Melbourne 2006 Offers Volunteers 'Springboard'
7 February 2005 at 12:02 pm
The Victorian Government’s $697 million commitment to deliver lasting benefits from hosting the ‘best ever Commonwealth Games’ also offers a ‘springboard’ opportunity for volunteers, according to Premier Steve Bracks.
The Premier says he wants volunteers to get the most out of their Games experience, and hopefully use it as a springboard for new opportunities – whether it’s volunteering in their local area or opening the door to a career in the Not for Profit sector.
The Premier’s comments came at the launch of the volunteer recruitment drive for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games with up to 15,000 volunteers needed to ensure the Games are the most successful ever.
The campaign is described as a once-in-a-lifetime chance for volunteers to witness around 4500 elite athletes from 71 nations gathering in Melbourne to take part in the XVIII Commonwealth Games. More than 9,000 potential volunteers lodged applications in the first two days after the launch.
The Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games will be held from 15-26 March 2006 and is expected to attract a global television audience in excess of one billion people.
More than 400 types of volunteer positions will be available at over 80 venues around Victoria. Volunteers of all age groups, cultural backgrounds and skills are required to be volunteers for Melbourne 2006.
The Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Volunteer Program is a national program with 35 per cent of volunteers expected to be recruited from outside Victoria.
The Federal Government has provided $18.2 million to launch the Volunteer Program as part of an almost $280 million contribution. Major sponsors include the Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, who will deliver volunteer training, and Qantas.
Volunteers will provide a wide range of services from meeting and greeting at the airport, to spectator and tourist support, to driving, ticket ripping, technical assistance and general athlete and coaching support services.
The Volunteer Patrons for the Games are athletics legend Raelene Boyle and basketball icon Andrew Gaze.
Volunteer assessments will take place in all capital cities and a number of Victorian regional centres from mid-late 2005.
Australians interested in becoming a volunteer for the Games are invited to apply online at www.melbourne2006.com.au.
