THERE are changes under way in the state’s volunteering sector with recent statistics showing that while more people are volunteering, they are doing so for less time.
Volunteering WA chief executive Mara Basanovic said with National Volunteer Week from May 10-16, it was an ideal time to recognise the state’s volunteers and thank them for their efforts.
“Volunteering has changed in that there are more volunteers, volunteering less time, but with more organisations,” she said.
Volunteering WA statistics show that, in 2006, 587,800 Western Australians volunteered 77.2 million hours, a value of more than $2 billion to the local economy.
Ms Basanovic said while the current official figures were being finalised, the number of volunteers in WA had risen substantially since then (2006).
Volunteer time is currently valued at $24.09 per hour, contributing about $15.7 billion to the Australian economy.
Small Business Development Corporation acting managing director Jacky Finlayson said small business owners were the “first to kick in” when it came to volunteering time or money to support local causes.
“Whether it’s knocking off work to fight a bush fire or donating jumpers for the local football team, small business owners are way out in front when it comes to community service,” Ms Finlayson said.