2006 National Volunteering News Archives
Volunteering
rush over Christmas
[20 December 2006 | City of Sydney]
Christmas triggers a tide of goodwill in Sydney, with hundreds of people applying
to volunteer for projects over the holiday period, according to figures collected
by The Centre for Volunteering.
Minister
for Volunteering visits The Centre for Volunteering
[19 December 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
On Monday, 18 December 2006, The Centre for Volunteering was pleased to receive
a visit from the newly appointed Minister for Volunteering the Hon. Tony Kelly,
MLC. Minister Kelly took the opportunity to visit The Centre to meet with Board
members Chair Joy Woodhouse and Finance Director Bruce Edwards as well as CEO
Lynne Dalton. The Minister was accompanied by his staff members Belinda Neal
and Stacey Tannos.
New
Australian research on the value of volunteering
[19 December 2006 | Dr Anton Mischewski, The Centre for Volunteering]
A new piece of research on the value of volunteering estimates that voluntary
welfare services in Australia are worth more than double the value of services
provided by all levels of government in Australia. The report, Exploring
the economic and social value of present patterns of volunteering in Australia has
just been released by the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of
New South Wales.
Volunteer
fireys safe from workplace dismissal
[14 December 2006 | News.com.au]
Workplace laws prohibit any boss from sacking staff involved in voluntary fire
fighting, the Federal Government says. Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews
said employers could not dismiss any workers involved in voluntary emergency
service activities.
It's
the unsung who keep society in harmony
[13 December 2006 | Sydney Morning Herald]
"As the year draws to a close we often reflect on what makes society tick:
laws passed; prizes and honours awarded; how the national economy is performing.
Governments and oppositions consider their achievements and failings; magazines
are filled with "best of" lists. We congratulate our heroes. Quite
rightly we thank our nurses, police, emergency services workers, teachers and
troops; our scientists and artists; and our community leaders. We should also,
each of us, thank the people we know who do the small good things that make our
families and communities what they are, the people we never read about in newspapers,
but who change the lives of the people they meet."
[13 December 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
The School of Volunteer Management's application to be listed on the NSW Department
of Education and Training's 2007-2008 APL for the Strategic Skills Program
has been accepted. The School is now approved to deliver its eight Diploma
of Business units to a number of metropolitan and regional areas in NSW. The
Department of Education and Training (DET) pays registered training organisations
(RTOs) for the delivery of training under the Strategic Skills Program. The
Strategic Skills Program provides qualifications to enhance employment opportunities
and the up-skilling needs of industry and existing workforces. This listing
increases the School's access to funding opportunities and projects which are
limited to APL-listed RTOs. It also increases the number of organisations with
access to the School's Department-funded training for the next two years.
Social
responsibility still a knee-jerk response from SMEs
[7 December 2006 | The Age]
"More small and medium businesses might be taking to corporate social responsibility
but they have some way to go before making it effective. A survey of SME chief
executives by a professional development organisation, The Executive Connection,
found that a massive 91 per cent of companies now had a corporate social responsibility
program."
101
top tips to recognise volunteers
[5 December 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
Recognising volunteers doesn't have to involve spending a lot of money. There
are many ways you can show them you appreciate them without having to spend
a cent! Start by saying thank you on International Volunteer Day, and keep
showing your gratitude all year round.
Costs
a growing issue for volunteers: National survey finds
[5 December 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
Coinciding with the 20th International Volunteer Day celebrations Volunteering
Australia has found that over 80 per cent of volunteers believe that increasing
out-of-pocket expenses are making it more difficult for people to volunteer;
and one in four volunteers are planning to reduce or stop their volunteer work.
Australian
volunteers' time worth $12.5 billion annually
[1 December 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
International Volunteer Day on Tuesday, 5 December marks the day all volunteers,
whether corporate or not-for-profit celebrate the significant contribution
volunteers make to their local, national and international communities.
Youth volunteer represents Australia on the world stage
[November 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
Skye Riggs, a 20-year-old volunteer from Adelaide, was the only Australian participant invited to speak at the two-day World Youth Conference which preceded the 19th IAVE World Volunteer Conference in New Delhi in November. The Youth Conference was aimed at giving young people from around the world an opportunity to talk about young people's role in volunteering and the contribution they can and do make within their home countries. New Delhi was a fitting venue, given that India has the world's youngest population, with an estimated 52% of people under 25.
Fed Govt accused of paternalism over retiree volunteer scheme
[27 November 2006 | ABC News]
ELEANOR HALL: A Federal Government plan to put Australia's senior citizens to work in Indigenous communities has been ridiculed by some Indigenous leaders as paternalistic.
The proposal would see older Australians doing volunteer work as they travel around remote areas of the country.
But one Aboriginal leader has responded that communities should be allowed to solve their own problems and that they don't need help from do-gooders.
Well done Mr Iemma for putting volunteering on the map
[22 November 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
The Centre for Volunteering congratulates Premier Iemma and the NSW Government
on the appointment of the recently announced Minister for Volunteering.
Speaking after a meeting of The Centre's Board of Directors today, Joy
Woodhouse, the Chair, praised the initiative: "The appointment of
Local Government and Emergency Services Minister, Tony Kelly to the portfolio
places important emphasis on the role of volunteers in the area of emergency
services. The current bushfire crisis in NSW reinforces the important role
volunteers play in times of urgent need in our community."
Blog: Volunteer to change your life
[18 November 2006 | Sydney Morning Herald]
Aid work can be good for your soul and your career, writes Anneli Knight.
