Yass volunteer numbers above average

National Volunteer Week

Yass Valley volunteer numbers continue to remain above the regional state rate, with 26.8 per cent of residents contributing to this community in a voluntary capacity.

This week marks National Volunteer Week and Yass Valley Council is proudly celebrating the occasion by encouraging volunteers to register with Go Volunteer Australia.

Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers  in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our community and to say thank you to the more than six million Australians who volunteer.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that in 2006, 29.3 per cent of the total population in Yass Valley volunteered for an organisation.

In 2011 this rate fell to 26.8 per cent, however volunteering rates in Yass Valley are still well above the regional NSW average rate of 20 per cent.

The research also shows that volunteers are happier as a result.

Yass Valley Council often receives enquiries from potential volunteers about volunteering opportunities that are available at council and community organisations throughout Yass Valley.

As Council does not hold a central database that lists all of the volunteer opportunities that are available here, we encourage all local organisations to register with Go Volunteer Australia.

Go Volunteer Australia is a program that is run by Volunteering Australia Inc. This organisation was founded in 1997 and is the peak body for volunteering in Australia.

Council’s Community Development Manager Cathy Campbell said, “Registration with Go Volunteer Australia is free for most not-for-profit volunteer-involving organisations.

“Opportunities that are posted on Go Volunteer Australia are shared on a network of well used websites including GoVolunteer.com.au and Volunteer.com.au (Seek Volunteer), maximising the changes of being seen by potential volunteers.”