Volunteering is worth more than $200 billion a year to the Australian economy, outstripping revenue sources from mining, agriculture and the retail sector.
But Dr Lisel O'Dwyer who calculated the latest figures, warned that a focus on the economic value of volunteering can be dangerous, and does not show the whole picture.
“If a volunteer fire fighter saves the life of a child, what is that worth? If environmental degradation is slowed because of millions of trees planted by volunteer conservationists, what is that worth? And if an elderly person receives a hot meal five days a week, what is that worth?” she said.
More than 6.4 million people volunteer their time in Australia. The number of volunteers in Australia has doubled since 1995.
John Q Citizen, Aussie
Administrator
Unfortunately this hasn't gained any comment or traction, symptomatic perhaps of what sections of the community think of volunteers and volunterring in general.
Read moreHaving worked with several philanthropic organisations I offer mixed messages about volunteering and who benefits.
From my perspective, I felt used & abused. Permenant staff generally treated me as a person. Some individuals did not, remaining to be aloof and at times rude and rather pointedly leaving me out of the office going's on…
Clara Ng
Pre-service teacher
John, it is unfortunate that some organisations and individuals take advantage of the free labour and the goodwill of the volunteers. I have had good and bad experiences of volunteering, but overall many good experiences where I gained new skills, made new friends, and gave back to the community (thank goodness!).
I would probably advice any future volunteers to do your research on the organisations that you intent to volunteer. Ask the organisation on their expectations/tasks/commitment expected from volunteers. And if you think it's too much for you, don't do it. There's so many opportunities to volunteer (more than jobs at least) so find out that suits your interests and needs.