"Hundreds of Australians each year push the details of their bank balance to the back of their mind and head off on volunteer projects either overseas or to remote parts of Australia. These projects are promoted by governments, NGOs, private partnerships and international organisations and they not only utilise people's skills, but also develop them. In fact, ABS data suggests one third of Australians volunteer in some capacity. Do you volunteer? Why, or why not? Is there a problem with volunteering to enhance your career prospects - should altruism be the primary driver of every volunteer?" Posted by Tim Colquhoun. What are your thoughts?
Volunteers help keep schoolies on track
[20 November 2006 | ABC News Online]
The first weekend of schoolies celebrations has ended with record crowds in Surfers Paradise. Police say 26,000 people were in Surfers Paradise on Saturday night. Schoolies would not operate as smoothly without the help of about 350 volunteers.
Not-for-profit public relations: UTS students' sponsorship and fundraising strategy opportunity
[20 November 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Does your organisation need help to develop a sponsorship and fundraising strategy? As one of their major assignments in 2007, final year students majoring in Public Relations: Contexts and Applications for Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the University of Technology Sydney have offered to help members create a professional, well-researched, persuasive and winning strategy tailored specifically to members' needs (e.g. Health, Welfare, Education, Environment, Sport).
New 'Minister for Volunteers' welcomes challenge
[14 November 2006 | NSW Government]
The Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Kelly, today welcomed his appointment as Minister for Volunteers and the challenge of increasing volunteer numbers in the emergency services across NSW.
International Volunteer Day: Tuesday, 5 December 2006
[13 November 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Whether your celebrations are large or small, International Volunteer
Day (IVD) recognises the work of volunteers globally.
Lynne Dalton, CEO, judges Australian of the Year Awards 2007
[13 November 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Lynne Dalton participated in the judging of the NSW division of the Australian
of the Year Awards 2007 on Friday, 6 October 2006. She writes: "It is never
an easy task deciding why one person is more deserving than another when
it comes to making awards."
What were the critical issues in volunteering this year?
[13 November 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
The annual survey helps Volunteering Australia understand what issues are emerging in the sector and what factors help and hinder effective volunteering. Volunteering Australia uses this information to formulate policy positions to put to government, and also to target where our research and consultation efforts should be directed.
New Award to Mark Volunteer Managers' Day
[1 November 2006 | Scoop Independent News]
Volunteer managers in New Zealand and Australia will be eligible for a new award of excellence which has been announced to mark International Volunteer Managers Appreciation Day, 1 November. The award has been initiated by the Australasian Association of Volunteer Administrators (AAVA) and will be awarded annually to a manager of volunteers for his or her outstanding contributions to the profession of volunteer administration and the promotion of volunteerism in the community. Nominations for the award are being called for now and the inaugural award will be announced in July 2007.
Youth Challenge Australia awarded UTS Human Rights Award in Reconciliation
[1 November 2006 | UTS]
Youth Challenge Australia (YCA) staff members, Indu Balachandran and Mandy
Kearsley, have received an award for YCA's innovative volunteer program
in Walungurru (Kintore), NT. The award, in the Reconciliation Category,
seeks to recognise a contribution or project which advances reconciliation
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians either at the University
of Technology or in the wider community.
The Centre's Fido helps businesses and organisations in developing countries
[26 October 2006 | Denis Porter, The Centre for Volunteering]
Australian Business Volunteers Ltd (ABV) is a not-for-profit and non-government organisation (NGO) which aims to contribute to poverty reduction, sustainable development and good governance in developing countries. Canberra-based ABV provides Australian expert volunteers who, by sharing their skills, experience and passion, assist businesses and organisations in developing countries to grow and thrive. ABV focuses on South-east Asia and the Pacific and is largely funded by the Australian Government's overseas aid agency AusAID.
Subscribe to the Australian Journal for Volunteering for 2007 at 2006
prices
[16 October 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
The Australian Journal on Volunteering (AJOV)is the only Australian academic
journal that publishes articles exclusively in the field of volunteering.
Published twice each year, the AJOV aims to: provide a forum for promoting
awareness and discussion of volunteering within the volunteering community;
stimulate debate and research on volunteering; provide useful information
to the volunteering community; and promote awareness of the volunteering
sector and its attendant issues in the broader community, including government
and business. Subscribe or renew by 22 December 2006 and you will receive
your 2007 subscription at this year's price of $42 for 2 issues, including
GST, postage and handling. Download order form.
Why
we need to tackle the cost of volunteering
[16 October 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
In 2001 Volunteering Australia and Australian Volunteers International
conducted a national consultation on behalf of the IYV2001 Community Council
of Advice. Not surprisingly, a major issue to emerge was the cost to the
individual of volunteering. Before the consultation, Volunteering Australia
was already aware that volunteers had a number of concerns about their
involvement and treatment by volunteer-involving organisations, including
unreimbursed expenses. Ultimately this knowledge led to the development
of a suite of documents that were written to protect and advance volunteering
and to halt progression of institutionalised exploitation of volunteers.
Meet the 'Costs of Volunteering' Taskforce
[16 October 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
Federal Cabinet has expressed an interest in the proposal from Senator
Guy Barnett that volunteer costs be dealt with through the taxation system,
so Volunteering Australia has moved to set up a Taskforce to look at the
proposal in more detail. In its membership, the Costs of Volunteering Taskforce
brings together a depth and breadth of experience in the workings of both
the taxation system and the not-for-profit sector.
