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Volunteers | May 13, 2016

Kealy – National Volunteer Week

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is praising the electorate for its high rate of volunteers during celebrations for this week’s National Volunteers Week.

“The Lowan Electorate has almost double the rate of volunteers compared to the rest of our State and this is something we should all be very proud of,” Ms Kealy said.

“National Volunteers Week is an opportunity for us all to say thank you. Contributions made by volunteers to our rural and regional communities are invaluable,” she said.

Volunteers contribute $290 billion to the Australian economy each year and if it were an industry it would be the largest in Australia.

The theme again this year is ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’ with Volunteering Victoria asking for every Australian to give as much time as they can to make Australia the happiest place on earth.

“Whether you’re on a sporting club committee, helping with funding raising efforts, reading with children at your local school or involved with emergency services, arts or health the benefits to our region are wide spread,” Ms Kealy said.

“Volunteering is not only about giving to the community, there are so many rewards gained by volunteers themselves. Volunteers meet new people, learn new skills, develop self-esteem and can gain a well-deserved sense of achievement and personal satisfaction in helping other people,” she said.

National Volunteer Week honours the generous service of over 6 million volunteers in Australia, for enriching our quality of life and social cohesion.

“Volunteers are the backbone of regional Victoria, and without their dedication, sacrifice and commitment many local services and activities would simply not exist,” Ms Kealy said.

“On behalf of the Lowan electorate I would like to say thank you to each and every volunteer who make our region a better place to live and I encourage everyone to get involved with volunteering activities within our rural communities.” she said.