International Volunteer Day celebrated with reception at Government House

A reception was held last week to mark International Volunteer Day at Government House, hosted by the Honourable Peter Underwood AC. Guests included volunteers working in a broad range of areas both within the State, nationally and internationally.

Here is an excerpt from His Excellency’s address:

“We have people here who do volunteer work for the SES, for Diabetes Tasmania, for the Botanical Gardens, Make a Wish Foundation, Hobart FM radio, East Timor Eye Programme, Medical Missions Abroad and many many more diverse organisations. You are an eclectic mix of people joined by a common bond to give help to our community and other communities in this country and elsewhere in the world as volunteer workers. And to each and every one of you I say thank you for giving your time and skills to so many organisations that would not survive without you.

Last month the Minister for social inclusion, Ms Plibersek said more than six million Australians, or 36% of the adult population, formally volunteered last year, up from just 24% in 1995. She continued, The volunteering sector contributes more than 700million hours of unpaid work each year to the Australian community, valued at more than $14 billion.

Think of that. It’s a staggering sum of money; $14 billion a year. The work that you all do simply would not get done if you insisted on being paid. No government or private organisation could afford it. But of course as many surveys have shown us, volunteering is a two-way street. As the Minister said, Volunteering connects us, strengthens our sense of belonging and creates positive relationships that build stronger local communities.”