Are baby boomers really the lucky generation? New research report
[16 October 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
New research from Mary and Clive Hamilton and The Australia Institute looks
at the baby boomers and their prospects. Volunteer-involving organisations
planning recruitment may find this research useful.
PhD Research Scholarships on bushfire and volunteering
[16 October 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
The Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) is a $100M, seven year national
effort to deal with the social, economic, and environmental impacts of
bushfires. The CRC invites applications for two full-time PhD scholarships
in La Trobe's School of Psychological Science. These provide stipends of
$25,000 p.a. For holders of other awards, such as APAs, top-up scholarships
of $9,000 p.a. are also available.
Volunteering not just about good works
[14 October 2006 | The Age]
"At least once a year employees of engineering company Connell Wagner
participate in volunteer work, helping Melbourne people considered disadvantaged
... Executive chairman Rob Squire says Connell Wagner's decision to introduce
a volunteering policy, and sign up with the not-for-profit group Melbourne
Cares, was prompted by altruism – but not entirely."
Westpac shows off its caring credentials
[12 October 2006 | Sydney Morning Herald]
"After years of being out muscled by rivals in its brand advertising, Westpac
will start a marketing blitz on Sunday pushing its environmental and community
credentials and using the line "Every generation should live better
than the last"."
Volunteer leaders celebrated on November 1
[11 October 2006 | International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day]
International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day will be celebrated throughout the world on November 1, 2006, announced the event's global Steering Committee. The annual event recognises the efforts of the dedicated group of volunteer resources managers (VRMs) who are responsible for the coordination, support, training, administration, leadership and recruitment of the world's volunteers – skilled individuals who are adept at taking singular passion and turning it into effective action.
Aussies leave volunteering to retirees
[4 October 2006 | The Australian]
The Finnish and the British, according to recent research done at the University of New South Wales, volunteer more than any other nations. The Finnish and the French stick with volunteering longer than any other nation according to the same research. Australians however, have the most active volunteers among retirees. Researchers found that a single retired female Australian volunteer spends over 20 minutes a day longer volunteering than their counterparts in Finland and Britain. And single retired males in Australia spend 15 minutes longer volunteering than their Canadian and French counterparts. Volunteering has increased in Australia since 1987, but the biggest changes have come in specific age groups. Volunteering by aged people has risen greatly along with volunteering by single mothers aged 25–40.
Volunteer fire fighters boycott fire season opening
[3 October 2006 | ABC News]
ACT volunteer bush fire fighters are boycotting the official opening of the fire season because they say the government is looking to take over the brigades' bank accounts. The government responded to the accusations by saying the whole ordeal is just a misunderstanding. While most of the money for the brigades comes from the government, each of the eight brigades have their own audited account in order to spend on money on their specific needs. The money in these accounts is raised by the public and is sometimes used for training purposes. The government however is raising an issue on whether funds for volunteer fire brigades should be held privately. The government's representative Simon Corbell said the issue was just going to be a matter of discussion. But someone leaked it to the fire fighters before and the issue got out of control. Corbell said that under no circumstances would the money be used for anything other than the volunteer fire fighter brigades.
2006 NAB Awards highlight the best volunteer workplaces - winners announced
[26 September 2006 | Volunteering Australia and The Centre for Volunteering]
Over 1200 not-for-profit organisations – an increase of over 10% on 2005 – competed in the 2006 NAB Volunteer Awards, coordinated by National Australia Bank in partnership with Volunteering Australia; proving that a growing number of organisations are recognising the importance of their volunteers' having a satisfying experience at work.
Helping hand demands true give and take on both sides
[21 September 2006 | The Age]
This opinion piece talks about the relationship between not-for-profit organisations and corporations. Sha Cordingley, Volunteering Australia CEO, says that to develop the relationship between corporations and not-for-profit organisations, volunteering is only a start. In order for the relationship to evolve, the parties involved must address the real issue. And that issue according to her is that both parties have their own motives for seeking partnership. Once they acknowledge this, they can realise that volunteering is only part of the solution. She says that corporate involvement in the community sector is also an important part to the solution.
2006 Corporate Social Responsibility Forum
[11 September 2006 | Pro Bono Australia]
Corporate Summit Responsibility for businesses and not for profits has become a much more complex relationship over the past few years. The days of few benefit exchanges are gone. Now there is a necessity to develop programs to engage employees and manage the interrelationship between volunteers and complex stakeholder groups. The 2006 CSR is where businesses, government, and community can get together and share ideas and practices in regards to CSR. It will involve over 30 of Australia's leading thinkers, company directors, academics, and practitioners and will help the business and community sectors come together.
Employee Volunteer Programs: New research
[28 August 2006 | ProBono Australia]
Different businesses and not for profit organisations are teaming up by establishing employee volunteering programs. Philanthropy Australia has released new research which examines this type of volunteering. The research's key finding is that it's important for both businesses and not for profits to understand what they want, what they can offer, and why they are forming relationships. The report contains suggestions for other not-for-profits and businesses to run successful corporate employee volunteer programs. The difficulties of corporate employee volunteering for both not-for-profit and corporate companies according to the report were very similar.
Using Op-Eds to get your NFP message out
[28 August 2006 | ProBono Australia]
Recently a deputy editor for the Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper, John Trevorrow, offered advice to not-for-profits as how to submit an op-ed piece in order to pitch volunteering. Op-ed pieces are between 500-800 words and should be written with a clear topic in mind. Competition is tough for op-ed space is tough because industry experts, corporates, academics, NFPs and individuals are always putting in op-ed pieces of their own. Writing a letter to the editor is a shorter version of an op-ed piece. Trevorrow also suggested finding the name of the journalist who writes about similar topics and contact them.
