Find your happiness this National Volunteer Week

It’s official: if you want to be happier and sleep more soundly, give a little. 

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman today paid tribute to Queensland’s army of unsung heroes during National Volunteer Week, as she launched a handbook to help potential volunteers set up their own groups.

Volunteering Australia says research shows volunteers are happier, healthier and even sleep better than those who don’t volunteer, leading to this year’s National Volunteer Week theme, ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’.

“This research shows that everyone involved benefits from volunteering, organisations, the people volunteers care for and volunteers themselves,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Queensland is a better place thanks to the dedication of more than a million volunteers. These inspiring people come from all walks of life but all share the same passion for helping others.

“Whether it’s helping others during and after natural disasters, helping conserve our parklands or keep our neighbourhoods safe, volunteers are vital to strengthening our community.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting volunteers at some of this week’s events and thanking them for everything they do for their community.”

Volunteering Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mr Perry Hembury welcomed the Queensland Government’s support of National Volunteer Week and encouraged people to share their happy volunteering stories.

“Volunteering Queensland will continue our long history of celebrating everyone involved in volunteering during the week, including volunteers, volunteer managers, organisations, governments and local communities,” Mr Hembury said. 

“Volunteers come from all different ages, backgrounds and professions but are united in their efforts to help the causes they care about. This year their stories will be represented on our map of Queensland’s Happy Volunteers.”

During National Volunteer Week, events and activities are being held throughout Queensland to mark the contribution volunteers make to our state. The Queensland Government is proud to be the major sponsor for Volunteering Queensland’s National Volunteer Week program.

This year’s activities in Queensland include favourites like the Logan Volunteer Community Games, as well as new webinars for volunteer managers and the launch of a range of handbooks for community organisations.

For great tips about setting up a volunteer group, see the new handbook at: http://www.volunteeringqld.org.au/communityhandbooks. For further information about National Volunteer Week visit the Volunteering Queensland website at www.volunteeringqld.org.au.

Media Contact:                                 Minister Fentiman’s office             3719 7500