“Australia’s active volunteering sector makes us the country we are and St Vincent de Paul Society is a fine example of how volunteers can enhance the community’s strength,” says the charity’s national president, Mark Gaetani.
Mr Gaetani was speaking ahead of National Volunteer Week, which begins today, to thank the Society’s 45,000 volunteers for their commitment to service.
“Our members and volunteers range from primary school through teenage years to folks in their 90s, giving the society a presence throughout the country, from the cities to regional centres and small country towns,” Mr Gaetani said.
“Their wonderful efforts are in tune with the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week, ‘Connecting Communities’. This special event highlights the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.
“The Vinnies shops, staffed mostly by volunteers, are the public face of the society but there’s much more to what we do.
“Our members and volunteers put in thousands of hours each year visiting households in need, running food vans and other services for people wanting a hot meal and helping at times of national emergency, such as bushfires and floods.
“I really do regard our volunteers as unsung heroes, and I thank everyone for the assistance they offer to people struggling with issues like the high cost of living and housing challenges”.
As a member of the Volunteering Australia coalition, the St Vincent de Paul Society was a signatory to a request to the former Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth calling for ongoing resources to implement the National Strategy for Volunteering.
“We look forward to new Minister Tanya Plibersek responding in a supportive manner to take the strategy forward,” Mr Gaetani said.
“The National Strategy provides a roadmap for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of volunteer effort across Australia. It underscores the importance of recognising volunteering as more than a ‘nice to have,’ but as a fundamental pillar of our societal infrastructure.’
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Volunteer time is one of Australia’s most precious gifts (St Vincent de Paul Society)
