- Miles Government to deliver more recognition, support and opportunities for Queensland's volunteering sector.
- The Queensland Volunteering Strategy 2024-2032, recognises the vital role volunteers in our communities and aims to inspire more people to have a go.
- Renewed commitment to Government working together with volunteer organisations to help volunteering thrive.
The Miles Government is committed to nurturing vibrant, inclusive and sustainable volunteering that supports our communities. In recognition of the vital role of volunteering, the Queensland Volunteering Strategy 2024-2032 outlines a new, whole-of-government strategy to recognise, celebrate and grow volunteering in Queensland.
Volunteers play a critical role in providing cost-of-living relief to Queenslanders in need and providing programs and services to combat the scourge of social isolation and loneliness.
Volunteers in Queensland deliver significant value for their communities. The estimated cost to replace the labour volunteers freely give each year is more than $31.3 billion.
The Queensland Volunteering Strategy aims to respond to enduring challenges impacting volunteers and the volunteering sector and identifies new opportunities to make sure more people are inspired to give volunteering a go under an ambitious but actionable roadmap.
The Strategy outlines improvements in how the Queensland Government can work with volunteers, volunteer organisations and sector leaders to realise a future where volunteering thrives.
The new strategy is supported by the Queensland Volunteering Strategy Action Plan 2024-2026 which outlines three actions: 'Supported and sustainable volunteering', 'vibrant and inclusive volunteering' and 'recognised and celebrated volunteering'.
The Queensland Volunteering Strategy was a key action identified within the Communities 2032 strategy in recognition of how volunteering can tackle social isolation and loneliness and strengthen our communities.
As stated by Minister Leeanne Enoch:
"The release of the Queensland Volunteering Strategy 2024-2032 is a significant milestone and the start of a journey of ongoing collaboration and partnerships with the volunteering sector over the coming years.
"We have listened to the volunteering sector who have said they want to partner with us to do more.
"This strategy only exists because of the clear advocacy and strong support of the volunteering sector. We now need to build on this foundation to fully realise the great potential and significant opportunities that volunteering offers for all Queenslanders.
"I look forward to strengthening our partnerships with the sector through the life of the strategy as we all work together towards a volunteering ecosystem which strengthens the fabric of all Queensland's communities."
As stated by Jane Hedger, CEO, Volunteering Queensland (APPROVED):
"Volunteering Queensland is delighted to welcome the launch of the Queensland Volunteering Strategy 2024-2032, a crucial initiative we have long advocated for. We are proud to collaborate with the Queensland Government in reinforcing and advancing the vital role of volunteering across our state.
"The strategy is a significant step forward in addressing and advocating for the priorities of the volunteering sector, ensuring that the invaluable contributions of our amazing volunteers are recognised and supported.
"With over 2.8 million Queenslanders volunteering in 2023, volunteer managers have consistently highlighted the importance of a robust supporting strategy. This will provide a foundation to strengthen volunteering across Queensland."
