FaHCSIA helps to support volunteers, by providing programs and services, and grants and funding for volunteer-based organisations.
The Department is supporting the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens, in the work they are leading on the development of a National Volunteering Strategy. The Strategy will guide Australia’s vision for volunteering.
To assist this work, the Department has been reviewing its own approach to supporting volunteering in Australia. In 2009, the effectiveness of funding provided to Volunteering Australia, the peak volunteering body, was evaluated. Volunteering Australia was found to be highly valued by the voluntary sector and will continue to work in partnership with the Government to represent and advocate for volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations.
More information is available under publications and articles and related agencies and sites.