The Andrews Labor Government is supporting more Victorians to help others and volunteer for the causes they care about most.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines announced the launch of a new volunteering strategy, backed by an investment of $1.3 million to recruit new volunteers following a 50 per cent decline in participation in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Volunteering is a rewarding experience for many Victorians. Volunteers build stronger, more resilient and inclusive communities and are vital to the delivery of everything from essential services to grassroots sport.
Before the pandemic, about 2.3 million or 42.1 per cent of Victorians, volunteered with organisations in their communities.
In 2019, the economic value of volunteering was $58 billion, with an average of 224 hours donated per volunteer.
The strategy provides a roadmap to respond to challenges, including the global pandemic by:
- Recruiting new people into volunteering and encouraging people to return to volunteering
- Building skills and capability through training, professional development and support
- Making recruitment, induction and training processes to provide volunteers with the same opportunities as paid staff
- Strengthening pathways for all Victorians, including disadvantaged Victorians to enable them to participate in volunteering
- Recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution volunteers make to communities.
Applications for grants of up to $80,000 will open in June to support local partnerships to re-engage volunteers, broaden the volunteer base and strengthen volunteering in local communities.
For more details and to apply visit volunteer.vic.gov.au/grants.
As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines
"Volunteers are the backbone of our community. The volunteering strategy, backed by $1.3 million investment is a great step forward in creating a structured, long-term pathway for encouraging more Victorians to volunteer."
"There are thousands of volunteering opportunities available right now and there has never been a better time to give it a go."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Volunteers Josh Bull
"All Victorians benefit from the care and generous commitment of volunteers to their communities. We're supporting organisations so they can better support their volunteers"
