Fair Trading launches staff volunteering project

17 July 2008 | Hon Linda Burney, Minister for Fair Trading, Youth and Volunteering

Fair Trading and Volunteering Minister, Linda Burney, visited Fair Trading's head office in Parramatta today to launch its volunteering pilot program following overwhelmingly positive support from staff for the initiative.

Ms Burney said the pilot program will allow Fair Trading employees to take a day off work to volunteer for a community-based not-for-profit organisation.

"This week is a particularly relevant time to launch an initiative like this one, when the streets of Sydney are full of World Youth Day volunteers extending the hand of friendship to visitors from all parts of Australia and the globe," Ms Burney said.

"The Iemma Government recognises that community engagement and volunteering builds social cohesion and stronger, more harmonious communities.

"We have seen how corporate volunteering is growing within business organisations around the world and the Government is committed to facilitating similar opportunities for staff in NSW Government agencies.

"I'm proud that Fair Trading is one of the first agencies to explore this exciting option and I hope that, if successful, the pilot will see the start of a whole-of-government initiative."

The volunteer pilot program will run from today until 31 December this year and follows a two-month internal survey to gain staff feedback on volunteering.

"We had an excellent response from staff. Out of 172 responses, 153 Fair Trading staff expressed interest in volunteering under the pilot program," Ms Burney said.

"That 90 per cent of respondents want to contribute to the community is no surprise – helping others is second nature to Fair Trading employees because they are out there assisting consumers and traders on a daily basis, as part of their job."

Fair Trading has staff located in suburbs and towns across the state and they will be encouraged to help their communities at a local, regional level.

Under the scheme, staff will nominate an area they are interested in and their request will be matched by The NSW Centre for Volunteering with opportunities close to work or home.

"The survey also revealed how active Fair Trading employees are in volunteering. Over 45 per cent of the respondents currently volunteer, well above the national average.

Brendon Cox works for Fair Trading in Tweed Heads and volunteers every year for a week at Camp Quality.

"I got involved because I've known people with cancer, and I wanted to give back to the community," Mr Cox said.

"I think I get more out of volunteering than the kids do!"

Evelyn Goltz works in the city and lives in Chatswood and has volunteered for the Warringah Pittwater Rural Fire Service (RFS) for five years in the catering unit.

She has remained active because she is providing essential support for frontline fire fighters while enjoying the social aspects of working with an energetic, involved group of people.

Another RFS volunteer Monica Clayton works at Grafton Fair Trading Centre and is the secretary for the local hall committee.

"I volunteer with the local hall because it's a place that brings the community together," said Ms Clayton.

"The hall was out of use for about 10 years until this committee was put together and now it is a real meeting place. Without volunteers the RFS could not exist."

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