Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet MP today welcomed the NSW Government’s $2 million investment on new initiatives to better recruit, support and recognise volunteers in NSW.
To coincide with National Volunteer Week, the NSW Government has released the second NSW Volunteering Strategy 2016-2020. The Strategy was informed by consulting with more than 2,500 people, and builds on the success of the inaugural Strategy.
“Volunteers are essential to our Hawkesbury community,” Mr Perrottet said.
“More than two million volunteers across the State, make a unique contribution to the lives of others, from patrolling beaches, making local youth sporting activities and major events possible, and much more.
“The second NSW Volunteering Strategy is proof the NSW Government is serious about creating opportunities to promote and acknowledge volunteering.”
There are six priority actions under the NSW Volunteering Strategy 2016-2020:
- Expand participation in community life through volunteering
- Create digital media avenues to support volunteering
- Develop a mainstream media campaign and local marketing strategies to promote volunteering
- Design and develop new volunteering options
- Build capacity in volunteer organisations to innovate and deliver best-practice volunteer management
- Enhance programs to recognise the positive contribution of volunteers.
As part of the NSW Volunteering Strategy, a new volunteer recruitment website will be developed that will enable volunteers to find opportunities in their local communities, and support organisations to advertise volunteering roles.
A new mainstream media campaign will also be launched to recruit more people to volunteering and help them navigate their way to new opportunities.
The Strategy will also expand and enhance the successful Statement of Principles for the Recognition of Volunteers, which promotes dignity and respect 800,000 volunteers in NSW, as well as increase support for the Volunteer of the Year Awards and Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program.
Further information on the NSW Volunteering Strategy, go to www.volunteering.gov.au.