MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
After receiving more than 10,000 volunteer calls, the AusAID funded tsunami volunteer hotline closed this week, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, announced today.
'The 1800 volunteer hotline, set up by AusAID and Australian Volunteers International following the Indian Ocean disaster, received an overwhelming and compassionate response from the Australian community,' Mr Billson said.
'The volume of the response by prospective volunteers over three months exceeded all expectations and really reflects the proud Australian tradition of being willing to lend a hand to help those in need.
'AusAID now has a database of more than 10,000 Australians registered to serve as volunteers abroad, many with key international development skills that AusAID will seek to match with relevant positions as the need arises,' Mr Billson said.
'More than 6,000 potential volunteers have experience in health and medicine with other areas of expertise including education, engineering, trade skills and law. All of which can make a real difference to help overseas communities rebuild and develop.
'In the aftermath of the tsunami devastation, deployed volunteers provided critical logistical support in Aceh and much needed teaching assistance in the Maldives.'
'Even though the dedicated hotline has closed, Australians wishing to volunteer can still do so by contacting a registered NGO or volunteer services provider, details of which can be found on the AusAID website: www.ausaid.gov.au,' Mr Billson said.
In 2004-05, the Australian Government is contributing an estimated $21.6 million to volunteer programs, as part of an increased aid budget of $2.133 billion.
Media Contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 0408 680 442
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590