Press Releases

Victoria’s army of dedicated volunteers have been formally thanked for their contribution to the State at the launch of National Volunteer Week in Melbourne today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan officially launched volunteer week celebrations during a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Red Cross Australia headquarters.

Mr Ryan said volunteers came from all walks of life and were often the lifeblood of Victorian communities.

“More than 1.5 million Victorians make a huge contribution to our local communities as volunteers, doing important work across a range of sectors such as emergency services, in health and ageing, education, social justice, heritage and culture, and sport and recreation,” Mr Ryan said.

“The courageous and sensitive support of local volunteers both during and following devastating emergencies such as bushfires and floods has been particularly highlighted in recent years.

“This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘every volunteer counts’ and there are many people in our community who know first-hand just how valuable volunteers can be, and for that we are very thankful.”

Mr Ryan said volunteers often got as much out of the experience as the communities that they supported, and took the opportunity to encourage more people to volunteer.

“Volunteers participate in a range of areas and often pick up new skills, extend networks and enjoy a sense of fulfillment through helping others,” Mr Ryan said.

“I’d encourage everyone to consider volunteering and have a look at the many opportunities that are available on Victoria’s Volunteering Portal,” Mr Ryan said.

“The volunteering portal has more than 3,500 volunteering opportunities on offer from more than 500 organisations – from fire fighting, floods recovery and lifesaving, to pre-school care, adult education, sport and recreation, health, arts, heritage, tourism and local government.”

For more information visit: www.volunteer.vic.gov.au.

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541 Read More

Almost $12 million is on offer to emergency services groups for the purchase of vital resources such as rescue equipment, trucks and facility upgrades, Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said today

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government’s $11.95 million Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program was offering grants of up to $100,000 to ensure local volunteers are equipped to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.

“Emergency services volunteers play a crucial role in protecting lives and property and the Victorian Coalition Government is pleased to provide record funding to boost the capability of local volunteers to respond to emergencies,” Mr Ryan said.

“From surf lifesavers to fire fighters, our volunteers are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency services, so we want to ensure they have the best equipment available to help them carry on their vital work.

“By committing more money for equipment and upgrades than ever before, the Coalition Government is ensuring our emergency services have the resources they need to continue their vital work for the community.”

Mr Ryan said the grants may be used to pay for upgrades to group facilities or for the equipment needed to assist in emergencies, such as trucks, trailers and generators.

“The VESEP will also contribute $2 for every $1 of funding raised by local volunteer groups,” Mr Ryan said.

The VESEP grants program is open to members of the Country Fire Authority, Victoria State Emergency Service, Life Saving Victoria, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and other eligible volunteer groups.

Each agency will distribute specific guidelines on selection criteria, application forms and about application lodgement dates to its members and applications will be assessed by a panel of representatives from government and emergency services organisations.

Further information is available from www.justice.vic.gov.au, or email vesep@justice.vic.gov.au.

Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870 Read More

Victorians willing and able to assist during an emergency are being encouraged to submit their details to a new Emergency Volunteer Register officially launched by the Victorian Coalition Government today. Read More

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan thanked the army of Victorian volunteers and volunteering organisations for their outstanding contribution to communities across the state as part of International Volunteer Day today. Read More

The rich diversity of Victoria’s volunteers will be celebrated under a new $400,000 Victorian Coalition Government Valuing Diversity in Volunteering Program announced today by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan. Read More

Monday 22 August 2011 Read More