Friday, 8^th August 2019

Residents in Eastern Victoria are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas about community life and volunteering in the region, to help develop Victoria’s new Volunteer Strategy.

Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing is inviting everyone to participate by taking a survey that will help inform the strategy, and better support the state’s fast-changing and growing volunteering sector.

The strategy will also be informed by workshops, roundtables, and meetings in metro and regional areas right through to May 2020.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested $500,000 to support volunteering initiatives over two years in the 2018-19 Victorian Budget, including digital literacy and leadership training programs.

This year, the Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards received a record number of 245 nominations for awards that recognise the hard work and dedication of volunteers in communities across the state.

More than 1.5 million Victorians participate in formal volunteering activities each year. Many more contribute through informal volunteering and community support.

Volunteers, their managers and the wider community are all encouraged to complete the online survey.

For more information about development of Victoria’s new Volunteer Strategy, or to complete a survey, visit: https://www.volunteer.vic.gov.au/strategy

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Volunteering is a vital part of community life in Eastern Victoria, and our voices will play an important part in informing the Volunteer Strategy.”

“I encourage all residents to share their experiences and ideas on how to shape volunteering in our community, and urge your friends, families and colleagues to do the same.”

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Anthony Carbines

“Volunteering supports both people and places, through social inclusion and participation, and by contributing to strong and resilient communities.”