Opposition seeks police checks for volunteer workers
[27 August 2006 | ABC Online]
The NSW Opposition is angry that volunteers working with children are not required to submit to a police background check. Reba Meagher, Minister for Community Services and Youth, said that the current system is under review. The Commissioner for Children and Young People is surveying volunteer organisations to gain feedback from them on how to change the current system. Opposition members such as Gladys Berejiklian insist that background checks for all employees be mandatory since only paid employees have to submit to background checks at present.
When you can't help charity
[24 August 2006 | The Age]
While corporate volunteering may be booming, reports have revealed that corporations and charities have been unable to work together. According to the report, not-for-profits are just using volunteering to gain cheap team-building exercise. On the other side of the coin, corporations are claiming not-for-profits are just looking for handouts. Hayley Hext a researcher from Sydney's University of Technology found the major gaps between the two sides and suggested possible resolutions. She also identified the other problems the two sides had with each other.
Volunteers may be reimbursed
[24 August 2006 | The Age]
Volunteer firefighters, emergency services volunteers and other volunteers may be reimbursed for the cost of petrol with vouchers, tax rebates or cash reimbursements. The push to reimburse these volunteers is led by Government MPs who fear volunteer services might have to wind down or even close if there is no chance of reimbursement. Due to the high cost of petrol, politicians such as Tasmanian Liberal Senator Guy Barnett and South Australian MP Kym Richardson have offered this as a way to keep volunteer services from going under. The program suggests volunteer organisations be given cash grants by the Federal Government. Other proposals are being made along with this one.
Keeping the Working with Children checks in perspective
[17 August 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
This is an editorial piece that looks of the debate over suitability checks for volunteers who work with the vulnerable. The author of this editorial piece is in favour of the checks because if they are conducted by a bureaucracy with competency and efficiency in a timely manner, they will provide an important element of risk management. The author thinks that suitability checks should not be "the be all end all" of volunteering recruitment, but rather they should be accompanied by several processes to enlist volunteers. He gives several examples of practices he think should be put in place such as thorough interview and selection processes.
Emergency management grants open from mid-Dec 2006
[17 August 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
Under the 'Working Together to Manage Emergencies' policy initiative through Local Grants Scheme (LGS) and the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (NEVSF) emergency management grants will be available. The LSG provides local government grants in order to develop and implement emergency risk management initiatives, enhance protective measures for critical infrastructure and provide emergency management and security awareness training for local government staff. The NEVSF does it to boost recruitment, retention, and training of volunteer organisations.
Volunteering office robbed, torched
[14 August 2006 | The Australian]
Volunteering Gold Coast had their headquarters robbed and torched recently. As a result of the devastating actions, VGC will have to rebuild their headquarters from scratch. The thieves entered the headquarters, stole expensive computer merchandise and then set the place on fire. The police believe the thieves entered through an open window. The VGC provides referrals and resources to volunteers on the Gold Coast.
The Future of CSR – VCOSS Congress
[14 August 2006 | Pro Bono Australia]
Recently at the annual VCOSS Congress in Melbourne, Melbourne Cares CEO Simon Robinson said that corporate social responsibility is here to stay. He said through a recent Parliamentary Joint Committee (PLC) report made recommendations as how to keep building the progress of CSR. One of the recommendations is based on the same model that Melbourne Cares is using. The program will bring exciting times for Melbourne Cares as it helps built employee volunteering and other community investments. Robinson went on to praise his own company citing they have become the first business to work together with the government to take action and help disadvantaged community members. The Melbourne Cares programs will be the model for potentially other CSR programs.
The Centre for Volunteering's 2006 Membership Report 
[8 August 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
A survey was sent to members of The Centre for Volunteering in late 2005 and enabled us to obtain feedback about the status of our members, the services they used, what they most valued about The Centre and what areas they thought could be improved. This provided relevant information about how we are conducting our role as the state's peak body for volunteering organisations.
Read our 2006 Membership Report.
National Census: Are we a nation of volunteers?
[4 August 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
Next week's Australian census will for the first time feature a question on volunteering.
Question 51 on the National Census will build the growing picture of our volunteering habits over the last 12 months and highlight the importance of this crucial individual and community activity.
Virtual volunteer's 1000 hour contribution makes online job board an effective recruiting tool for charity
[3 August 2006 | Macdonald Youth Services]
This is the incredible story of Lavlette (Lav) Plourde who in seven years through the internet has clocked an amazing 1000 hours of volunteer service. He has done this all thousands of miles away from Australia. He has consistently maintained the MYS Job Board, and by doing so the power, reach and effectiveness of the MYS Online Recruiting Tool have become evident. His volunteer work means that online volunteers can be retained if they are satisfied. They can also be trusted and screened even if never seen face-to-face. He is a primary example of the effectiveness of virtual volunteering.
COTA (NSW) is celebrating its 50th birthday!
[25 July 2006 | COTA (NSW)]
COTA (NSW) was established in 1956 as the Older People's Welfare Council and launched at the Town Hall on 26 March 1957. It became 'Council on the Ageing' in 1969. The joint founders of COTA (NSW) were NCOSS (the NSW Council of Social Service), the Sydney City Council and the Rotary Club of Sydney.
Is it volunteering?
