Call to arms for volunteers

Residents across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay are being called on to help bring volunteer levels back to pre-pandemic levels.

A new state government campaign called ‘Ready to Volunteer’ is aiming to increase the number of volunteer workers through an online database showcasing thousands of volunteering opportunities.

Carers and volunteers parliamentary secretary Josh Bull said it is important to find the right opportunity for each person.

“Many organisations offer flexible approaches to ensure anyone who wants to volunteer can do so,” he said.

The campaign will focus on the meaningful contributions volunteers make and how there is something suited to everyone’s skill set and personal interests.

According to a pre-pandemic national survey, 36 per cent of Australians were involved in voluntary work.

Last year, that figure fell to 26 per cent.

The economic value of volunteering in 2019 reached $58 billion, with an average of 224 hours of work donated per volunteer.

Details: volunteer.vic.gov.au