Tasmania celebrates fire recovery volunteers and prepares to move forward

Volunteering Tasmania will celebrate Tasmania’s community spirit this weekend as a part of the
Department of Premier and Cabinet’s event, True Island Spirit, to acknowledge everyone who provided
support to communities during the January bushfires.

Volunteering Tasmania’s CEO, Adrienne Picone said the True Island Spirit community event would
congratulate and celebrate those Tasmanians who donated money, goods, time and skills to the
bushfire relief efforts.

Volunteering Tasmania registered almost 600 people through their online database who wanted to
volunteer as part of the recovery efforts and are pleased to have the opportunity to say thank you.
“Overwhelming numbers of volunteers from around State gave up their time to help those in need,
during the bushfires,” Ms Picone said.

“While this support was gratefully welcomed, it highlighted the need for training of volunteers.
“We would encourage people to become involved in volunteering now in order to be prepared for
emergencies and disasters in the future.

“We are reaching the end of the bushfire season, so whether it’s volunteer fire fighting, first aid, building
or animal care, now is the best time to get involved in volunteering and commence training to help in
the future.

“Volunteer Connect is the best place to start if people wish to assist and volunteer with disaster relief in
the future.

“This means we will be able to connect you with an organisation that matches your skill set, available
time and interests in order for you to provide the best assistance possible.”

True Island Spirit will feature free activities, food and entertainment for the whole family. The event will
be held Princes Wharf No. 1 Shed today from 12pm-3pm.
Volunteering Tasmania’s CEO, Adrienne Picone