[21 July 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
As a community we are always inventing new ways to volunteer and new areas to volunteer in, but how do we sort out legitimate volunteer roles from more doubtful ones?
Opinion: Buiding on a strong foundation
[21 July 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
The established principles of volunteering offer a strong base for people designing roles and projects for volunteers, and in the longer term they will protect volunteering itself.
Aspects of social capital, Australia, 2006
[17 July 2006 | Australian Bureau of Statistics]
Drawing together the currently available information on social interactions from the 2002 General Social Survey and other ABS surveys, this compendium presents topics relating to selected elements of the ABS Social Capital Framework.
National Youth Survey 2005: rural and regional responses
[17 July 2006 | Mission Australia]
The main findings of National Youth Survey 2005: Rural and Regional Responses show that regardless of where young people live, family relationships and friendships are what they value most. They're also involved in their communities, through sport, youth groups, arts and cultural activities and volunteering. However, the differences between the two groups emphasises, once again, that young Australians are not a homogenous group.
Finding the 'right' volunteer – how important is it?
[7 July 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
What issues matter most to volunteers and the organisations they volunteer for right now? In its first National Survey of Volunteering Issues, Volunteering Australia found that organisations may be focussing on recruitment at the expense of other key issues.
Opinion: Standards the key to volunteer recruitment and retention
[7 July 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
Meeting volunteers' legitimate expectations for good working conditions and equitable treatment may be the clue to keeping them involved.
15–50% off the price of all volunteering merchandise
[4 July 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Don't miss your chance to purchase your volunteer recognition gifts at a massive discount. During The Centre's Winter Sale we are offering 15–50% off the price of all volunteering merchandise. We also have some great International Volunteer Day t-shirts, key rings and gift of time cards. And for those of you who missed out at the time we have a limited number of 2001 International Year of Volunteers t-shirts and drink bottles. Browse our V-merchandise and download an order form
Calling people to experience Indigenous Australia
[4 July 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
The Centre for Volunteering partnered with Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV) to present two information sessions on volunteering in Sydney on Friday, 30 June.
CSR parliamentary report points to NFPs
[3 July 2006 | ProBono Australia]
A Parliamentary Joint Committee inquiry into corporate social responsibility encourages a greater take up of CSR across Australia and recommends it be driven by incentives rather than regulation. And the report also includes the Not for Profit sector's own management of non-financial impacts and risks.
NFP's need good governance too
[3 July 2006 | ProBono Australia]
Directors in Australia's Not for Profit organisations need to manage conflicts of interest just as transparently and robustly as their business counterparts according to a new 'how to' guide published by Chartered Secretaries Australia (CSA).
CFS looks to bolster volunteer ranks
[3 July 2006 | ABC News]
South Australia's Country Fire Service (CFS) is targeting cadets as young as 14 for recruitment, to arrest a decline in volunteer numbers.
Become a Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassador
[1 July 2006 | Commonwealth Bank and Conservation Volunteers Australia]
Do you know any young Australian's aged between 16 and 23 who deserve to be acknowledged for their commitment to environmental conservation? Then they could be rewarded as a Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassador. Nominations close Friday, 4 August.
CPNS Alumni prize for best student paper
[22 June 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
The Centre of Philanthropic and Nonprofit Studies (CPNS), Queensland University of Technology together the Volunteering Australia are very pleased to announce the second annual prize for the best paper on volunteering written by a university student. The prize is $500 and publication in the October issue of the Australian Journal on Volunteering.
Union wants action over regional ambulance volunteer shortage
[20 June 2006 | ABC Online]
The ambulance officers' union has demanded immediate action to solve what it claims is a crisis within Western Australia's regional ambulance service.
Volunteer work on the rise: survey
[13 June 2006 | ABC News]
A survey commissioned by the State Government shows that 51 per cent of South Australians are involved in some form of volunteer work.
Effective volunteer management: Mobilising all your resources
[7 June 2006 | School of Volunteer Management]
The School of Volunteer Management is proud to partner with the volunteer management training organisations, OzVPM and People First – Total Solutions, for the Sydney date of their National Volunteer Management Training Series in 2006. US trainer and author Rick Lynch will present Effective volunteer management: Mobilising all your resources on Monday, 14 August and help you understand how to expand your volunteer program while lessening its impact on managers.
Experience Indigenous Australia! Share your skills and celebrate
cultural exchange
[7 June 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering and Indigenous Community Volunteers] Indigenous Community Volunteers and The Centre for
Volunteering invite you to attend a celebration of culture
and volunteering on Friday, 30 June 2006. Hear about the experiences of returned volunteers, and find
out how you too can share your knowledge and expertise with
Aboriginal Communities across Australia and the Torres Strait.
Premier Iemma, Peter Debnam, Ian Kiernan and Adam Spencer share their thoughts about what volunteering means to them
[6 June 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
During National Volunteer Week, 15–21 2006, Premier Iemma, NSW Liberal Leader Peter Debnam, Clean Up Australia's Ian Kiernan and ABC Radio's Adam Spencer were all asked by The Centre for Volunteering: "What does volunteering mean to you?"
Looking for volunteers? We have them!
[6 June 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
The Centre for Volunteering's referral service is currently experiencing something new. There is a huge number of volunteers enquiring about vacancies every week. People are really keen to share their skills but unfortunately there are not enough volunteer jobs for them. We need your help.
