Minister for Volunteering Stephen Dawson said Western Australia's volunteers were the lifeblood of local communities and the State would be extremely hard pressed to cope without their immeasurable contribution.
The Minister was commending the State's hundreds of thousands of volunteers on International Volunteer Day, an event celebrated around the world to thank volunteers for their dedication and to raise awareness of the important role they play in safeguarding our communities.
The 2022 theme for International Volunteer Day is solidarity through volunteering, promoting the collective power of humanity to drive positive change through volunteering.
Every year, approximately 523,000 people in WA volunteer in their communities, delivering a vital service that plays a significant role in building civil society.
Today the McGowan Government launched a new media campaign to encourage more people to volunteer in whatever way they can.
"VOL_NTEER. We need U" is aimed at encouraging more people to consider the different ways they can volunteer in their community and attract a more varied and diverse population to get involved. For more information visit www.wa.gov.au/volunteering
Nominations are now open for the Department of Communities' 2023 WA Volunteer Service Awards. The awards recognise volunteers who have provided 25 or more years of service.
For 2023, in acknowledgement of the huge commitment made by volunteers who have been volunteering for 60 years or more, the Minister has introduced a new Lifetime of Volunteer Service category. Nominations close on Monday 27 February 2023. The Awards will be presented during National Volunteer Week, 15-21 May 2023.
More information, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Department of Communities website at http://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/wa-volunteer-service-awards
As stated by Volunteering Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Every person who becomes a volunteer is making a big difference to supporting their local communities.
"Whether it's the local heroes running their sports clubs or those that step up during times of crisis through our emergency responses, it's our volunteers that keep our communities together and safeguard them when required.
"On behalf of the McGowan Government, International Volunteer Day is a timely reminder for all of us to say thank you to all our wonderful volunteers that gave their time in 2022.
"If you didn't volunteer in 2022, maybe it's something to consider in 2023.
"We're launching a new campaign to encourage more people to take up the challenge. As they say, 'the more, the merrier' and it can be a great way to connect with other likeminded people.
"I encourage all Western Australians to consider being a volunteer because we need 'u' now."
