National Volunteer Week 12-18 May 2014

Tasmanians gathered from far and wide today to celebrate the power of volunteering and the
incredible work of more than 158,000 volunteers statewide who give more than 49,000 hours on
any given day, to around 5,000 organisations, at the launch of National Volunteer Week (NVW).

Volunteering Tasmania CEO Adrienne Picone said the theme of NVW 2014 – which also marked the
25 anniversary of the Week – was celebrating the power of volunteering.

“According to national statistics, more than six million Australians volunteer their time and
expertise, and what these volunteers achieve on an annual basis is worth more than $200 billion to
the Australian economy,” Ms Picone said.

“These figures alone don’t reflect the power volunteering can have on an individual, a community or
the wider society, with volunteering also proven to produce health benefits including happiness and
longevity.

“This Week is a celebration of volunteers, volunteer managers and the leaders who help drive and
direct the power of volunteers to serve volunteer organisations and our local communities.

“In Tasmania we certainly couldn’t imagine life without our volunteers, with the events of the 2013
southern bushfires highlighting the immense power volunteers carry to protect and enrich our lives.”

Ms Picone said while NVW celebrated those individuals who gave up their time, it was also a timely
reminder about the societal benefits of volunteerism and its impact on the Tasmanian community.

“As part of the State of Volunteering Report Tasmanian 2012 (SOVR 2012), Professor David Adams
pointed to $540 million in costs saved in Tasmania each year alone, due to the commitment and
dedication of our volunteers,” she said.

“The SOVR 2012 also revealed volunteer numbers are projected to increase statewide from now
until 2050, with one in three volunteers being aged 65 or over within the next 20 years.

“Volunteering is vital to our local communities, with Tasmania currently having more than 158,000
volunteers– and that’s only the volunteers we know about.”

National Volunteer Week runs from 12 – 18 May and aims to recognise the contribution of the six
million volunteers who offer their time and dedication to Australian communities.

For more information phone Volunteering Tasmania on (03) 6231 5550 or visit the website at
www.volunteeringtas.org.au.
Volunteering Tasmania CEO Adrienne Picone