Feature Article - Volunteers
Feature article published in the Tasmanian Year Book, 1998 (1301.6)
Voluntary work provides an important contribution in meeting the needs of a community. In Tasmania, volunteers work in sport and recreation, health and welfare, education, community services, emergency services, religion, the arts, and the environment and heritage.
In the twelve-month period to June 1995, 78 900 people in Tasmania contributed 12.8 million hours of service. Females (41,600) contributed 7.0 million hours and males (37,300) 5.8 million hours.
Some 46.9% of all volunteers were involved in fundraising activities, 24.4% in teaching or instruction, and 10.8% were involved in providing personal care and assistance. In stating their reasons for becoming volunteers, 34.7% volunteered to help others in the community, 30.2% for reasons of personal/family involvement, 24.6% for personal satisfaction, and 4.9% to learn new skills.
In Tasmania, the Volunteer Training Service (VTS) receives funds from the Department of Community and Health Services to provide a statewide training and support program. Auspiced by the Volunteer Centre, the VTS offers services to groups and organisations which in turn service the aged, the disabled, and their carers. Regional workshops and information sessions are provided, and a resource library is available. Mediation is provided to assist with conflict arising between volunteers and organisations.
VOLUNTEERS, FIELD OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE, TASMANIA 1994-95
|
 | Persons | Total hours provided |
| | |
| | ’000 | million hr |
|
| Sport/Recreation | 27.5 | 3.1 |
| Welfare/Community | 26.3 | 3.0 |
| Health | 5.2 | 0.6 |
| Emergency Services | 5.9 | 1.0 |
| Education/Training | 14.4 | 1.2 |
| Religion | 14.5 | 2.8 |
| Environmental/Animal Welfare | 2.3 | 0.2 |
| Arts/Culture | 1.7 | 0.1 |
| Other | 6.2 | 0.8 |
| Total | 79.0 | 12.8 |
(a) As a volunteer can work in more than one field, the figures for individual fields of voluntary work will not add to the total.
Source: Voluntary Work, Australia (Cat. no. 4441.0). |
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