New Guide to Volunteering in Australia

Volunteer West in Victoria works with hundreds of newly arrived migrants each year, who are keen to volunteer as a way of learning more about the Australian community and as a way of giving their time and skills to their new country.

To assist newly arrived migrants Volunteer West has developed Opening up Opportunities - a guide to volunteering in Australia. The guide provides up-to-date and relevant information about how to volunteer.

Over the past twelve months, Volunteer West says it has reversed the national trend and has experienced a significant increase in volunteer enquiries from newly arrived migrants and refugees.

It says around half of the enquiries to Volunteer West are now from newly arrived migrants putting up their hand to volunteer in the western suburbs of Melbourne.

It is well known that volunteering provides wide ranging benefits for both the volunteer and the wider community including:
• providing a sense of contribution
• building and sharing skills
• creating community connections
• increasing interpersonal skills
• improving social integration
• promoting inclusive social attitudes and
• reducing racism

To obtain a copy call Karen Dimmock or Judith Myers at Volunteer West on 03 9687 7661 or info@volunteerwest.org.au