RUDD GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN OUR EMERGENCY VOLUNTEERS
Tuesday 4 August 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced additional funding of over $3.3 million for 179 projects as part of the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (NEVSF).
The NEVSF provides practical support for volunteers by building and improving our national preparedness to manage emergencies. The Fund has been particularly successful in building and training volunteers to be ready to respond to a range of possible emergencies.
Speaking at St John Ambulance Australia national headquarters, Mr McClelland said it is important to appreciate just how vital volunteers are to Australia’s emergency management framework.
“Every year some 500,000 Australians volunteer their services, with 350,000 of them directly involved in emergency first response through State Emergency Services and rural fire services.”
“It is estimated that these emergency volunteers save taxpayers more than $12 billion on wages alone – an amount that would be impossible to provide in their absence.”
Funding will be provided to a range of projects that will, for example:
- enhance the quality of training for volunteers;
- improve volunteer recruitment campaigns;
- construct and fit-out dedicated training facilities; and
- purchase key infrastructure and equipment.
Each project aims to boost the recruitment, retention and training of volunteer organisations at the frontline of emergency management.
Collectively, they represent a significant addition to the capability of volunteer agencies to prepare for, respond to and recover from, emergencies.
The Rudd Government is committed to ensure that this remarkable voluntary work continues, that training is provided, and that new recruits are encouraged to come forward.
Details of projects funded through the NEVSF can be found on the Emergency Managament Australia website.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630
