5 May, 2011
Senator Mitch Fifield, Shadow Minister for the Voluntary Sector, today recognised and thanked volunteers across Australia for their outstanding contribution to our country, ahead of National Volunteer Week 2011 next week.
“Volunteers are the glue that hold Australian communities together. They perform a range of important work in a variety of areas across all walks of life,” Senator Fifield said.
“Whether it be the volunteer coach of your child’s sporting team, or the person who delivers meals on wheels to your elderly mother, most Australians benefit from the work of volunteers.”
The valuable contribution made by volunteers throughout Australia will be recognised and celebrated in National Volunteer Week, 9 15 May 2011.
National Volunteer Week provides a platform to pay tribute to the volunteers who give generously of their time and energy to benefit others.
“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the voluntary sector in Australia, and in 2011 we can recognise in particular the significant role of volunteers in the wake of the devastating floods in Queensland and other parts of Australia. Our communities would not be the same without volunteers.”
2011 marks the 10 year anniversary of the United Nations International Year of the Volunteer, and the 2011 National Volunteer Week theme – “Inspiring the Volunteer in You” – is all about encouraging people to get involved in volunteering.
“Everyone has something to offer as a volunteer, and every contribution, no matter how big or small, is extremely valuable.”
“I encourage all Australians to do whatever they can to support volunteers, get involved in National Volunteer Week 2011 and find out more about opportunities to contribute to their local communities through volunteering,” Senator Fifield said.
For more information about National Volunteer Week, visit www.nationalvolunteerweek.com.au.