5 December, 2011
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY 2011
Senator Mitch Fifield today welcomed International Volunteer Day and thanked volunteers across Australia for their ongoing contribution to our country.
“Volunteers are the glue that hold our communities together, and the valuable contributions they make to our country is immense,” Senator Fifield said.
“International Volunteer Day is an opportunity for all Australians to take some time out to reflect on the incredible, selfless work of volunteers, and to thank those volunteers who make a difference in our own lives.”
“2011 has been a year in which the contribution of volunteers has come to the fore, especially in light of the amazing response of volunteers following the devastation caused by the floods earlier this year,” Senator Fifield said.
“Yet the work of volunteers extends far beyond the vital help they provide during emergencies such as the floods.”
“Without the ceaseless dedication of volunteers, many valuable services that rely on voluntary work could be lost,” Senator Fifield said.
More than 5.4 million Australians give up some of their time to volunteer, contributing 700 million hours of voluntary work each year.
From just a few hours a week or several days a month, Australian volunteers make a difference at home and abroad.
Volunteering can be extremely rewarding and I encourage all Australians to think about ways in which they could get involved,” Senator Fifield said.
To find out more about International Volunteer Day, or to get involved in volunteering in your local area, visit www.volunteeringaustralia.org.