Forming partnerships: Volunteering Makes a Difference
[6 June 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
The Centre for Volunteering has recently partnered with Youth Off the Streets (YOTS) on the long-term project Volunteering makes a difference: Volunteering opportunities for disadvantaged young people. This innovative project provides collective volunteer experiences, training and mentoring to disadvantaged young people so that they can contribute to their communities while gaining employment skills, self-esteem and enhanced mental health.
Project update: Volunteers and the Law
[6 June 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
The Volunteers and the Law project has just received legal data on cases and enquiries that have been conducted through one of its project partners, the Public Interest Legal Clearing House. The Centre will soon conduct a statewide legal needs survey aimed at community organisations. This survey will ask a number of questions: what difficult legal issues organisations and volunteers face; how they find help and information about the law and volunteering; and what type of legal resources they would like to see dedicated to volunteering, e.g. online and print resources and a dedicated telephone hotline.
Pride of Australia Medal 2006
[6 June 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Following the outstanding success of the inaugural Pride of Australia Medal in 2005, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph have launched the program again in 2006.
Young volunteers and the activation gap
[5 June 2006 | ProBono Australia]
Young people want to volunteer, but often fail to follow through, according to a new study which describes their inactivity as an 'activation gap'. MTV in the US released Just Cause, a research project which studies youth "activism" and the motivating factors and barriers to becoming involved in social causes.
Magazine to focus on corporate philanthropy
[5 June 2006 | ProBono Australia]
'Charity Begins at Work' is to be the theme of an upcoming feature in new a Australian magazine with a bent towards business and innovation – and the publishers are looking for input from the philanthropic sector.
Measuring Australia's Progress – Australian Bureau of Statistics
[5 June 2006 | ProBono Australia]
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released the 2006 edition of Measures of Australian Progress (MAP) – a look at whether life in Australia is getting better or not! MAP presents 14 aspects of Australian progress that cover many of the areas of life most important to Australia and Australians. The aim is to allow readers to make their own judgement about whether life in Australia is getting better.
People power – community politics
[5 June 2006 | ProBono Australia]
The Victorian State election in November 2006 is set to be the first battle ground for the newly formed political party – People Power – which describes itself as the voice of the community sector, with the help of some high profile candidates. Registered federally back in March, the new party plans to then go on to contest state elections in Queensland (by February 2007) and NSW (by March 2007) with its campaign to empower families, consumers, people with mental and physical disabilities, the aged, volunteers, community organisations, small business and individuals.
Volunteering in Australia – How we can help
[May 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Guy Barnett has proposed several new plans in relation to volunteering as part of his paper Volunteering in Australia - How we can help which he prepared with the support and assistance of Volunteering Australia and Volunteering Tasmania in
May 2006. Prime Minister John Howard has agreed to look at one plan which agrees to pay retired volunteers for their efforts and to give tax breaks to volunteers still in the workforce.
Volunteer work part of Census
[31 May 06 | The Advertiser]
Census 2006 will for the first time calculate the value of volunteers and unpaid workers when it counts Australia on 8 August. Following consultation with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, new questions have been added to the census forms to gather information on three new topics.
National Survey of Volunteering Issues 2006
[29 May 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
Volunteering Australia's National Survey of Volunteering Issues 2006 provides an opportunity for their stakeholders to highlight the volunteering issues they face in their work. The survey gathers qualitative and quantitative data, providing a unique opportunity for Volunteering Australia to explore both known and emerging issues in volunteering.
Baby boomers 'challenging stereotypes'
[19 May 2006 | The Sydney Morning Herald]
"Australian baby boomers are challenging the common stereotypes of retirement as they seek more active lifestyles in thxeir twilight years, a survey has found."
Businesses 'must think local to survive'
[18 May 2006 | The Sydney Morning Herald]
"Businesses must think locally to survive in an age of increasing corporate mortality rates, according to Citigroup Australia managing director Les Matheson."
Volunteers find doormat to charity doesn't always spell welcome
[18 May 2006 | The Age]
"Non-government organisations love workplace volunteers. Indeed, most of them wouldn't be able to function without them. But a new Volunteering Australia study has found that many charities are not doing enough work to ensure that volunteers know exactly what they are supposed to do."
Debnam pays tribute to the state's volunteers
[17 May 2006 | Peter Debnam MP, NSW Liberal Leader]
NSW Liberal Leader Peter Debnam today paid tribute to the state's volunteers for the immense contribution they make to the local community.
Westpac wins kudos – and the savings
[16 May 2006 | The Sydney Morning Herald]
Westpac has been awarded a first-place ranking in the Corporate Responsibility Index in the index's third year. "If companies want to prosper, they need prosperous societies," said Noel Purcell, Westpac's group general manager, stakeholder relations.
Aussie retirees keen to volunteer
[9 May 2006 | Pro Bono Australia]
Australian retirees look forward to "freedom" and are keen to volunteer according to a new international survey into retirement by French Insurance Group AXA in eleven industrialised countries where greater longevity is expected to create a squeeze on retirement funding in the decades ahead.
The motivation behind doing it for free
[15 May 2006 | Russ Grayson]
Mirko Bagaric, writing in On Line Opinion on 20 March this year ("Volunteering for the Right Causes"), questions the motivations of volunteers for the recent Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. His view of their motivation reads as somewhat cynical, but perhaps he is right in asserting that self-interest is a motivation in volunteering for such high profile events rather than for some less-glamourous but more needy activity.
National Volunteer Week: You can change your world!
[1 May 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Are you at a loss for what to do this National Volunteer Week? Here are some creative and inexpensive ways to promote the value of volunteering to your community and to recruit new volunteers.
