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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-05-12 Daily Xml
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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Ms CICCARELLO (Norwood) (15:13): My question is to the Minister for Volunteers. Can the minister provide the house with some information about National Volunteer Week, which is being held from 11 to 17 May?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Gambling, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:13): I thank the honourable member for her important question, and I acknowledge her keen interest in volunteers. This week, thousands of volunteers will be honoured at a series of events held across South Australia as part of National Volunteer Week. Morning teas, luncheons and award ceremonies will make up the week-long celebrations dedicated to those generous South Australians who selflessly donate their time in order to help others.

I have the great honour of attending many of the events, including a thank you ceremony for the South Australian volunteers who assisted in the Victorian bushfires. The Victorian bushfires were a dark, dark day in Australia's history. The entire nation watched in horror as the inferno ripped through Victoria's bushland and towns. Amid the terror, volunteers from this state and others valiantly battled what must have been hell on earth.

Mr Pengilly: Are you a volunteer, Tom?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, I am. Are you?

Mr Pengilly: Yes; I am. We've got something in common.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Not very much. These volunteers deserve our utmost respect, and I, on behalf of the state government, thank them and acknowledge their selfless heroism. Yesterday, the Governor-General and I officially launched Volunteer Week in South Australia, and I acknowledge that the shadow minister (the member for Goyder) attended. At the event, I reiterated that the Rann government understands the value of volunteers and their significant contribution to the state's economy. Recently, this government launched several initiatives to highlight volunteering in our community. They are as follows:

2009 Community Projects Award, which recognises the innovation and resourcefulness of a community in a voluntary capacity;

2009 Premier's Business Award for valuable contribution by a business to the volunteering sector;

2009 Joy Noble Medal, to be awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the South Australian community through volunteer service.

South Australia has a proud tradition of volunteering, with nearly 600,000 volunteers involved in various community activities. Nationally, 5.4 million adults—that is, 34 per cent of the population—undertake voluntary work each year. Volunteers contribute more than 700 million hours annually, and 50 per cent of volunteers do so because they believe, and rightly so, that they are helping others.

In these tough economic times, pitching in and getting involved is more relevant than ever. It not only helps people build skills and make themselves job ready but also it assists others in our community who may be doing it tough. It also inspires other volunteers to get involved and for the next generation to pick up the mantle and volunteer. On behalf of the South Australian government, I wish all volunteers a wonderful week. I urge all members to attend as many events as they can—and I notice you are wearing your badge—and thank our volunteers.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

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