City of Busselton staff will be pulling up their overalls with paint brush in hand, as they embark on their first community volunteer project.

The City of Busselton recognises that volunteering is a crucial component of a vibrant community.  Volunteering enhances the lives of all involved and benefits the community by encouraging social linkages and building support networks.

The Shire is constantly looking at ways in which it can increase the quality and efficiency of service delivery. This includes increasing community and stakeholder collaboration and consultation, building project management skills and encouraging inter departmental co-operation and understanding. Shire staff are aware how Corporate Volunteering can support skill building in all of these areas and approached the Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre to see how this could be achieved.

The Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre is supporting the City of Busselton to participate in a new corporate volunteering program where local businesses can provide manpower and business skills to community groups. For more details on the program click on to www.bdvolunteers.org.au

The Shire is proud to be part of the launch of the first Corporate Volunteering Project for the community. Over 20 staff have volunteered to assist Intework with painting and decorating their new premises at 19 Bussell Highway Busselton in their own time after work on Thursday 26 November and during the day on Friday 27 November 2009.

Intework is a community based organisation providing services to people with disabilities. The new facility is the culmination of years of work by the staff to secure a suitable place from which these services can be provided and clients can undertake exciting skill building and recreational activities such as art, computer work and cooking.

Acting CEO Mathew Smith said "This project is an excellent way for the Shire to actively demonstrate its support for community organisations, whilst providing staff with an innovative development opportunity. The Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre, Interwork and the Shire will all benefit from this initiative."

Media are invited to attend for an interview/photo opportunity:

Media enquiries can be directed to the City of Busselton's Public Relations Officer, Helena Webb on 97810446or helena.webb@busselton.wa.gov.au