When a young person ends up in police custody in Melbourne’s west, Wyndham Vale’s Steve Turner could get the call.
A volunteer with the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program (YRIPP), he attends police interviews when a parent or guardian isn’t available.
He is one of the estimated 80,000 volunteers in Melbourne’s west whose contribution to the community is being recognised during National Volunteer Week from May 21-27.
It’s just one of many roles available through Altona-based Volunteer West.
Mr Turner, who is also a football coach and youth worker, has been a YRIPP volunteer for 18 months, supporting young people while they are being interviewed by police and at bail hearings.
Volunteer West community development co-ordinator Laura Rouhan said this year’s theme of National Volunteer Week was Give a little. Get a lot.
“Working within six local government areas across Melbourne’s west, Volunteer West connects people to volunteer opportunities in their local communities.
“Volunteering gives you the opportunity to develop new skills, remember lost ones and try new things.”
