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Volunteering in all its forms is a crucial part of life, connecting and building community networks. It is these strong community networks, alongside strong personal (friends and family) and governance networks (people’s connection to decision making institutions) that fosters community strength.
The benefits from participating in a volunteering capacity, not only includes personal benefits such as providing self confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging, evidence shows that community networks develop broader benefits for the community. These include acceptance of diversity, feelings of safety, and reinforcement of social norms and behaviours that reduce crime, violence and decrease community disharmony.
The Swan Hill Rural City Council as an organisation is committed to encouraging volunteering by its involvement in the Volunteer Support Program. This program provides an exciting opportunity to support, extend and sustain volunteer participation. In particular, the creation of new partnerships and networks between and within local government, local community groups and businesses are encouraged to support the identification of needs and sustainable solutions through either:-
- Developing new and innovative initiatives in volunteering;
- Connecting people who have never volunteered before, in roles and sectors that have not engaged volunteers before, while
- Supporting established services.
There is increasing evidence that communities with high levels of volunteer participation and active social networks have better economic outcomes, higher education achievements, improved community safety, better experiences for families and children, and better health and well-being in general.
Volunteer Support Officer
Jenny Astall
Phone 5036 2380
Mobile 0428 573 057
Email jastall@swanhill.vic.gov.au
View photos from National Volunteer Week events held in Swan Hill during May.
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2009 Volunteer Recognition Awards |
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The Volunteer Recognition Awards have been held at the Swan Hill Town Hall to great success. Go to photo gallery Council's Volunteer Support Officer Jenny Astall said the evening, which was held on Saturday night, went exceptionally well with a great |
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National Survey of Volunteering Issues |
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Volunteering Australia's 2009 'National Survey of Volunteering Issues' is now open Volunteering Australia invites all volunteers and not for profit organisations that involve volunteers, as well as business organisations that have employee volunteering |
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Volunteer Skillsbank |
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Volunteer Skillsbank To assist; support and increase volunteer participation with the ultimate aim of recruitment within your organization, group or club simply click on ‘Volunteer Skillsbank’ and follow the prompts. The service is provided at no cost |
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Volunteer Recognition Awards Evening |
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The Swan Hill Rural City Council and Volunteer Support Program cordially invites all volunteers and community organisations to its inaugural ‘Volunteer Recognition Awards’ evening to be held at the Town Hall on 13 September 2008. |
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Links |
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Go to this page for more information and links to other useful resources. |
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Volunteer Training Program |
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The Volunteer Support Training Program is an initiative offered through the Swan Hill Rural City Council and the Department of Planning & Community to all volunteers of Community Organisations/Clubs wanting to learn, enhance and/or refresh old skills.
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How Do I Become A Volunteer? |
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Have you decided to be a volunteer but you are not sure how to get started? Read on to find out how to get involved. |
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