Ministerial foreward

The Andrews Labor Government supports volunteers to do what they do best – serving their community.

That’s why we’re releasing the Victorian Volunteer Strategy 2022–2027 to give volunteers the support they need.

Whether it’s teaching someone to video call their loved ones, delivering food and medical supplies to those in need, or just lending a helping hand – volunteers are the backbone of our community and we say thank you.

Victoria has one of the highest rates of volunteering in Australia.1 Our volunteers work across many different settings and conditions. They work on disaster relief; they assist in fundraising and they help Victorians access vital services.

We recognise that work done by volunteers often goes unnoticed, but with this strategy, we will ensure that volunteers are recognised and celebrated – just like they deserve.

The Andrews Labor Government knows that volunteering makes our communities happier, healthier and stronger. It’s why we want to rebuild and strengthen the volunteering sector.

We’ll work with communities to make it one that empowers, supports and recognises volunteers from all backgrounds. This includes people from multicultural communities, people with disability, First Nations peoples, and people of different ages, genders, sexualities and locations.

I had the privilege of taking part in many of the consultations with the volunteering sector across all of regional Victoria, local communities and the Volunteer Strategy Taskforce. The feedback gathered from all across Victoria has informed this strategy. I have heard from many about the benefits that come from giving back to your community. But volunteers also talked about the challenges they, their managers and organisations face.

That’s why I am pleased to present the Victorian Volunteer Strategy 2022–2027. This strategy sets our vision and priorities for volunteering in Victoria over the next five years. It provides an action plan to promote, build, support and celebrate all forms of volunteering. ­­

The Hon. Anthony Carbines MP
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers

Footnote

[1] State of Volunteering 2020, State of volunteering in Victoria 2020. Retrieved from: https://stateofvolunteering.org.au/victoria/

Updated