According to Judith Graley, state member for Narre Warren South, unemployment figures in south-eastern Melbourne are as high as 8.3 per cent, with youth unemployment around 22.3 per cent. When searching for a job, there is one strategy not to overlook - volunteering.
A local incentive, The City of Casey Volunteer Matcher Program, puts potential employees in touch with organizations who need volunteers. While it helps volunteers find a suitable scheme, an event is coming up this month which may interest organizations considering becoming more inclusive and taking voluntary workers on board.
On October 10, the City of Casey Civic Center will welcome those working at sports and leisure centres to an evening workshop on how to reach out to those with disabilities, whether they might be staff, volunteers or customers. The evening workshop is free to attend for staff of such centres and will offer helpful tips on communication and accessibility.
Volunteering can cover a diverse range of activities, most of which are suitable for people with disabilities. They could involve designing a website, organizing an event, flyer and catalog printing, or editing publicity materials, all while making new friends and potential employment contacts. Hiring managers often interview candidates who have been unemployed for several years.
One Narre Warren local Volunteer Matcher spoke highly about the initiative, effusing:
“Volunteering is a pathway to self-discovery. A means of honouring skills and an outlet for purpose.”
Local residents looking for a voluntary placement can log on to the City of Casey’s website and check out the Matcher Program for themselves.
