Volunteering in the greater Gawler area will have a greater profile and presence following the decision by Northern Volunteering to extend its outreach services through the offices of local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo.

To mark the occasion of International Volunteer Day (December 5), Mr Piccolo announced today that his office would support the important work undertaken by Northern Volunteering by allowing his electorate office to be a shop for their services.

Mr Piccolo said rather than open a separate service, it made sense to support the extension of the great services already provided by Northern Volunteering.

“Local people who would like to volunteer and not sure how or which organisation or cause, Northern Volunteering can help them,” said Mr Piccolo.

“People will be able to come into our office and we will assist them to register to be a volunteer.”

“Importantly, local organisations who require volunteers can also register their needs, and Northern Volunteering will help them to match up appropriate volunteers.”

“Northern Volunteering also can work with community organisations to help them train their volunteers or train them to recruit new volunteers.”

“Volunteering Gawler, as the new outreach service will be called, is designed to bring all the services and supports that Northern Volunteering provide to the greater Gawler area.”

“Local volunteers will be able to undertake their training locally, either one on one, or in small groups.”

“Volunteers play an important role in our community and we all need to do what we can to support them.”

Donatella Amos, Executive Officer at Northern Volunteering said Northern Volunteering has worked to support the northern Adelaide region for over 38 years and continues to find ways to best support the sector; partnerships such as this one with Tony demonstrates our understanding that local solutions need local knowledge.

“While the recent reports and data around the downturn in volunteering numbers across the country is concerning, Northern Volunteering strives to use its skills and knowledge to source innovative and inclusive strategies which best support each region,” Ms Amos said.

“We welcome the support Tony has provided to us over the years and look forward to being better placed to support the Gawler and District region with localised and more direct services.”

Mr Piccolo said that more information about the services provided by Northern Volunteering can be found at Northern Volunteering (SA) Inc | Northern Adelaide Volunteer Resource and Training Centre (nvsa.org.au) or to contact his office on 85 222 878.