Organisations in need of support and people willing to help are being encouraged to sign up to a new online volunteering platform, designed to support vulnerable people across the Hunter during COVID-19.
“Our area is famous for its wonderful volunteers who give their time and energy to help others” said State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr MP.
Mr Barr said volunteers are being empowered to provide welfare checks, deliver supplies and offer essential transport to vulnerable people through a new online platform linking community members with charities, NGOs and councils.
“The pandemic is placing a significant strain on volunteer-driven organisations who support vulnerable members in the Electorate of Cessnock, and many require more people to help meet demand,” Mr Barr said.
“Volunteers are indispensable within our community and provide a large contribution to community life.”
The NSW Government has partnered with the Centre for Volunteering to develop the platform which is also operating in Victoria and Western Australia.
This new platform allows you to register your details online and an organisation in your local area will get in touch and offer volunteering opportunities when they arise.
“At all times volunteers are the life blood in our communities and we rely heavily on them especially now in times of crisis. Without volunteers there is no doubt our community would not be able to function as successfully as it does.”
“It is through tough times like this COVID-19 pandemic and the recent bushfires that people across the electorate support and care for those struggling and in need of a helping hand” Mr Barr said.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward said the platform promotes informal voluntary opportunities that prioritise safety and wellbeing of participants during COVID-19.
“I encourage any organisation in need of assistance, and any person willing to give up their time to help someone else, to register online today.”
For more information and to register, visit emergency.volunteer.org.au