National Volunteer Week activities
[1 May 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Advertise what your organisation is doing to promote volunteering to your community and to recruit new volunteers during National Volunteer Week in our National Volunteer Week activities.
Call for organisations to participate in the Student Community Involvement Program (SCIP)
[1 May 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
We are looking for organisations that believe in the importance of young people getting involved in their community. Does your volunteer organisation already have a student volunteer program? Are you an organisation that would like to involve student volunteers but is not sure how to do this?
Volunteering makes a difference: Volunteering opportunities for disadvantaged or at-risk young people
[1 May 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
We are currently identifying and assisting volunteering organisations to provide a range of volunteering opportunities for disadvantaged or at-risk young people. To date, we have identified 16 organisations in which to place these volunteers. We are recruiting young people from Sydney University's Young People on Community Orders Health Survey project to participate in our pilot program. We have also formed partnerships with Oasis Youth Support Network and Youth Off The Streets.
The Centre for Volunteering Members Breakfast Forum
[1 May 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Join us Tuesday, 16 May 2006, 9am–10.30am for our regular Members Breakfast Forum held monthly at The Centre for Volunteering, Level 2, 228 Pitt Street (between Park and Market Streets), Sydney. This month, Penny York, trainer in the School of Volunteer Management, will give a brief overview and lead a discussion on the School of Volunteer Management's workshop Strategic Planning. Book your place today.
Project update: Volunteers and the Law
[1 May 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
The Centre's Research and Policy Manager, Anton Mischewski, has met with Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH) Director, Robin Baker. PILCH is keen to assist us conduct a needs audit of legal issues for the NFP sector. In order to do this, they are extracting their own data on the number and types of legal cases relating to volunteering during the past 4–5 years and will provide us with a report.
International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day
[10 April 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
The International Volunteer Manager Appreciation (IVMA) Day Steering Committee has released a survey on their website asking for your views on IMVA Day. Let us know what you think. Do volunteer managers need a special day or do you feel that appreciation should be reserved for volunteers? Email The Centre for Volunteering with your thoughts and we'll publish them on www.volunteering.com.au
Police checks and more random inspections for aged care
[10 April 2006 | Senator the Hon Santo Santoro, Minister for Ageing]
Aged care homes face more frequent unannounced inspections to ensure they comply with care and security standards for residents, the Federal Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro, said today.
The Howard Government will also move to mandate police background checks for all aged care workers, in an effort to help prevent any repeat of the infrequent but serious cases of abuse which have come to light recently.
Salvos put call out for appeal volunteers
[4 April 2006 | ABC Online]
The Salvation Army is launching a bid to recruit 100,000 volunteers nationwide for next month's Red Shield Appeal. The Salvos are aiming to collect $59 million to maintain its services for those in need such as food, shelter, counselling and rehabilitation.
SES volunteer numbers reach record levels
[4 April 2006 | National Australia Bank and Volunteering Australia]
The State Emergency Services (SES) deployment of volunteers to the region affected by Tropical Cyclone Larry is the largest in Queensland's history.
Nominations open for NAB Volunteer Awards worth $364,000
[3 April 2006 | National Australia Bank and Volunteering Australia]
Nominations are now open for the 2006 National Australia Bank (NAB) Volunteer Awards, the community service and volunteer awards program that recognises the efforts of over 40% of Australians who are volunteers.
IR laws 'risk volunteers' jobs'
[28 March 2006 | ABC Online]
Unions say they are concerned that workers volunteering their time in cyclone-ravaged far north Queensland could lose their jobs under the Federal Government's new industrial relations (IR) laws.
Athletes, volunteers thanked
[27 March 2006 | News.com.au]
There was time for one last party today for the thousands of volunteers and athletes who helped stage the Commonwealth Games. Athletes let down their hair and volunteers shared the spotlight as Melburnians waved in appreciation to the "aqua army" – a reference to the volunteers' distinctive blue T-shirts – as they marched through the streets.
Commonwealth Games volunteers to receive medals
[24 March 2006 | Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation]
The thousands of Games volunteers and workers will be rewarded with special commemorative medals as a tribute to their had work during the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Call for organisations who can work with young people
[10 March 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
We are on the lookout for not-for-profit organisations that believe all young people can benefit from regular voluntary work. The Centre for Volunteering has received the support of the Mazda Foundation to pilot a program called Volunteering makes a Difference for young people at risk who could benefit from volunteering in a positive and supported environment.
Survey finds more companies taking one step forward
[9 March 2006 | The Age]
A survey commissioned by Volunteering Australia has found 57 per cent of companies have invested $20 000 - $30 000 in volunteer programs, one in three has a dedicated full-time staff member to co-ordinate the activities, 40 per cent of respondents allow their staff one day off to do volunteering work, another 21 per cent give them two or three days and 2 per cent more than a week.
Successful Student Community Involvement Program event
[8 March 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
On Friday, 3 March The Centre for Volunteering participated in its first Student Community Involvement Program (SCIP) event for 2006. The Community Education Day was held for Year 11 students at St Joseph's College in Hunters Hill, to prepare them for their community service which they will be doing as part of their Faith Development.
Cost of Emergency Management Volunteering Overview
[8 March 2006 | Australian Emergency Management Volunteers Forum]
The Australian Emergency Management Volunteers Forum is currently undertaking
research into the costs to the individual volunteer of being involved
in emergency management volunteering. Through Emergency Management Australia funding has been made available
to develop a national survey of such volunteers to examine the negative
direct cash costs and in kind contributions that volunteers make over
a 12 month period as a result of such volunteering commitment.
