| 11 May 2009: ADCA Says Volunteers are a ‘National Treasure’ |
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Volunteers who serve our communities across Australia are a national treasure according to the national peak for the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA).
“In supporting the nation’s 20th National Volunteer Week from 11-17 May 2009, ADCA is very conscious of the role volunteers play in helping to deliver AOD services,” ADCA Chief Executive Officer, David Templeman said today. “The unpaid volunteer army contributes more than 700 million hours of work annually across all sectors and often their invaluable contribution is not recognised or supported in a manner that will ensure their continued commitment.” Mr Templeman said that National Volunteer Week was a time for everyone to think about “just what volunteers contribute to the community, and consider what would happen if these dedicated people stepped aside”. “Some 5.4 million adults or 34 percent of our population contribute their services in some voluntary capacity each year, and particularly in the current global economic climate, governments at all levels must strive to retain or grow this number,” Mr Templeman said. “The four most common areas volunteers step forward to assist with are sport and recreation, education and training, religious groups, and the community health care/ welfare sector. Mr Templeman commented that this year’s theme of Volunteers: Everyday people, extraordinary contribution certainly “carries the message that all of us have something of value to offer, and that every volunteer’s contribution, no matter how big or small, is extraordinary as that person cares enough and gives up personal time to help someone else”. “Advocating on behalf of the AOD sector, ADCA is privileged to have a committed band of volunteers who serve in many roles whether it’s frontline treatment and care, or on AOD Boards and/ or Working Groups,” Mr Templeman said. “As part of our new Governance Arrangements, these volunteers contribute their time and experience to drive change to benefit not only the AOD sector, but the Australian community as a whole.” Media Enquiries: |
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