Inaugural taskforce to boost volunteering

Volunteers across the state will have increased support and recognition following the establishment of the first Ministerial Volunteer Taskforce in NSW.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the inaugural Ministerial Volunteer Taskforce will identify and prioritise needs, challenges and opportunities faced by volunteers in NSW.

“As we continue to celebrate National Volunteer Week, it is vital that our dedicated and heroic volunteers are well-supported,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“The launch of the Ministerial Volunteer Taskforce is an important step to strengthen the volunteering sector in NSW following the bushfires, pandemic and most recently, the floods.”

There are more than 4.9 million volunteers across NSW supporting many organisations and initiatives including social groups, animal rescue, social clubs and community gardening.

The Hon. Scott Farlow MLC, Chair of the Ministerial Volunteer Taskforce said that the taskforce will play an important role in supporting the volunteering sector in NSW.

“This is the first time a taskforce of this kind has been established in NSW and we are looking forward to working together to put volunteering at the forefront of everyone’s minds and provide support to the volunteering sector,” Mr Farlow said.

The Volunteer Taskforce will be made up of 13 volunteers and volunteer organisations and will look into a number of topics including volunteer recruitment, retention, research and recognition.

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