Volunteers can provide invaluable assistance in the coordination and running of an event. The Centre for Volunteering (home of Volunteering NSW) can assist member organisations with recruitment of volunteers through the Volunteer Referral Service. For more details go to www.volunteering.com.au

Another good way to find volunteers for events is to approach your local service clubs such as Lions Australia (www.lionsclubs.org.au), Rotary in Australia (www.rotary.org.au), and Scouts and Rovers (www.nsw.scouts.com.au), as well as educational and training institutions that offer event courses.

You need to be aware of your rights and responsibilities in relation to volunteers. These include:

• Insurance—professional advice should be sought about the type of insurance you will require to cover volunteer activity (also see 6. Safety and security). You should also check to ensure that any existing insurance policies cover volunteers. Some you might consider are: 
    —volunteers/workers personal accident 
    —public liability 
    —motor vehicle 
    —professional indemnity liability.
For more detailed information about volunteer insurance go to www.volunteering.com.au
• Occupational health and safety—volunteers are entitled to the same safe conditions that are provided to paid employees (also see 6. Safety and security)
• Appropriate orientation and training—to ensure volunteers are able to do their assigned job effectively. Note that volunteers serving alcohol at a licensed event must be trained in the responsible service of alcohol.
• Reference, police or other checks—depending on the role assigned to a volunteer (such as working with children) it may be necessary to carry out checks (also see 6. Safety and security). If checks are relevant, volunteers should always be advised and their permission sought.

For more detailed information about the rights and responsibilities of organisations and volunteers go to www.volunteering.com.au or call The Centre for Volunteering (02) 9261 3600.