Council celebrates growth and impact of volunteering
According to the 2023 State of Volunteering SA report, for every dollar invested in volunteering, there is a substantial economic return of $5.20, benefiting the entire community. This attests to the importance of volunteering, which remains at the heart of community-building efforts in Mount Barker.
The 2021 census revealed that the volunteering rate in Mount Barker stood at an impressive 21.5 percent, significantly higher than the greater Adelaide region's 15.5 percent. This demonstrates the strong culture of giving back within the Mount Barker district.
Council's volunteer program plays an essential role in supporting, maintaining, and expanding volunteering opportunities across the district. This program is aligned with the revised National Standards for Volunteer Involvement and the National Strategy for Volunteering 2023-2033, ensuring that volunteering opportunities are safe, inclusive, and accessible, while also promoting a sense of purpose and skill development for all participants.
Throughout the 2023/24 financial year, 38 new volunteers joined the Council, bringing the total number of active volunteers to 160, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. These volunteers contributed an astounding 18,245 hours, enabling the council to extend its services and further enhance community engagement.
Key highlights from the council's volunteer program include:
- Implementation of the Volunteer Management Framework to support and retain volunteers.
- Regular advertising of volunteer opportunities through platforms like Seek Volunteering and Volunteering SA&NT.
- End-of-year recognition events and awards to celebrate the achievements of Council volunteers.
- Collaborative efforts with Adelaide Hills Council to promote and support community volunteer programs, including training workshops, leadership meetings, and the highly successful National Volunteer Week celebrations.
Council also continues to support local community organisations by providing training and resources to help expand volunteer opportunities. This includes workshops on topics such as event management, social media, and risk management, as well as maintaining the Volunteer Connect portal, which allows organisations to advertise volunteer vacancies online.
As we look to the future, the council remains committed to the vision outlined in the National Strategy for Volunteering and will continue to enhance and grow its Volunteer Management Framework. Volunteering is, and will continue to be, the backbone of community life in Mount Barker, and the council thanks all volunteers for their extraordinary service.
visit our website Volunteering | Mount Barker District Council, contact our Volunteer Development Officer on 8393 6414 or email volunteering@mountbarker.sa.gov.au for more information about volunteering in the district.
