Ties turn toxic between state, Valley CSB over detox center

29 Apr 2012 at 1:55am
STAUNTON ? At odds over the long-term future of the New Hope Detox Center, state officials and Valley Community Services Board are trading criticism over financial record-keeping, integrity and the hiring of a $104,000-a-year psychiatrist who spends 10 hours a week at the center.

Celebrating volunteers

12 May 2012 at 9:15am
There are more than 6 million Australians who volunteer, tallying some 700 million hours of unpaid community service a year. Many will tell you they don't do it for the praise. They shrug their shoulders and say, ''It's just something I do,'' giving their time, hearts and in some cases homes to others. To mark the start of National Volunteer Week, The Sunday Age spoke to people who are devoted ...

When putting others first becomes second nature

12 May 2012 at 12:15pm
There are more than 6 million Australians who volunteer, tallying some 700 million hours of unpaid community service a year. Many will tell you they don't do it for the praise. They shrug their shoulders and say, ''It's just something I do,'' giving their time, hearts and in some cases homes to others. To mark the start of National Volunteer Week, The Sunday Age spoke to people who are devoted ...