Minister for Community Services, Seniors and Veterans Emma Davidson today tabled the ACT's first ten-year strategy for volunteering in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The ACT Government and VolunteeringACT have co-developed the ACT Volunteering Strategy 2024-34 and the first Action Plan 2024-2027. It outlines how the ACT Government and the community sector will work together to better support volunteers.
Minister Davidson said the Strategy is the first of its kind for the ACT and recognises the value volunteers add to make Canberra a more beautiful and liveable place.
"Canberra is such a kind, connected and caring community which is why its no surprise we have one of the highest rates of volunteering in Australia," Minister Davidson said.
"Every week, hundreds of people generously give their time to help others whether that be in aged care, disability, community services, environment, the arts, health, education, emergency services, recreation or sport.
"The Volunteering Strategy and First Action Plan respects the invaluable contributions volunteers provide all over our community and aims to genuinely support them so we can continue to work a fairer, healthier and more equitable Canberra.
"The action plan aims to increase awareness and numbers of volunteers, promote the benefits and value they add to our community, improve cross-sector collaboration and training and make volunteering more inclusive and accessible."
"The Strategy and Plan were co-designed with VolunteeringACT and reflects a joint, whole-of government and community sector commitment to support our volunteers and encourage volunteering activities across the Territory.
"We couldn't do this without the community sector. Their insights and input over the past two years has produced a Strategy that will genuinely support our volunteers and provide more opportunities for people to volunteer across our city."
As stated by Chief Executive Officer Jean Giese, Volunteering ACT
"I am delighted to be launching this Strategy alongside Minister Davidson, and sharing our cross-sector vision for how we will work in partnership over the next decade to ensure ACT volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations receive the recognition, support and investment they need to continue making the amazing contributions they make to the life of our city and region.
"I would also like to acknowledge the countless individuals and groups who gave their time to help us develop the Strategy over the past few years - in particular our Volunteering Strategic Advisory Group members and Community Services Directorate colleagues.
"We could not have reached this huge milestone without their expertise, knowledge and continued support throughout our co-design journey.
"We look forward to continuing our partnership with the ACT Government to progress the actions and expanding our engagement with the ACT volunteering sector and wider stakeholders including Ministerial Councils, and we are excited to be supporting our government colleagues to hold the first annual ACT Volunteering Strategy round table."
