Page 2089 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 15 May 2013
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that requires a high commitment of time, expertise and training and, inevitably, can involve firefighters putting themselves in personal danger in order to protect the community. This is the kind of commitment that we can never thank them enough for.
A not so small NGO is the RSPCA, which is also in the business of saving lives, albeit the lives of the animals of the ACT. The RSPCA provides a great case study of an organisation that maximises its volunteer support to best effect. In 2011-12 it utilised the support of more than 500 volunteers, including 100 new recruits. Volunteers assist with day-to-day care of animals and people clearly enjoy their involvement.
In a good demonstration of how an organisation can forge networks through the community, the RSPCA has commenced a partnership at the AMC for some staff and detainees to learn animal husbandry skills and provides an opportunity to learn skills that might be useful for detainees for future employment. The RSPCA has also partnered with Anglicare to place “senior” animals with some of our senior residents in Anglicare accommodation, as older animals often struggle to find homes due to their age. There is no doubt that the RSPCA is building its capacity to fully engage in many aspects of the Canberra community, and this is fostered and supported by their active engagement of volunteers.
With respect to a group of volunteers close to my heart and who support the work that TAMS undertakes, I would like to say a specific thankyou to our Parkcare and Landcare groups. They are a dedicated group of people who show genuine concern and passion for our natural environment. With 21 Parkcare groups across Canberra and 16 Landcare groups, the contribution they make is significant.
The Canberra we know could not exist without the generous donation of time and expertise that our volunteers provide. Without them Canberra would be a poorer place and a less inclusive place. Community organisations which provide vital services to our community are an essential element in promoting volunteer activities. And so many not-for-profit organisations owe their continued existence to the efforts of volunteers, who answer the phones and assist with things such as administration and fundraising events. These are often the key to a successful small NGO.
People who have taken part in activities through clubs and societies are often inspired to become volunteers themselves. But for others, knowing where to go to volunteer can be difficult. Organisations such as Volunteering ACT play an important role in giving an avenue for those who want to start contributing but do not know where to start. They also provide support for both volunteers and organisations with advice and skills training so that organisations can find the people they need and people can find the voluntary work that they want.
Volunteering can deliver many benefits not just to the organisation or the recipient of the service but to the person volunteering. People get a sense of engagement with community that is important to all of us. We know that that engagement brings a sense of self-worth, connections to people of like mind and a vehicle for social engagement. Indeed I note that Greening Australia recently held an event called
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