Minister Thanks 'Interview Friends' and 'Community Guardian' Volunteers
MINISTER THANKS 'INTERVIEW FRIENDS' AND 'COMMUNITY GUARDIAN' VOLUNTEERS
The ACT Minister for Community Services John Hargreaves today thanked volunteers who take part in the after-hours Interview Friends program and those who volunteer to be guardians of people who are unable to look after their own affairs.
The after-hours Interview Friends program is designed to make sure a child or young person being interviewed by police has a support person with them when no parent, guardian, legal representative or adult friend or relative is available.
"The people who volunteer to be part of the after-hours Interview Friends program fill a vital role by agreeing to be there for young people who become involved in an interview with the police at a time when no other support person is available for them," said Mr Hargreaves.
"The volunteers in the after-hours program are prepared to commit themselves to being available to attend interviews between the hours of 5 o'clock at night and 8 o'clock in the morning as well as across the weekend and they should be commended for their community spirit and commitment."
The volunteers in the Community Guardian program have agreed to become the guardian of a person whose capacity to make decisions is impaired. They agree to be appointed when there are no friends or family members to take on the role.
"These volunteers often provide significant social contact for the person they volunteer to be guardian to, and fill an important role in our community," Mr Hargreaves said.
Mr Hargreaves said the commitment of these volunteers is a great example to the rest of the community, but often does not get much attention.
"These volunteers are prepared to commit their time to play an important part in the life of another person. Our community is strengthened every time someone volunteers for these programs because community is made up of people helping each other," he said.
"These volunteers are doing a magnificent job in a quiet way that does not get much attention and I congratulate them and thank them on behalf of the Canberra community."
Statement Ends
Media Contact:
Liz Lopa
620502921 (w)
0411 658 957 (m)
liz.lopa@act.gov.au
John Hargreaves MLA
MINISTER FOR DISABILITY, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
MINISTER FOR URBAN SERVICES
MINISTER FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
MEMBER FOR BRINDABELLA