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In an Australia-first, tertiary students have partnered with a major volunteering organisation to set up a volunteering hub at The University of Western Australia.

The UWA Student Guild voted unanimously to establish a volunteering program with Volunteering WA which will allow students to make a difference in the local community, gain new experience, develop skills, meet others and support worthy causes.

Emma Greeney, UWA Guild President, said the hub - an office in the Guild Village - would enable students to search for volunteer positions both in the local community and on campus.  An important feature of the partnership with UWA is the formal recognition of the rich volunteering tradition that has developed within the Guild throughout its 97 year history.

PROSH and Uni Camp for Kids are UWA students' best-known voluntary fundraising events.

"We hope with the success of the hub, other universities around the country will follow and engage students in volunteering," Ms Greeney said.

Volunteering will be an aspect of UWA's new courses, helping Western Australian students compete in the international marketplace.  Due to come into effect in 2012, the new courses will feature a simple, flexible structure with a focus on developing communication, research and problem-solving skills.

Students will also have the opportunity to undertake a structured ‘service learning' experience with a not-for-profit organisation to develop an awareness of community needs, citizenship responsibilities and leadership capabilities.

For more information about Volunteering WA, visit the website: https://www.volunteeringwa.org.au/Home.aspx

WHAT: Launch of UWA Guild Volunteering Hub

WHERE: Student Guild Village Refectory

WHEN: 10.30am Friday, February 19

Media references

Emma Greeney (+61 8)  6488 2294
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716