WA is such a vast state, and we are very fortunate to have a network of Volunteer Resource Centres (VRCs) supporting local volunteer involving organisations and volunteers in numerous locations. Earlier this month, 20 VRCs gathered from as far north as Broome and south as Esperance to discuss all things volunteering. Important input was received to support our volunteering sector policy and future state election platform. Updates were shared on the National Strategy for Volunteering and the three-year action plan, calls for expressions of interest for the Volunteer Community Reference Group (advertised from end of June) and how we can work together to strengthen our sector.
Thank you for supporting the volunteer sector and I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of our eNewsletter. As always, happy volunteering.
Tina Williams Volunteering WA CEO
Volunteering WA News
The latest updates from your peak body for volunteering
Breaking down barriers for priority groups | Volunteer Management Activity Showcase
This month, Volunteering WA held an event to showcase the outcomes of eight projects that aimed to increase diversity of volunteers within their programs. There were many fascinating insights that these organisations uncovered during the implementation of activities that engaged priority groups including: people with disabilities, First Nations people, vulnerable women, newly arrived migrants, unemployed and young people (under 18).
According to the 2024 WA State of Volunteering Report, Volunteer Managers utilise word of mouth, social media, and their websites to bring in new volunteers.
Volunteer managers in WA reported using an average of 3.7 recruitment methods, which was slightly higher than the average of 3.5 for the rest of Australia. Personal connection through talking to family and friends, is the most reported method of recruiting volunteers.
Learn about how your fellow Volunteer Managers tackle recruitment, retention, challenges, and more via the comprehensive 2024 WA State of Volunteering Report.
Volunteering WA teams up with Ignite Award to deliver family volunteering event
We recently teamed up with Ignite Award for a family volunteering day of planting under the expert guidance of volunteer group Friends of Mosman Park Bushland. Family volunteering not only teaches good values at an early age, but also is a great opportunity for families to spend time together while contributing to the community.
Volunteering WA is trying to develop a deeper understanding of organisations that are either actively engaging in family volunteering or would like to start in the future. If this is you, please take 3 minutes to complete the below survey. For more information, contact antonia@volunteeringwa.org.au.
Seeking young advocates for National Student Volunteer Week
Celebrate, represent your state, and add something to your resume.
National Student Volunteer Week will be held in August, but right now we're looking for young volunteers (students) who can advocate for volunteering. This is a fantastic opportunity for young volunteers to add to their resume, and for organisations to score some nation-wide promotion. Spots are limited, so make sure you get your application in by Sunday 30 June 2024.
Volunteering WA advocates on behalf of the volunteering ecosystem to ensure any policy changes result in better outcomes for volunteering. Membership to your volunteering peak body helps build a stronger sector. Please contact our team to become a Volunteering WA member and make volunteering matter across WA and within your organisation.
Sector News
What's new for the volunteering sector in WA?
Thank a Volunteer Day grant applications now open
Grants applications are now open until Thursday 11 July 2024.
We're pleased to share that organisations can now apply for grants to celebrate Thank a Volunteer Day (5 December) through the WA Government Department of Communities. Organisations can apply for up to $1000 towards recognition events or associated activities, which may be a workshop, morning tea, excursion, or something completely different!
Why don’t people volunteer: How can we strengthen Australia’s volunteer ecosystem?
An exciting Research Rumble event by Curtin University.
With less than one third of Australians engaged in volunteering, why don’t more people volunteer and how can we convince more Aussies to get involved in volunteering? Join our expert panel as they explore pathways into volunteering and debunk some common misconceptions about why people don’t volunteer.
Curtin University Professor Kirsten Holmes will be joined by Traci Gamblin, Volunteering WA Deputy CEO, Dr. Trevor Gorey, President of Men’s Shed WA, Krishan Shah, Lead Curtin Community Programs, and Curtin University Professor, Peter McEvoy.
The Australian of the Year Awards recognise outstanding Australians making a positive impact. These awards not only acknowledge the achievement of the extraordinary people in our country, but inspire others to use their time and talent to contribute to the community.
Each year our nation celebrates the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards by profiling leading citizens who are role models for us all. The four award categories are: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero. To find out more about the nomination process and how the Australians of the Year are decided, click on the button below.
The WA Youth Awards celebrate young people aged 10 - 25 years for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.
Time's running out to get your nominations in for the 2024 WA Youth Awards. We encourage all those thinking about nominating an amazing young person, group or youth worker, to get your nominations in today! Category winners receive a $1,000 prize, and the WA Young Person of the Year receives a $10,000 project allowance to pursue youth-related initiatives across WA.
Making the most of your Volunteering WA membership
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Are you an organisation thinking about becoming a member, or a current member wanting to learn more about the services and benefits you can access? This is for you.
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
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