Commonwealth
Games volunteer army
By Lisa Saremel
There are just 14 days to go to the Opening Ceremony of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and the Games' volunteer army is well on track and it is 'business as usual' for the team.
"The commitment of all of our volunteers is overwhelming and very encouraging. It says a lot about our great team of volunteers who will be representing the face of the Games", said Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games CEO, Mr John Harnden.
Most volunteers signed up in early 2005 after the government put out the call for 15,000 volunteers in an $18.2 billion funded program.
However, for those who missed out on the first round of applications, opportunities for skilled volunteers in areas such as transport, media services and technology were available as late as February 2006 (applications are now closed).
In the past three months, volunteers have been involved in a multi-staged training process which has included Workforce Orientation Training, Role Specific Training, Venue Training and Event leadership as well as getting their essential accreditation and uniforms.
"We've had many vibrant, happy faces through the Uniform Accreditation Centre (UAC) since its opening in the first week in January, and we expect many thousands more within the next week alone," said Harnden in early January.
"Preparing for the Games demands an extraordinary amount of commitment, personal organisation and effort from all, and especially from our volunteers. While their contribution at Games time will be very public, we are aware and very appreciative of the time and effort that all of our volunteers are making behind the scenes to prepare for their role in history," he said.
"Thorough preparation will be directly responsible for making this a great event for all Victorians, other Australians and Commonwealth nations. Each volunteer is uniquely responsible for creating memories that will last for many decades to come. We extend a very big THANK YOU to all of them. We are very proud of our wonderful team."
The Games, held from 15–26 March, expects to attract 4,500 competitors from all 71 Commonwealth countries.
The Centre
for Volunteering [ABN 28 002 416 024]
Level 2, 228 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9261 3600 | F: 02 9261 4033 | E: info@volunteering.com.au
www.volunteering.com.au