government is grateful, and thanks each and every volunteer across WA for the vital service and role they play in supporting our communities."
