Experts agree the benefits of volunteering are far-reaching, but with communities constantly evolving what will volunteering look like in the next 100 years? According to international volunteer entrepreneur and author Rob Jackson as more funding gets cut for service providers, the role of a volunteer has never been more important.
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The research shows if you volunteer you'll live longer, you'll be happier and healthier, physically and mentally.
- Rob Jackson
“The research shows if you volunteer you'll live longer and be happier and healthier, physically and mentally,” he said. “There are benefits not just to the individual but the community they live in and organisation they volunteer for.”
Mr Jacksom Australia flew in from the United Kingdom to share his expertise on Wednesday. He spent the day mentoring community leaders on how to encourage community members to volunteer.
Volunteering Western Victoria chief executive Julie Pettett volunteers in rural areas empower their townships.
“They can change and create the communities around them,” Ms Pettett said.
“If a rural community decides they want a girl guides group then they make it happen themselves. In communities like Horsham you get to create the idea and drive the vibrancy.”
