The Minister for Community Services and Housing, Karen Struthers MP, has launched a new campaign encouraging migrants and refugees to consider volunteering to help learn about their community and make connections as they settle into their new homes. Details are available at www.volunteering.qld.gov.au.

Minister for Community Services Karen Struthers said volunteering could open up a range of opportunities for those who have recently arrived in Australia.

“Volunteering can be a great way for migrants and refugees to make new friends, share their skills and help people in need,” Ms Struthers said.  “It can also help recent settlers develop knowledge of their new communities, gain work experience and meet local referees.

“Volunteering opportunities are available for everyone whatever their situation  whether they possess limited English skills or are working full-time, seeking employment or studying.

“Whether it is volunteering at your local sports club, doing bushcare activities, helping elderly people or volunteering online, the opportunities are endless,” she said.

Ms Struthers said organisations could also benefit significantly by involving migrants and refugees as volunteers.  “Migrants and refugees can contribute greatly to organisations by bringing knowledge of specific cultures, connecting organisations with cultural groups in the community, bringing new perspectives and increasing the cultural sensitivity of services,” she said. 

Ms Struthers said the Queensland Government was committed to increasing volunteering.  “As part of the Toward Q2 targets, the Queensland Government is aiming to increase the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers by 50 per cent by the year 2020,” she said. “This includes increasing volunteering across all sections of the community.”

The Department of Communities has produced a brochure and poster for migrants and refugees outlining the benefits of volunteering. 

Fact sheets have also been produced for organisations that work with migrants and refugees, and for volunteer involving organisations.

To view the volunteering materials or for more information visit www.volunteering.qld.gov.au