Say thanks to volunteers

AS the local Member for Eildon in the Victorian Parliament, I am always involved in supporting local volunteer organisations in the Yarra Ranges community – home to all types of volunteer groups responsible for crucial social tasks.
It’s hard to think of any sector in the community that isn’t touched by volunteering and to which volunteers make a vital contribution.
Volunteers provide support and care for the elderly, they look after our beautiful natural environment through Landcare groups, they are responsible for running our local junior and senior sporting clubs and, at the times when the community is most vulnerable, our emergency services volunteers in the CFA and SES are there to protect us.
Volunteering also makes a major economic contribution to Victoria and to the Yarra Ranges.
For example, the building for the Yarra Valley Railway project is the biggest volunteer project in Australia, while visitors to Healesville Sanctuary are captivated by a team of volunteer guides.
The work of these volunteers supports our thriving tourism industry, creates and maintains local jobs.
In 2006, it was estimated that volunteering contributed $4.9 billion to the Victorian economy.
By 2021, it is projected to be between a staggering $30.3 billion and $42.1 billion.
As you know, volunteers are vital to the health of communities right across Victoria.
That’s why my role as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Communities and Volunteers is so rewarding.
I have the opportunity to work directly with volunteer organisations to understand how governments can better recognise and facilitate the significant contribution of volunteers to the Victorian community and to ensure the spirit of volunteerism thrives.
One way of recognising the work of volunteers in our community is through the annual National Volunteer Week – 11-17 May this year.
NVW provides a great opportunity for us to say thanks to the volunteers in our community, and let them know their efforts and commitment are appreciated – it’s also an appropriate time to encourage more people to get involved.
This year’s theme is ‘Give happy, live happy’.
Research tells us that just a few hours of volunteer work makes a difference in people’s happiness.
It’s proven that volunteers are healthier and even sleep better than those who don’t volunteer.
I look forward to continuing my work with these organisations and in National Volunteer Week, I hope you will join me in thanking our volunteers for the difference they make.