The Minister for Volunteering, Stephen Dawson has issued a call on the next generation of volunteers to step forward to play a vital role in their communities.
Mr Dawson said the willingness of Western Australians to volunteer needs to continue and be built upon for present and future generations and while volunteering remain popular among older people.
He said it was vital that younger generations become involved to ensure volunteering remains strong.
“Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that 30 per cent of Western Australians over the age of 15 years spontaneously volunteered in the midst of COVID-19,” Mr Dawson said.
“That is an encouraging statistic and one that shows the strength of our communities and the desire to provide help when and where it is needed most.”
He said there were a great many older Western Australians doing amazing work in the State’s communities, but we also need to plan for the next generation.
He said volunteering can and should be something for all ages to be involved in.
Mr Dawson said that around four out of five Western Australians, 15 years and over, volunteer each year.
“Volunteering often builds communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills that cannot be gained in any other setting,” he said.
“Volunteering is often a key component as a pathway to employment, with volunteers building valuable work skills, and developing personally and professionally from their involvement in community organisations and a variety of activities.”
The Minister said that volunteering WA year launched its ‘YVolunteer’ program earlier this year to help young people take part in volunteering opportunities.
He urged young people interested in finding out more information to do so.
“Young volunteers also build new skills, confidence and knowledge, and in doing so improve their employability in an increasingly competitive job market,” the Minister said,
More information and access to the program for younger people can be accessed at this PS News link.
