For ordinary people, a working day is not broken up by the threat of a thunderstorm, or a bushfire but for emergency volunteers they go to work with the possibility that they could be called away to protect and fight for persons, property, even animals.
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Recent figures released by Volunteering Australia in 2018 showed that there are 5.8 million people over the age of 15 who volunteer in Australia, or one in three, and this figure does not include those who give their time informally at weekend sports fixtures or in committees.
However, this number is a decline, and those sectors with the highest unmet demand, include disability support, aged care and community mental health.
Volunteer organisation presidents in the Upper Lachlan are concerned about the lack of interest shown in joining local branches and growing their current numbers, which could inevitably lead to closure.
This extends to various committees who are crying out for new ideas.
So how do we influence the next generation to join the ranks?
Volunteering Australia CEO Adrienne Picone was disappointed that in the 2018-18 Federal Budget there was no strategic approach to grow a culture of giving in Australia.
This was despite research released by the group showing that volunteering yielded a 450 per cent return for every dollar invested.
Nationally, this is an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion.
“There is an absence of comprehensive budgetary measures that are aimed at building the capacity of the volunteering sector,” said Ms Picone.
Most Australians of all ages engage with volunteers regularly and our culture is strongly linked with a fair go, mateship and helping people out.
Perhaps its time we focused on the benefits of being a volunteer, rather than volunteering being seen as a sacrifice.
People who volunteer gain skills and experience positively impact the community, and contribute to their own happiness and health, while also developing their career-related skills and opportunities.
I, for one, joined the SES for the training that it offered, including 4WD, orienteering, flood and vertical rescue. I didn’t join for the 2am finishes or balancing on a roof in extreme conditions, and I don’t know anyone that did.