NATIONAL EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
20 April 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today attended the inaugural National Emergency Volunteer Leadership Programme in Mount Macedon, Victoria.
“The events of this summer, including the tragic Victorian bushfires as well as fires in other States, severe storms, cyclones and flooding in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia highlight that Australia would not be able to cope with events of this magnitude without volunteers” Mr McClelland said.
“To bring together some of Australia’s leading volunteer organisations for a coordinated training programme is a tremendous step forward.”
The four day Programme includes representatives from the Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul, the Australian Council of State Emergency Services, the SES Volunteers Association, the Australasian Fire Authorities Council, Surf Lifesaving Australia, the Australian Volunteer Coastguard, the Royal Volunteer Coastguard, and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency.
“The Programme develops participant skills in areas such as self management, dealing with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, leading and advocating change in the volunteer sector, and media liaison” Mr McClelland said.
“All of these skills are vital to the operation of a modern, effective volunteer organisation.”
The National Emergency Volunteer Leadership Programme is organised on behalf of the Australian Emergency Management Volunteer Forum.
The Programme commenced on Friday 17 April and concludes today.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630
