New 'Minister for Volunteers' welcomes challenge
By NSW Government
The Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Kelly, has welcomed his appointment as Minister for Volunteers and the challenge of increasing volunteer numbers in the emergency services across NSW.
Mr Kelly said the role meant he would develop measures and incentives to increase volunteering rates among under-represented groups, the business community and the general public.
"The State Plan will build on the government's strong support for our emergency services and we will work at increasing participation levels to further strengthen them," Mr Kelly said.
"Encouraging people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join volunteer groups will increase numbers, raise the profile of volunteer organisations and increase their effectiveness."
"Volunteers are the backbone of the community, particularly during times of crisis, and encouraging more people to play their part is one of the ways the State Plan sets out to foster greater social harmony."
"I am extremely proud of the way more than 90,000 members of our community, ordinary men and women who might on any day run the corner shop, or work in the local bank, put their lives on the line in extraordinary situations to protect the lives and property of NSW families," Mr Kelly said.
"I believe people are attracted to these organisations because they know that they are well run, well resourced and most particularly will give them skills, training and expertise that you simply can't get in an everyday job."
"These volunteers understand that having respect and taking responsibility for the safety of your local community, especially during emergencies and natural disasters, is an essential part of the fabric of our society."
"We have delivered 12 straight record budgets to our emergency service agencies, this year alone the emergency services budget was $765 million. This funding has been delivered despite the Federal Government's $3 billion a year GST rip off."
"I am extremely proud to be a Minister with a portfolio where the majority of staff are volunteers, giving their time and effort and wanting nothing in return," Mr Kelly said.
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