Welcome to the February edition of Volunteering WA’s Sector Newsletter! In this edition you’ll find key updates for the sector and some great opportunities.
I’m excited to share that applications are opening for two Volunteering WA Grant rounds 1) Research Grants Program, and 2) Volunteer Management Activity Project-Based Grants (coming soon). The Research Grants help develop our understanding of volunteering, and the Project-Based Grants are fantastic for organisations wanting to break down barriers for volunteering. You can read more on these grants below, or visit the Grants page of our website.
The 2025 State Election is fast approaching (8 March). Over the past year we listened to our members and volunteers across WA to better understand your issues and how we can improve the volunteering experience. Based on your feedback we developed a set of State Election Priorities addressing the most critical issues impacting our sector. I strongly encourage you to read through the priorities and share with your networks to raise awareness.Read Volunteering WA’s State Election Priorities.
This part of the year is powerfully inspiring as we receive all the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards nominations. And there are some incredibly moving and uplifting applications to work through, I know our judges will have their work cut out for them. On the flip side of this, I’d like to share some of our advocacy work and point you to our Volunteer Community Reference Group communique. Please take a moment to update yourself on our volunteering sector issues and activities.
Thank you for reading and as always, happy volunteering!
Tina Williams Volunteering WA CEO
Volunteering WA News
Final days to nominate for the
2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards
Who comes to mind when you think of an inspiring person in volunteering? A young volunteer you've met recently? A senior volunteer with a wealth of experience? A business engaging in corporate volunteering? Or maybe your organisation has been making strides in the inclusive volunteering space, and you'd like to self-nominate?
The WA Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate the significant impact of volunteering across all sectors in Western Australia. Each year the prestigious gala dinner is attended by hundreds, including dignitaries such as the Governor of Western Australia and the Minister for Volunteering.
There are seven different award categories that recognise volunteers, volunteer managers, corporate volunteering programs and volunteer involving organisations. This is a great opportunity to nominate someone inspiring and impactful—don't let it slip away.
Nominations close 5:00pm 28 February 2025. Tickets are also now on sale until May, or until sold out.
State Election Priorities: Invest in volunteering this March
Volunteering brings enormous benefits, but it also isn't free. It costs volunteers an average of $13.75 for every hour of time they give to the WA community – that’s a 120% increase since 2015.
It's important now more than ever for the WA State Government to help to create the conditions for volunteering to thrive in WA.
We encourage you to read through our 2025 State Election Priorities, and share with your networks to raise awareness.
Volunteering WA Job Vacancy: Social Impact Manager
Are you passionate about creating real, measurable change? Do you want to empower volunteers and organisations to maximise their impact? Volunteering WA is seeking a dynamic and strategic Social Impact Manager to drive an innovative project that will shape the future of volunteering in Western Australia.
Applications open for Volunteering WA's Research Grants
Volunteering WA has a well-established Research Grants program for projects that facilitate connections between Volunteering WA, WA-based researchers and our members. Research proposals are now open for any matter that contributes to our understanding of volunteering and how to advance the sector in Western Australia. Applications close COB 31 March 2025.
New resources to help your organisation prepare for spontaneous emergency volunteers
Spontaneous community volunteers provide crucial support to people and communities impacted by an emergency. The recent Queensland floods is an example of common weather systems turning into devastation, and is a reminder of the preparedness we need to collectively undertake to reduce the risk to our communities.
Volunteering WA has released training webinars and handouts to help your organise prepare. This project acknowledges the funding contribution of the Commonwealth Government and support from the WA State Emergency Management Committee.
Book in your consultation and workshops to help implement the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
Your organisation is invited to book in for an online consultation or an in-person group session for support in implementing the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement.
You'll have the opportunity to identify any current gaps and begin developing an action plan. The group sessions as a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with others going through the same process.
Your organisation is invited to apply for the final round of project-based grants through the Volunteer Management Activity 2022-26. The grants aim to help organisations build volunteer management capacity and help engage with other organisations or people within the identified priority groups. Please refer to the “projects in scope’ document for examples of funded activities.
Thank you to everyone who took part in our latest member survey! We received 111 responses altogether. Highlights include a 91% satisfaction rate and strong engagement with resources, advocacy, and training.
We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our newest member organisations:
Rosewood Care Group
Mentor it Forward
Days for Girls Australia
TEDxPerth
Archery Western Australia
Future Living Trust Incorporated
The Bottle Top Hill
As members, you've now joined a network of hundreds of organisations and a collective which shapes the future of volunteering. Thank you for supporting volunteering in Western Australia! For more information about membership and its benefits, please visit volunteeringwa.org.au/membership.
Volunteering Australia Job Vacancy: Volunteer Management Activity Project Manager
There is currently an exciting opportunity available to join the Volunteering Australia team as their part-time Volunteer Management Activity Project Manager! The purpose of this role is to provide project management support for all national Volunteer Management Activity activities. This is a senior position which requires a proactive approach.
Do you know someone who is a changemaker, life saver, volunteer or gives back to their community? Recognise them today by nominating them to be a Westfield Local Hero. Individuals are nominated by community members and Westfield selects three finalists for each Westfield destination to go through to a community vote.
The successful hero from each of the 42 Westfield destinations will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent, and two finalists from each destination will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation. Nominations close 13 March 2025.
Hosted by Facilitation WA, this workshop is an opportunity to enhance your facilitation skills, network with like-minded professionals, and learn from industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned facilitator or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to up their game. Plus, five free scholarships are available for students, newcomers to facilitation, and not-for-profit organisations to attend!
5 March | Becoming an inclusive volunteer involving organisation
This engaging workshop by The Centre for Volunteering (NSW) for both individuals and organisations will explore how to build an inclusive community where people of all abilities and backgrounds can contribute. Click here to register.
10 March | An introduction and overview of the Refreshed National Standards
Gain a deeper understanding of the National Standards and learn how to align them with your program with help from our volunteer management experts. Click here to register.
12 March | Making the most of your membership information session
Are you taking full advantage of your Volunteering WA membership? Join our Member Services Team as they explore your opportunities, connect you with programs and staff, and more. Click here to register.
13 March | Member disputes and conflict on the committee
Hear about why disputes happen in not-for-profits, how to avoid them, and what the law requires of not-for-profit organisations managing conflict. Click here to register.
18 March | Creating and sustaining inclusive volunteering
This session is an introduction to developing position descriptions and defining roles for people with disability. Click here to register.
18 March | Writing successful grant applications
Each year millions of dollars are given away to not for profit organisations through government grants. Join us and find out how to become one of the lucky recipients! Click here to register.
25 March | Implementing the refreshed National Standards workshop
This interactive three hour session will help you align with best practice by implementing the Volunteer National Standards, and provide you with useful resources. Click here to register.
26 March | Seeing beyond your cultural lens
Learn about the concept of cultural lens, biases, inclusivity and more from proud Bundjalung woman, Tania Harris from the Health Consumers’ Council. Hurry, only 15 spots available! Click here to register.
Volunteering WA empowers people and communities to enrich Western Australia.
Volunteering WA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, and to other Aboriginal people and communities across Western Australia where we work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Volunteering WA, Level 1, 3 Loftus Street, West Leederville, WA 6007, Australia, +61 8 9482 4333
