Volunteering, but not as you know it

Volunteers were recognised in Volunteer of the Year ceremonies around NSW last month. But are the numbers of these priceless community helpers declining?

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released earlier this year show 31 per cent of Australians volunteered in 2014 compared to 36 per cent four years prior.

Centre for Volunteering chief executive Gemma Rygate said while it appeared volunteer rates were down, people were beginning to volunteer in new ways, including over the phone and online, that may not be considered as traditional volunteering.

“People are really time poor and I think we know that as a general rule,” she said. “Right across the board people want different ways to make that contribution.”

Earlier this year, Volunteering Australia reviewed the definition of volunteering to encompass the broader contribution of volunteers including virtual volunteering, corporate volunteering, social entrepreneurship and informal volunteering. Ms Rygate said volunteers were an important part of the community.

“People give more than 743 million hours of their time each year – they’re the backbone of our community.” The organisations and people helped through volunteering aren’t the only benefactors.

Pam Ingram was a nominee for the Senior Volunteer of the Year award on the Central Coast. Her volunteer work helps people with dementia and provides their carers with respite.

“I get a lot out of volunteering,” Pam said. “It’s nice to get in the car at the end of the day and think you’ve made someone smile or laugh.”

The overall NSW Volunteer of the Year will be announced on December 4 as part of International Volunteer Day.