Welcome to another edition of Volunteering WA’s Sector eNewsletter. Our team has been hard at work ensuring volunteering grows and is well supported, and I’m especially pleased to share is the opening of the Strong and Resilient Communities Activity (SARC) - Community Support grants. The grants are designed to help grassroots organisations support the social and economic participation of vulnerable and disadvantaged people, and we are excited to see the impact this funding will have on the community. I strongly encourage volunteer involving organisations to learn more and express interest before 4 October.
This month, I hit the road with our Volunteer Management Activity Engagement Manager, Jan Lucas meeting with volunteer involving organisations and Volunteer Resource Centres in Carnarvon, Katanning, Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany, Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe. What an adventure! This has been a great opportunity for us to touch base with regional members face-to-face, provide advice, opportunities and resources and hear about their amazing work and challenges. Apart from reconnecting, we also made some wonderful new connections with volunteers and VIOs across our regions. Thank you for the warm welcomes and insightful conversations.
Our State Election Asks will be published in the coming days, and I’d like to thank everyone for their input. Please discuss these important issues with your local members and stakeholders. The more support they receive the greater the opportunity for their endorsement.
I look forward to seeing you at our AGM next month on Wednesday 16 October, 3pm at Bankwest Place.
I hope you enjoy reading this month’s edition of the Volunteering WA Sector eNewsletter, and as always, happy volunteering!
Tina Williams Volunteering WA CEO
Volunteering WA News
The latest updates from your peak body for volunteering
2024 International Volunteer Day Garden Party
5 December - Tickets On Sale Now
Each year, Volunteering WA hosts the annual International Volunteer Day Garden Party Garden Party in the lower gardens of Government House. This is a stunning event that allows volunteers to connect with each other, and different organisations.
With over 1.5 million volunteers in Western Australia, International Volunteer Day is a day for mass celebration. Volunteer involving organisations celebrate the contributions of thousands of volunteers who support their programs and services to the community.
This event is a favourite on the Volunteering WA events calendar, and tickets are selling fast—don't miss out on your chance to attend.
EOIs Closing Soon: 2024-25 Small grants for volunteer involving organisations
Western Australian volunteer involving organisations are invited to express interest in the ‘Strong and Resilient Communities Activity (SARC) - Community Support - Small Grants for Volunteer Involving Organisations’ program.
Small volunteer involving organisations will be able to apply for grants ($10,000 - $20,000) for one-off, time limited projects that build volunteer management capability, and help the organisation to support the social and economic participation of vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
Expressions of interest are open until 4 October 2024.
For further information on the project including example projects, eligibility, objectives and outcomes, please visit the Volunteering WA website.
Volunteering WA's Annual General Meeting | 16 October
We extend a warm welcome to all our members and representatives from the volunteer sector, State and local Government, partners and corporate supporters, volunteers, and members of the community to join us for the 2024 Annual General Meeting.
Sundowner: Corporate Volunteering as a Powerful Tool for Engagement
Corporate volunteering programs offer the opportunity for businesses to get involved in the community and provide valuable support where it’s needed most. The extensive benefits for the participating employees, businesses and the wider community are well recognised. Join our Deputy CEO, Traci Gamblin, and business leaders from the Corporate Volunteer Council of WA as they share how developing a corporate volunteering program can meaningfully engage your employees and create a lasting impact in the community.
Date: Tuesday 29 October 2024 Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Venue: AIM WA - Leadership Centre Address: 76 Birkdale Street, Floreat WA 6014
Volunteering WA receives funding for impact measurement tool
As the peak body for volunteering, Volunteering WA aims to address an identified gap of effectively measuring the impact of volunteer programs
With support from Lotterywest and the WA Government, Volunteering WA will test, develop and deliver an impact measurement tool for the WA Volunteering sector, starting with a seven-month long co-design phase with volunteer involving organisations.
In our most recent Volunteer Management Topic Series newsletter, we looked at how organisations can become more inclusive and support volunteers with disability by adjusting their recruitment and environment. The newsletter provided expert advice, ideas and resources to support inclusion in the volunteering sector.
Meet Alison, the Good Sammy volunteer serving up smiles in the canteen
In the past, Alison Maxwell has volunteered for Red Cross and Meals on Wheels, and now she spends her time at the Good Sammy canteen. She does everything from working the cash register to cooking meals, and she does it all with a smile.
We wish to thank Alison for giving back to the community and bringing joy to so many people. To volunteer for Good Sammy, head to our website and filter your search by the keywords 'Good Sammy'.
Last chance to apply for the 2025 Emerging Leaders in Governance Program
Applications are open for the 2025 Emerging Leaders in Governance Program, designed specifically for young professionals under 40 who are passionate about making a difference in the not-for-profit and community sectors.
This program is a fantastic opportunity for emerging leaders to develop critical governance skills, expand their networks, and prepare for impactful roles on not-for-profit boards. Whether they’re looking to advance their career, gain new perspectives, or contribute meaningfully to their community, this program offers the tools and experiences they need to succeed.
Program Released | 2024 WA Mental Health Conference
Are you interested in expanding your mental health knowledge and networks? The upcoming WA Mental Health Conference is an opportunity to network, learn, share ideas, and to be part of engaging conversations on topics relating to mental health. Their program this year includes presentations on building workforce capability and working with children and families. The program offers thought-provoking audience discussion and activities to explore practical implications of mental health and wellbeing support in workplace and community settings.
Applications open for the 2024 WA Seniors Week Community Grants
Run by COTA WA, the 2024 WA Seniors Week Community Grants Program is designed to provide financial support to community groups, local governments, and not-for-profit organisations to celebrate the invaluable contributions of seniors in Western Australia. Whether you are planning a local event, an intergenerational activity, or something special to engage seniors, particularly those facing disadvantage or isolation, these grants are here to help make it happen.
With funding available for events across both metropolitan and regional areas, this is your chance to create meaningful experiences for seniors in your community during WA Seniors Week, which runs from Sunday, 10 November 2024 to Sunday, 17 November 2024.
Understanding volunteer management, challenges and opportunities (Morning)
Online | 0.5 CPD Points
People's involvement and expectations of volunteering has changed, so how can volunteer leaders do things differently to accommodate change? If you are a new or emerging volunteer manager this information-rich workshop is essential for you.
Each year millions of dollars are given away to not for profit organisations, community groups and clubs through local and government grants. So, what’s the trick to ensuring your group or organisation is one of the lucky recipients? Here's your chance to find out.
Each year millions of dollars are given away to not for profit organisations, community groups and clubs through local and government grants. So, what’s the trick to ensuring your group or organisation is one of the lucky recipients? Here's your chance to find out.
Having a new or refreshed plan will ensure your volunteer program is built on solid foundations and has systems and processes that flow. In this session you'll learn how to develop a best practice framework, risk management, and more.
Run by Multicultural Futures, this cultural responsiveness training is a great opportunity to check your intercultural readiness, upskill and have fun going through topics like intercultural communication and cultural bias.
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
