Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Disability Services and Community Development, 18 May 2020
National Volunteer Week 2020
During these uncertain and challenging times, it is now more important than ever to recognise, acknowledge and thank all of Tasmania’s volunteers who help ensure services and supports are getting to those who need it.
This year’s National Volunteer Week 2020 theme of ‘Changing Communities, Changing Lives’ provides an opportunity to say thanks to the enormous contribution volunteers make to communities across the state.
More than 2,200 Tasmanians have registered with Volunteering Tasmania’s emergency volunteers crew following the Government’s $130,000 investment to Volunteering Tasmania as part of our Economic and Support Package, joining the more than 1,200 emergency volunteers who had already registered to respond to natural disasters.
It is in part thanks to these volunteers that nearly 12500 ready to eat meals for those less fortunate have been produced this week alone, a 330 per cent increase from pre COVID-19. I would like to also thank the more than 200 volunteers working to co-ordinate the production and delivery of these meals for Tasmanians across the state.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to helping all Tasmanians get through this time of uncertainty, and we will continue to work with our community organisations to ensure we support those in greatest need.
I would like to express my gratitude for the rapid response and hard work that many community sector organisations and their volunteers have delivered to support our entire community during this pandemic, especially those who would have found this situation far tougher without it.
Whether it be fire, flood, or pandemic, volunteers are a true reflection of the Tasmanian community spirit, and I encourage everyone to acknowledge our volunteers who play a pivotal role in times of crisis.
As the response to COVID-19 continues, I urge more Tasmanians who are able to, to register to volunteer and join this coordinated response to help deliver a range of essential services. For more information go to https://www.volunteeringtas.org.au/.
CALLUM JONES: You Make a Life by What You Give.
Media release – Roger Jaensch, Minister for Environment and Parks; Guy Barnett, Minister for Primary Industries and Water;
Elise Archer, Minister for Heritage – 17 May 2020
Volunteers vital in supporting Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage
During National Volunteer Week (which runs from 18-24 May) it’s important that we recognise the important contribution Tasmania’s skilled and hardworking volunteers make in supporting the Tasmanian community.
More than 3000 volunteers contribute to programs and activities across the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) to deliver key priorities.
While much of the volunteering which would normally be undertaken in these areas is on-hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important that we recognise the commitment and dedication of volunteers.
Volunteers work alongside DPIPWE employees to protect the biodiversity of Tasmania, welcome visitors, provide tours and education, support sustainable fisheries, and contribute to conservation efforts to protect Tasmania’s historical heritage, flora and fauna.
More than 2400 volunteers play an integral role in supporting the work of PWS across its network of 19 national parks and more than 800 reserves.
They donate their time looking after visitors and welcoming campers, working alongside PWS employees maintaining local reserves, improving the condition of walking tracks and undertaking general maintenance and weed control. The PWS is looking forward to many of these activities restarting once it is safe to do so.
Volunteer caretakers provide a significant service for visitors at a number of popular sites and play an integral role in looking after reserves, through practical maintenance and conservation work.
Volunteers also add value to a range of DPIPWE heritage, marine, flora and fauna conservation programs, including efforts to build enduring populations of the Tasmanian Devil and Orange Bellied Parrot in the wild.
Water and Marine Resources volunteers also participate in the Fishcare Tasmania program, providing education and information to support sustainable fishing practices across the Tasmanian community.
And, more than 120 volunteers support the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, working across visitor services, gardening groups and in the Tasmanian Seedbank.
The work of volunteers will be even more important as services re-open and programs resume, and we look forward to welcoming volunteers back as soon as it is safe to do so.
We thank all volunteers for the important contribution they make in supporting Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage programs.
For more information about volunteering visit: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/about-the-department/volunteering-at-dpipwe
