Minister's Message

The Hon. Graham West MP, Minister for Volunteering

Welcome to the NSW Government’s Volunteering web portal. I’m Graham West and I’m very pleased to have Volunteering as part of my portfolio. In fact, like many people in NSW I am also a volunteer – with the NSW Rural Fire Service. I know first hand the contribution that volunteering makes to our community. I also know that volunteers need resources, support and training in order to work at their best.

This website is your link to all things volunteering in NSW – whether you’re an individual wanting to contribute to your community, or a member of an association that relies on volunteers to deliver services, this website has been designed to support your volunteering activities.

I am proud to be Minister for Volunteering, and to acknowledge and thank the 1.67 million people who already volunteer in NSW.  In 2006, these generous individuals gave 235 million volunteer work hours, contributing an estimated $5 billion to the State’s economy.

While we celebrate this wonderful effort, our Government is committed to supporting and growing the volunteer base. That’s why volunteer targets have been included in the NSW State Plan.

NSW Government agencies already provide grants and other support to a wide range of organisations involved in volunteering and community based activities. Some of our current priorities are to introduce new programs in schools, ensure our public servants are able to participate in voluntary opportunities, and develop programs that enhance the diversity of the volunteer workforce.

There is no doubt volunteering is a precious part of the Australian way of life.

Volunteers connect people. They help to create stronger, safer and more caring communities – research shows us emphatically that communities with high levels of volunteering and community participation are more robust and harmonious.

There is evidence to indicate that people who volunteer are happier, healthier and less lonely – especially as they age. Volunteering can also teach skills that lead to better job prospects, and young people who volunteer benefit from the experience of engaging with their communities.

I hope you find www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au valuable and informative. I encourage you to become involved – use this portal to find volunteering roles that suit your lifestyle and skills, or explore the practical resources we’ve put together to assist small community organisations deliver their services. If you would like to give us feedback, please contact us on info@volunteering.nsw.gov.au.

Thank you again for the work you do for our communities.

Graham West
Minister for Volunteering