VolunteerFest celebrates diversity of Victorian volunteers

Volunteer organisations from all over Victoria recently came together for VolunteerFest in Melbourne, providing a perfect opportunity for the launch of the Victorian Government’s Valuing Diversity in Volunteering Program.

A rich mix of volunteering organisations gathered at Life Saving Victoria in Melbourne on 6 October 2011, to celebrate the diversity of volunteers and volunteering across Victoria.

VolunteerFest provided an opportunity for volunteering organisations to interact, exchange ideas and discuss the issues relevant to them. It was also a chance to recognise the contribution of Victoria’s 1.2 million volunteers and the groups that support them.

The one day event attracted representatives from a diverse range of organisations, including Volunteering Victoria, Adult Multicultural Education Services, the CFA, Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, Parks Victoria, and VicSport.

Along with the presentations and workshops held throughout the day, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, officially launched the Victorian Government’s $400,000 Valuing Diversity in Volunteering program.

The program will fund a series of volunteering events around Victoria over the next four years, to promote volunteering opportunities, and increase awareness of volunteering among people from diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities.

This new funding adds to the $5.2 million over four years already allocated by the Victorian Government towards volunteering initiatives — recognition of the vital role volunteers play in building strong communities.

People interested in volunteering can find useful information and a range of volunteering opportunities at Victoria’s Volunteering Portal www.volunteer.vic.gov.au.