Australian Volunteers International

Australian Volunteers International (AVI) is Australia's largest and most experienced international volunteer sending agency. Every year the organisation recruits, prepares and supports hundreds of Australians who volunteer to live, work and learn alongside people of other cultures in developing countries.

"We are proud to be part of a network of Australian and global volunteer sending agencies connecting communities and people at home and across the planet," said Russell Sinclair, Senior Manager Business Development.

“Our work is aimed at creating a peaceful and just world through greater cross-cultural understanding. It is built on an ethos of partnership, teamwork and consultation,” he added. In the last 50 years AVI has placed more than 6000 Australian volunteers in 70 countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. These volunteers provide much needed technical support in direct response to locally identified needs.

"We are committed to long term development outcomes through sustainable partnerships with host country employers," said Mr Sinclair.

A variety of services complement and enhance the international volunteer program. There's a staff recruitment, training and support service for indigenous communities in Australia (Remote Recruiting); cross cultural briefings for Australian and international employers preparing staff for overseas posts (People Prepared) and a speaker's bureau for community and corporate groups who want to hear about the unique experiences and benefits of the volunteer program.

AVI is a not for profit organisation. Its major funder is the Australian Government's development cooperation agency, AusAID, as well as financial support from the wider Australian community through AVI corporate partnerships, fundraising, donations and sponsorships.

Australian Volunteers International is grateful to the Australian public and the country's community, government and business sectors for their continued support and acknowledgment of the contribution Australians are making in developing communities.

“Such generosity of spirit underpins what AVI is all about, and is vital to the ongoing success and viability of the organisation and its international volunteering activities,” said Mr Sinclair.

“Around the country, thousands of hours are donated annually by returned volunteers, academics and people from host communities now resident in Australia who help prepare departing volunteers for the challenges ahead,” he said. “Volunteers make personal sacrifices, moving out of their comfort zones when they live and work overseas. Of course, they also forego Australian salary and benefits, a significant contribution, but one they are prepared to make because of the reciprocal benefit.”

Anna Gregory is a freelance journalist. She has 20 years experience in broadcast television as presenter and producer, and corporate communications as media advisor and writer.

As published in TenderSearch Magazine - Spring/Summer 04 Issue