The recent bushfires in Victoria, and floods in Queensland, have again brought to the fore the invaluable work of volunteers.
Many people gave up their time so willingly to help combat the fires and then to assist affected communities with their recovery, a process that will be ongoing for a long time to come.
Volunteers have been involved in all aspects of these devastating natural disasters.
More than 5.4 million Australians volunteer each year and the most recent estimate suggests they deliver over $700 million of value to the nation. I think that is a very conservative estimate.
National Volunteer Week will be held from 11 to 17 May this year and it is a time to focus our energies into thanking all of Australia’s volunteers for the amazing work they do in their communities.
More information is available at www.volunteeringaustralia.org/nvw
Where would we be without our volunteers?
Cary Pedicini, CEO Volunteering Australia
