Community saves more than $3.4 million from free volunteer checks

2019-11-04

Volunteers and community organisations have saved more than $3.4 million since screening checks became free for all South Australians volunteers last year.

Since 1 November, 2018, a total of 56,690 South Australians have applied for more than 71,000 free volunteer screening checks conducted by the Department of Human Services Screening Unit. Previously, volunteer screening checks were $59.40 each.

This means millions of dollars have been injected back into the sector to help organisations like sport clubs, community service organisations, emergency services and charities deliver vital services for the community.

It is now easier for people in South Australia to volunteer, as the cost of screenings does not act as a barrier.

On 1 July, a new Working with Children Check was introduced and has since received great support from the volunteering community.

The smooth roll-out of the new check has been in large part thanks to the many organisations across sectors that have shared the message with their employees and volunteers.

A big thanks goes to community organisations and to South Australians more broadly, for working together to make sure communities and volunteers are supported.