Volunteering Strategy to aid communities into the future

Almost 70 per cent of Tasmanians gave their time to volunteer activities in 2023.

The Tasmanian Government knows the value of these volunteer hours and is working to develop the State’s first Volunteering Strategy.

Minister for Community Services, Roger Jaensch, said the 2023 State of Volunteering report provides a deeper understanding of the complex and changing nature of volunteering in Tasmania.

“We know that volunteering increases individual wellbeing, creating a sense of purpose, fulfilment and connection for those who volunteer,” Minister Jaensch said.

“The Tasmanian Government recognises that a strategic approach is required to addressing the changing nature of volunteering.

“We have listened to the volunteering sector’s calls to resource and develop a State Volunteering strategy and we are investing $150,000 this year for its development.

“The strategy, and a five-year action plan, will be developed in consultation with Volunteering Tasmania and the volunteering sector.”

Minister Jaensch said a State strategy and action plan would provide decision makers and policy developers with a comprehensive and informed mechanism through which to include volunteering in public policy.

Consultation with a broad range of stakeholders will take place across Tasmania as part of the development process.

Minister Jaensch said that to further support Volunteering Tasmania’s capacity to support the sector the Tasmanian Government has committed $520,000 a year for two years to the organisation for peak body funding and the delivery of the Tasmanian Volunteering Awards.

“The Tasmanian Volunteering Awards is a fantastic program recognising the positive contribution of volunteers in our State,” Minister Jaensch said.

“I look forward to attending the award ceremony in November and meeting this year’s award recipients.”