THIRD SECTOR

Third Sector Organizations in Australia

Abstract

The third sector in Australia has expanded and flourished greatly in Australia since 1980s. This research study is aimed at examining the operation and effectiveness of three popular third sector Australian organization named as True Food, Green Thing and Australian Psychological Association, the study has also presented a fine comparison and contrast of all the three organizations by using survey research method to explore different aspects of their management and working.

Third Sector Organizations in Australia

Introduction

The third sector comprises of those organizations that are working as non-government and non-profit entities coupled with the endeavours of volunteering and deriving funds from charity mainly to uphold them (Lyons, 2011, p3). The third sector in Australia has been expanding at a remarkable rate in the past two decades. The third sector organizations have emerged as an integral component of various industries like education, health and nutrition services, finance and housing, recreation and culture. Australia's third sector organizations can be grouped under three heads, industrial and professional organizations, member benefit organizations and charities (Nevile, 2009, p73). The third sector in Australia is exceptionally significant with around 65% of population affiliated with some sort of a third sector organization, out of which 40 % claim to be active members of relative third sector organizations(Lyons, 2011, p8).The third sector organizations differ in their size, operation and activities ranging from recreational societies, health care institutions, neighborhood organizations, community associations, religious groups, credit and trade unions, educational institutions, charitable foundations, welfare associations and insurance entities.

Brief Description of Three Third Sector Organizations

True Food

“True Food” is a not-for-profit organization that exists to make a positive and constructive difference in the lives of people by recognizing sources of healthy and nutritious excess food hat was otherwise destined to be wasted. It was founded in the year 2006 and it ensures the timely, safe and appropriate distribution of that surplus food to needy people and relative agencies that channelize its distribution to specific community food programs throughout the Australia. The organization's management committee is selected by the volunteer members and employees. The food is mainly donated by wholesalers, farmers, caterers, supermarkets, markets and event management teams.

The food programs of True food target and support the needy and homeless people, families in crises, native communities, immigrants and youth at risk. The True food possess a highly competent research team that works to enhance understanding of food crises in Australia and coming up with long lasting solutions to the problem of food security in Australia. It has 40 employees, more than 500 volunteers and 1600 donators from all over the Australia who donates fresh surplus food at the diversely located 11 collection points of True Food. The annual spending of True food is amounted to be $2 million.

Green Thing

Green Thing is a prominent not-for profit organization who volunteers to inspire people for leading a greener and healthier life with the aid of motivational stories and inspirational videos (Green Thing, 2010). It came into existence in ...