Volunteers

Valuing volunteers in sport and recreation

Nationally, community sport and recreation relies on 2.3 million volunteers who contribute more than 180 million hours to running sport and recreation. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in WA during 2010 there were 235,000 sport and recreation volunteers. Volunteers that create and sustain these organisations make a vital contribution to the needs of the community. 

Voluntary work is an enormous source of social capital and contributes directly to the growth and development of social networks and social cohesion within communities.

Volunteers also have a vital role to play in providing opportunities for all Western Australians to have physically active lifestyles.

Department's position on volunteers

The department greatly values the significant contribution volunteers make to the sport and recreation industry and to the wider Western Australian community.

Position on volunteers

Education and training for volunteers

We recognise the importance of supporting and recognising volunteers so they feel valued and are able to fulfill the position they have been given. 

Education and training is a vital component of a good volunteer management program. Volunteers who are offered some form of training are more able to carry out their duties more comfortably and confidently and, as a result, more efficiently, which will in turn benefit their organisations.

The department helps to provide education and training for volunteers in coaching, officiating, sports medicine and administrative and management programs.