Meeting of Volunteer Centre Network NSW
[3 July 2007 | Alison Keene, The Centre for Volunteering]
A meeting of the Volunteer Centre Network NSW was held from 21–22 June in Sydney and was attended by representatives from 16 regional volunteer resource centres.
Jennie Church, Policy Advisor, for the Hon. Linda Burney, NSW Minister for Volunteering, attended the meeting. Jennie reiterated that she and the Minister are passionate about volunteering and are abreast of current issues, but will need to work hard with the NSW Premier's Department to be allocated a budget for this portfolio.
A panel forum on Youth Volunteering discussed the NSW Government's recent announcement that $7.8 million will be allocated shortly to encourage young people to volunteer in the community sector. It is envisaged that this funding will be rolled out through schools. The panel comprised representatives from Meals on Wheels, and school students. It is imperative that infrastructure is in place in the not-for-profit sector to support this influx of young and enthusiastic volunteers.
Changes in Federal and State funding, corporate volunteering and a review of National Volunteer Week were also discussed.