2011 National Volunteer Week marked with release of State strategy

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney today marked 2011 National Volunteer Week with the release of a State Government strategy that marks the support of the continuing efforts of Western Australia's diverse volunteering community.

Vital Volunteering 2011-2016 outlines the State Government's commitment to volunteers over the next five years and was finalised with the direct views of the community's peak bodies and volunteers themselves.

"Volunteering has long been a crucial part of building WA communities and people showing their compassion to causes important to them," Mrs McSweeney said.

"The aim of the Vital Volunteering strategy is to further encourage West Australians from a range of backgrounds and age groups to be engaged in volunteering at a local level where it is estimated in 2011, the value of volunteering will be worth $9.4billion to our economy."

The Minister said there was input from more than 1,000 West Australians and volunteering organisations who shared their views on the role the State Government could play in supporting future volunteering efforts.

"I thank people who took the time to share their views on WA's volunteering future and, in particular, the support and advice Volunteering WA and their volunteer resource centres provided in understanding the trends and challenges of our volunteer workforce," she said.

In line with recommendations from the State Government's Economic Audit Committee report, strategies in the five-year plan will be implemented in partnership with the non-government sector and the corporate and public sectors.

"Local volunteers will play an integral role in the success of CHOGM 2011 and I am pleased Volunteering WA is working with the CHOGM 2011 Taskforce to deliver the Volunteers Program, which will recruit, train and manage up to 500 volunteers in the lead up to and during the event," Mrs McSweeney said.

2011 National Volunteer Week runs from May 9-15. To access the Vital Volunteering 2011-2016 document, visit http://www.communities.wa.gov.au 

Minister's office  - 9222 8950