A Short History of Volunteering in Australia
Early Beginnings
There is a well-established practice of volunteering in Australia. That the NSW Colonial Secretary was also the Inspector of Charities (Administrative Arrangements 1856-1901) shows how the colonial Government depended heavily on faith-based organisations and other charities to provide for the disadvantaged. Successive Australian governments have continued to work with churches, non-religious charities and philanthropic organisations to meet the social issues and welfare needs of Australians.
While the principle of volunteering stems from the concept of charity and has a religious foundation, it is not limited to any particular faith. Charitable works were a strong part of the Victorian concept of duty and even the Governor’s wife would volunteer her time. Eliza Darling was one, who interested herself in the education of girls from poor backgrounds.
Australian Firsts
The Benevolent Society, founded by Edward Smith Hall in 1813, is considered to be Australia’s oldest charity, apart from religious foundations. It has since then provided a voice as well as material assistance for the disadvantaged. The Benevolent Society was a pioneer in many of its programs. In 1912, for example, it founded the first antenatal clinic in the British Empire.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service, the oldest air-based medical service in the world, was established in 1928 by the Rev John Flynn to cast a “mantle of safety” over the outback. Its dependence on volunteers to assist in its work continues to this day.
The World Wars
The voluntary sector played a huge role during both the First and Second World Wars. Organisations such as the Australian Red Cross Society engaged and organised large numbers of volunteers and Legacy was set up to assist men returned from the 1914-1918 war. In 1925 Legacy started to care for the children of deceased servicemen and continues to do so today.
The Depression
The Great Depression from 1929 to 1932 also encouraged volunteering and “lending a helping hand.” Soup kitchens and clothing handouts were made available by charities until the economic situation slowly improved. Recovery in some sectors actually took until 1939 and then Australia was at war again.
Modern Contributions
There are now an estimated 700,000 non-profit and community organisations in Australia and 5.2million volunteers. Many of these bodies rely completely on their volunteers to operate. As well as bringing important social benefits, volunteers contribute an estimated $42 billion to the Australian economy.
With the further expansion of community organisations, ‘peak bodies’ formed as similar organisations merged to better coordinate services and avoid overlap. Today, Volunteering Australia is the national peak body representing volunteering organisations.
Recognising Volunteers
In 1985, the United Nations General Assembly established December 5 as International Volunteer Day and Australia and other nations celebrate the contribution of volunteers on this day. The United Nations also proclaimed 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers, which provided a unique opportunity to highlight the achievements of millions of volunteers worldwide as well as encouraging more people to volunteer their services.
Australia recognises the contribution of its volunteers through events like National Volunteering Week and the presentation of awards and certificates.