The value of volunteers

THE value of volunteers is once again being recognised with the return of the City of Casey’s Volunteer Workshops.
They will be held from August 26 to 27 with this year’s theme being ‘The Changing Face of Volunteering’.
City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said the workshops would be an opportunity to meet and discuss how to strengthen volunteering in the community.
Cr Ablett believes volunteers are the backbone of the community and said the City of Casey was committed to encouraging, supporting and promoting the concept.
Volunteer management professional Andy Fryar will run the workshops.
Mr Fryar has had extensive Australian and worldwide experience in facilitating volunteer management.
The aim of the program is to discuss ideas that address the changing landscape of volunteering, and consider strategies for practical volunteer management in a changing society.
City of Casey’s manager of community development, Janette Green said the volunteer workshops were returning in 2009 due to their success last year.
Ms Green said that last year’s volunteers were inspired by their international volunteer expert Dr Judy Esmond.
“Volunteers discovered resource-building strategies and how voluntary work can change a community through actively participating in the workshops,” she said.
The Factory in Cranbourne East will host the Volunteer Workshops and more information can be found at www.casey.vic.gov.au/volunteers website.