We Volunteer has been created by the Victorian Government as a means of connecting those who want to help out during the ongoing COVID crisis, and those who are desperately in need of volunteer help.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the initiative recently.
“Many have found themselves needing extra support and connection during the pandemic,” he said.
“And Victorians have risen to the challenge, with volunteers from all walks of life making simple — yet meaningful — contributions, whether it's picking up the phone and having a chat, dropping off food or teaching people how to video call their loved ones.
"The Victorian Government is connecting Victorian volunteers with Victorians who need help, with a new online platform to match volunteers to roles where their skills are best suited.”
Echuca Neighbourhood House manager Sarah Peake said she expected volunteers to return to their roles when the crisis has calmed.
“We've placed around 75 per cent of volunteers on voluntary leave during stage three restrictions,” she said.
“We utilise volunteers in various areas — reception, community garden, kitchen, food relief, no-interest loans, and at the back nine golf course as gate keepers and grounds staff.
“I anticipate that all of these people will return to their voluntary roles once the restrictions ease and we return to the new normal.”
Ms Peake said the new government initiative could have a lot of long-term benefits for volunteering across the state, and potentially for groups such as ENH.
“I do believe We Volunteer will be beneficial in the future if and when we need to add community members to our volunteer base,” she said.
Echuca Regional Hospital volunteer co-ordinator Shari Butcher said its volunteer program — which includes 120 people — had been on hold since March.
“Our volunteer program has been on hold to ensure the safety of our volunteers, staff and patients. In that time, the health service has felt the significant impact of volunteers not being present within the health service,” Mrs Butcher said.
“Since March, over 4900 hours of usual volunteer support to our staff, patients, residents and families has been greatly missed.
“At ERH, we are in constant communication with our volunteers through various means, and are using this time to evaluate our programs, look at re-engagement strategies and ensure volunteering continues to play a vital role in the fabric of our health service in the future.
“We are following advice from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Victorian Government and will re-engage our volunteers as soon as it is practical and safe to do so.”
Mrs Butcher said she also held high hopes for the We Volunteer program.
“We Volunteer appears to be a great emergency volunteer response platform to the current pandemic and is a great place for people within their communities, who are wanting to show some short-term emergency volunteer response to organisations, to get involved and support their community.”
The move to stage three restrictions saw a number of services run by Campaspe Shire shut down, limiting the number of volunteers required.
“When we do get to open up our services again, we trust our valued volunteers will come back, if they are able,” council said.
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