The Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) has put its weight behind this week’s National Volunteer Week (20 to 26 May) the annual celebration of the contribution volunteers make to the NSW community.
In a statement, the Department said National Volunteer Week supported volunteering at both State and national levels.
“Volunteering is a great way to use your skills to give back and make your community stronger, and it’s evident that people in NSW recognise this,” the Department said.
“Within NSW, volunteers make up the largest and most diverse workforce in the State, with more than 2.1 million volunteers.”
However, FACS pointed out that volunteers did not just give their time.
“Their work also contributes significantly to the NSW economy,” it said.
“The Productivity Commission estimates that volunteers contribute $5 billion in value to our communities in NSW each year.”
It said volunteering had also been shown to positively impact individuals.
“They’re typically happier, healthier and more connected to their communities than people who don’t volunteer,” it said.
“There’s really no reason not to volunteer.”
First-time volunteers, or people who wanted to return to volunteering, can find more information on the volunteering website at this PS News link.
