Media Release

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

Council's Volunteer Support Training Program's latest course Responsible Serving of Alcohol attracted a range of participants across volunteering organisations when it was held late last month at the Swan Hill Town Hall.

Presented by Michael Amy and Swan Training, the 19 participants of the accredited course learned about responsible serving of alcohol in licensed premises under Victorian Legislation and upon completion of the course, received an accredited Responsible Serving of Alcohol certificate.

Swan Hill Rural City Council's Volunteer Support Officer Jenny Astall said the course was important for any volunteer or organisation that served alcohol at functions.

“The Responsible Serving of Alcohol course not only promoted knowledge and awareness in regard to the serving of alcohol, it also discussed the facts and problems associated with alcohol, alcohol and the law, who is accountable when it comes to ensuring alcohol is served responsibly and handling difficult customers,” she said.

“The Volunteer Support Training program would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Amy and Swan Training for presenting this necessary course.”

The next course for volunteers will be Food Handling, which will take place on Monday, 26 October at the Swan Hill Town Hall Café Bar from 6pm and 10pm.

“This free and accredited course is a legal requirement if you handle and sell food for community functions,” Ms Astall said.

“For many volunteers who, through fundraising and other activities, handle, serve or sell food this qualification is essential.”

Community and volunteer organisations seeking more information or who would like to book in for the course, can contact Jenny Astall on 5036 2333 or 0428 573 057.