Armidale Volunteer Referral Service (Proof)

Hansard & Papers » Legislative Assembly » 13 May 2009 » Full Day Hansard Transcript » Item 32 of 44 »

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Speakers - Torbay Mr Richard; Perry Mrs Barbara
Business - Private Members Statements, PRIV

ARMIDALE VOLUNTEER REFERRAL SERVICE
Page: 70

Mr RICHARD TORBAY (Northern Tablelands—Speaker) [5.35 p.m.]: This is National Volunteer Week, and it a good opportunity for the whole community, including the Government, to acknowledge the contribution of people who make no charge to keep the wheels of our society so well oiled. It is well known that we could not afford to pay the taxes to generate the level of services that the great army of volunteers in this nation so freely contribute. Think about the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Services, and all the volunteer and response organisations—charitable organisations, cultural organisations, community organisations, humanitarian organisations, sporting organisations and service clubs. And the list goes on.

Statistics show that in Australia some 25 per cent of the population—about 5.4 million people—are volunteers, with 1.7 million coming from New South Wales. Volunteering is more common among those living outside the capital cities—something that we country based MPs are well aware of. Most voluntary effort is involved with sport and physical recreation, education and training, community, welfare and religious organisations. The total hours volunteered in Australia each year has been estimated at 713 million. I am not sure who compiles these statistics, but I would guess that these figures fall short of the actual hours volunteers donate because the hours are incalculable.

As a busy member of Parliament, like many here, I am fortunate to meet many hundreds of volunteers each year in my Northern Tablelands electorate and in Parliament when they visit Macquarie Street. I am always impressed with their dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to give so much of their time and energy to support their communities. They also get a lot out of it for themselves, and most of them say to me, "The more you give, the more you get out of it". I believe that to be true. Last week I visited the Armidale Volunteer Referral Service, where I met a group of people who give their time to keep the local community radio station operating. The Armidale Volunteer Referral Service began in 1997 as the Regional Volunteer Centre and was set up to match volunteers with not-for profit organisations seeking helpers. Over the years the centre has assisted hundreds of Armidale area residents to identify volunteer work that suits them. Currently the centre has about 50 not-for-profit organisations on its books, and some 400 volunteers listed.

The coordinator, Jane Davies, tells me that over the past 18 months the number of younger people wanting to undertake volunteer work has been rapidly increasing. As well, a number of local university students are becoming involved as part of their participation in New England Award activities. The volunteers work in many areas including the local art galleries or for family services, schools, aged-care organisations and community groups. One reason the service is so successful is that it takes the time to match volunteers with workplaces. The process is similar to that when people apply for paid work. Applicants list their skills and interests, time availability and the type of voluntary work that would interest them. An interview follows, which gives the applicant an opportunity to ask questions and find out what choices are available. The coordinator then talks to the organisations concerned and gives the applicant two or three options. Applicants arrange interview times and select the work that best suits them.

This thorough process ensures that volunteers fit in with organisations and vice versa. The most typical people who apply to the referral service are parents whose children have left home and who now have some spare time on their hands. Some people who have lost their jobs or are between jobs are referred by Centrelink. Others offer to undertake voluntary work in order to update their computer and other skills. It is this dynamic of give and take that makes the volunteer referral service so successful. The aim is to give the volunteers a satisfying and worthwhile experience and to positively reinforce their willingness to make a contribution. For the organisations that benefit, the time taken to select the most suitable volunteers works well as they stay longer and fit better into the existing team.

Last year the Armidale Volunteer Referral Service held a successful Volunteer Expo to encourage more recruits and it will hold another in 2010. This week it hosted a National Volunteer Week morning tea to celebrate and recognise the work of volunteers in the region. At the morning tea the 2009 New South Wales Volunteer of the Year Award was launched locally. I urge local organisations to make their nominations to acknowledge and recognise those who make such a strong contribution to the community.

Mrs BARBARA PERRY (Auburn—Minister for Local Government, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health)) [5.40 p.m.]: I thank the member for Northern Tablelands for advising the House of what is happening in his local community in relation to volunteerism. I was pleased to hear that young people are participating in volunteerism. One of the greatest challenges for our community is to have new volunteers to take over volunteering when the older generation who have been doing it for so many years may not be around to do it. It is wonderful to know that is happening in the New England area. I commend the Armidale Volunteer Referral Service for its work and services. Well done to all volunteers across New South Wales, particularly those who were recognised by the member for Northern Tablelands.