Victorians are being encouraged to take up the rewarding practice of volunteering following the launch of a new strategy from the Department of Family, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) that follows a 50 per cent decline in volunteering in 2020.
Releasing its Victorian Volunteer Strategy 2022–2027, DFFH said the Strategy was a five-year plan to reinvigorate, reimagine and strengthen volunteering, in partnership with the volunteering community.
“The Strategy sets out the vision and priorities for volunteering in Victoria, providing an action plan to promote, build, support and celebrate all forms of volunteering,” DFFH said.
“It also focuses on opportunities for volunteering to be more inclusive, accessible, flexible, safe and enjoyable, so more Victorians can get involved, and stay connected,” it said.
“The Strategy is designed to encourage people who have previously volunteered to return, while growing and diversifying the pool of Victorian volunteers.”
DFFH said the Strategy also provided a roadmap of practical improvements to strengthen volunteering into the future.
The Department said this included supporting more flexible and inclusive volunteering options, as well as focusing on the volunteer experience and role of volunteer managers.
It said improvements would also see volunteers recognised for the impact they made, along with partnerships to maximise volunteers’ impact.
Welcoming the DFFH Strategy, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Anthony Carbines said that before the pandemic, about 2.3 million or 42.1 per cent of Victorians, volunteered with organisations in their communities.
“Volunteering is a rewarding experience for many Victorians,” Mr Carbines said.
“Volunteers build stronger, more resilient and inclusive communities and are vital to the delivery of everything from essential services to grassroots sport,” he said.
DFFH’s 46-page Volunteer Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
