Volunteering Tasmania: Record numbers roll up their sleeves to help Tasmania

Tasmanians have demonstrated unprecedented support to help their own with hundreds of people
registering to roll up their sleeves to help those affected by the bushfires.

According to Volunteering Tasmanian (VT) State Manager Jill Maxwell the overwhelming generosity of
people has prompted a huge spike in volunteer sign-ups. People from across the State have been
offering their time, skills and services in areas such as emergency services, counselling, teaching,
building, medicine and cooking.

“In just two days we’ve had over 400 expressions of interest from people all wanting to volunteer their
skills and expertise in any way possible and that number is constantly growing,” Ms Maxwell said.

“We usually receive 100-200 expressions of interest through Volunteer Connect each month, so this is
an incredible response.

“Whether you are on the front line fighting fires now or assisting with relief efforts in the months to
come, every effort is important to rebuilding the communities affected.”

While VT isn’t responsible for recruiting volunteers, volunteer information collected through the new VT
registry will be provided to Government and community agencies involved in the bushfire relief.

“Those agencies will then get in contact with individuals as community needs become clear,” she said.

“It is times like this we see how important volunteers are to the community, so I am sure I speak on
behalf of all Tasmanians in thanking everyone who is dedicating their time to helping others.”

Register as a volunteer through the Volunteering Tasmania Website:
http://www.volunteeringtas.org.au/2013/01/how-you-can-help-the-bushfire-relief-effort/
Volunteering Tasmania