Western Australia will this week join in celebrations for National Volunteer Week which will mark the immense contribution our volunteers make to the community.
The economic, social and cultural value of volunteering to Western Australia is well in excess of $39 billion.
Four out of five WA residents volunteer either formally or informally which equates to around 315 million hours of time donated.
COVID-19 has changed the way we will celebrate the week this year, but Volunteering WA will ensure the spirit of the occasion will not be lost with virtual celebrations taking place across the State. There will be online games in the Wheatbelt and an art installation recognising student volunteering at the University of Western Australia (UWA). Many organisations are also opting to hold volunteer recognition ‘parties’ via Zoom.
The State Government will recognise our volunteers during National Volunteer Week by lighting up Perth landmarks such as Parliament House and Optus Stadium ‘volunteering red’ to acknowledge the work our volunteers do.
As stated by Volunteering Minister Mick Murray:
“Volunteering is as important as it has ever been as we work our way through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of many organisations and without them they would not exist. Community sport would not be able to happen, and many vital social services would not be able to continue the great work that they do.
“Our volunteers positively change communities and lives every single day, and National Volunteer Week presents a wonderful opportunity to recognise their outstanding contributions.”
