MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
'Around the world, more than 700 Australian volunteers are working in 34 countries, contributing their skills and energy to help communities in need, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, said today on International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development (December 5).
'Australian volunteers are having a significant impact throughout the globe in a diversity of roles that include cricket coaches in Fiji, doctors in Vietnam, plumbers in Sri Lanka and youth workers in Mongolia,' Mr Billson said.
'Since the 1960s, more than 9,000 volunteers have been supported by the Australian Government and although their ages range from 18 to 78 and their professions vary greatly, they are all united by a passion to get involved and a commitment to help those in need,' Mr Billson said.
'Volunteers overseas are placed on assignments in areas that host governments and organisations consider priorities. They fill gaps in expertise and play a critical role in passing on their knowledge to counterparts, making a huge difference to the lives of many people.
'Volunteering in developing countries is not always easy - living conditions are different to home and climates can be harsh, however the personal rewards can be great and I encourage all Australians to volunteer in some capacity at home or abroad,' Mr Billson said.
In 2004-05, the Australian Government is contributing $21.6 million to volunteer programs, as part of an increased aid budget of $2.133 billion.
Further information on volunteering overseas is available at www.ausaid.gov.au
Media inquiries:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 02 6277 4879 or 0408 680 442
Dominic Morice (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 or 0417 683 126