Anthony Albanese today hosted a morning tea to recognise the service of overseas volunteers from the Inner West.

At the morning tea they were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their work.

“Today is about formally acknowledging the contribution made by these volunteers, and the valuable work they have done.”

“I hope others see their work as an example to aspire to,” said Anthony Albanese.

Volunteers play a vital role in the Australian Government’s overseas aid program. Over the past 12 months, over 600 Australian volunteers represented Australia overseas as either volunteers or Youth Ambassadors.

Australian volunteers were at work in 23 developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. Volunteers were placed through the Australian Youth Ambassadors Program (AYAD), Australian Volunteers International (AVI), Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) and Volunteering for International Development from Australia (VIDA). Volunteers placed through Rotary programs have also been recognised.

The recipients of the certificates are, Dr Enmoore Lin who volunteered as a Medical Research Officer in Papua New Guinea, Dr Keith Carpenter who volunteered providing economic advice to Cambodian professionals and Ms Jill Finnane who taught organic agriculture techniques in Vietnam.

Volunteers deliver practical assistance, using their skills and expertise to help others. Australian doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, computer programmers, agriculturalists, surveyors, community development workers, accountants and geologists – to name but a few – have given their time and energy to help people in developing countries.

For many people in developing countries, volunteers are their first contact with Australia.

“Volunteers provide important assistance overseas and once they return we all benefit from their experience and perspective,” said Anthony Albanese.