WA volunteers rise to Games challenge

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23 May 2005
JB059/05

Western Australia’s volunteering spirit has risen to the challenge with local residents signing up to be considered as volunteers during the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, Julie Bishop, Federal Minister for Ageing and Member for Curtin, announced today.

"Over the next two days 120 local residents will be among the first to be interviewed as part of the more than 20,000 candidates who are expected to put up their hands to help," Ms Bishop said.

"Western Australian athletes lead the rest of the nation in many sporting fields, and our local community is backing them up by volunteering to help make the Melbourne Games a success.

"They also provide the opportunity to showcase the best of the West, both on and off the sporting field."

The Australian Government is supporting the Commonwealth Games Volunteer Program through direct financial assistance of $18.2 million as part of a $280 million package of funding, support and services for the Games.

"The response to the recruitment drive has been overwhelming, and is testament to the spirit of Australian volunteerism," Ms Bishop said.

"It is expected that up to 15,000 volunteers will be needed during the Games, across 400 different areas of expertise, and helping at more than 80 Victorian venues.

"Their roles will include a range of activities, from ‘meeting and greeting’ at Melbourne airport, to spectator and tourist support, driving, ticket checking, technical assistance and general athlete and coaching support.

"The Games will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for volunteers to witness more than 4,500 elite athletes from 53 countries gather to compete, and to make a real difference to the success of the event."

Applications for the volunteer recruitment program have now closed. Volunteer assessment is taking places at Perth Town Hall on Tuesday 24 May.

Media contacts:

Rachael Thompson (Ms Bishop) 0417 265 289
Simon Frost (Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation) 0419 495 468