First
NSW-based legal resource for volunteers and voluntary organisations
[4 March 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Not-for-profit organisations in NSW working with volunteers frequently
have questions about the legal rights and responsibilities of their volunteers.
Many are unaware of what to do or how to proceed in situations such as
negotiating insurance and occupational health and safety requirements
such as what to do when volunteers are involved in an accident.
New membership program
[1 March 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
We are always looking at ways to improve the services we provide and are pleased to announce some major changes and improvements to our membership. One of our key goals has been to reduce the cost of membership and to encourage more individuals, not-for-profit organisations and corporates to become members of The Centre for Volunteering, the Peak Body for Volunteering in NSW.
National
Conference on Volunteering: new speakers just confirmed
[21 February 2006 | Volunteering Australia]
New speakers have just been just confirmed for the 2006 National Conference
on Volunteering: Jon Faine – radio host, 774 ABC, and Robert Tickner,
CEO Australian Red Cross and former Federal Minister.
Volunteer
counselling service needs a lifeline
[20 February 2006 | Armidale Express]
Lifeline New England North West is struggling to maintain its telephone
counselling service in Armidale and Tamworth. The telephone counselling
service has been saving the lives of people since 1963, and is the only
free 24-hours, seven-days-a-week telephone lifeline for people in crisis.
Running
the boomer blockade
[18 February 2006 | The Age]
In this extract from his new book, Ryan Heath, author of Please Just
F* Off, It's Our Turn Now, writes about the generation of young Australians
who live overseas - why they leave and why they really hope to come back
and what it means if they don't. While this book doesn't deal directly
with volunteers, there are many implications for how and what sorts of
volunteer work organisations and volunteer managers are offering in our
programs.
Fireys
threaten Games protests
[17 February 2006 | News.com.au]
Victoria's volunteer firefighters are threatening to protest at public
events including next month's Commonwealth Games, angry that they have
been ignored in an enterprise agreement between the CFA and the United
Firefighters Union.
Happiness with Dr Martin E.P. Seligman
[15 February 2006 | Australian Financial Review]
The first BOSS Club speaker this year was Dr Martin E.P. Seligman, the Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. His work on positive psychology, learned helplessness, depression, and on optimism and pessimism is world renown. His bibliography includes twenty books and 200 articles on motivation and personality.
Country
answers call for volunteers
[28 January 2006 | The Age]
"This week, the Federal Opposition proposed a scheme, which it likened to
an 'Aussie US Peace Corps', that would offer another avenue for people aged 18
to 24 to become involved in community projects at home or aid work abroad."
Health
Minister 'just another volunteer'
[28 January 2006 | The Age]
"The threat of new fires sparked by lightning remains, but rain and high
humidity brought relief to firefighters around the state yesterday. Among them
was Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott, in the Grampians as part of the contingent
of NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers."
Volunteering
is the lifeblood of our community
[25 January 2006 | The Ballarat Courier]
At times of extreme challenge such as those presented right now by the raging
bushfires, we are quickly reminded of the wonderful volunteering ethic in this
country. There are volunteer firefighting personnel across the nation working
15 hour stints, day in and day out, to protect the lives and property of their
fellow Australians.
Games
volunteer in training
[19 January 2006 | Dubbo Daily Liberal]
Local "sports tragic" Bob Malcolm is all set to take part in the
2006 Commonwealth Games in one of the most vital roles - a volunteer. With
just 55 days until the games begin Mr Malcolm can't wait to represent Dubbo
among the 15,000-strong volunteer workforce at one of the biggest cultural
and sporting events in Victoria's history.
10
steps to RFS volunteering
[18 January 2006 | Braidwood Times]
As Braidwood saw the year in with a week where the maximum temps varied from
40 to 14 degrees, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) was on high alert. The RFS works
closely with the NSW Fire Brigades, the National Parks and Wildlife Service
and State Forests who, between them, cover about 10 per cent of the State.
Inspector Bohdan says there are ten steps to becoming a volunteer starting
with 'The decision'.
Volunteering
staff for aid work reaps big rewards
[14 January 2006 | SMH]
The SMH looks at how corporate volunteering merges not-for-profit and corporate
organisations. "Companies are developing programs where employees spend
up to two years working for a not-for-profit organisation."
Kerin
wants identities of volunteer firefighters suppressed
[9 January 2006 | ABC News]
The South Australian Opposition says the identities of volunteers appearing
before coronial inquiries should be protected to prevent them from being publicly
criticised.
Compulsory
community service plan gets mixed reaction
[6 January 2006 | ABC News]
The youth wing of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) wants the state and federal
ALP to adopt its proposal that high school students complete a set number of
hours of community service before they can graduate.
CFS
warns of firefighter shortage
[3 January 2006 | ABC News]
The head of the Country Fire Service (CFS) says a shift in community attitudes
toward volunteering could put strain on smaller firefighting teams in remote
parts of South Australia. The CFS has reported one of its busiest starts to
the summer fire season but volunteer numbers are falling.
Immigration
department urged to confront 'real' refugee issues
[2 January 2006 | ABC News]
A Hunter charity volunteer says the Department of Immigration must take action
to address the neglect suffered by African refugees being resettled in the
Newcastle region.
2006 Commonwealth Games News
Commonwealth Games volunteers to receive medals
[24 March 2006 | Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation]
The thousands of Games volunteers and workers will be rewarded with special commemorative medals as a tribute to their had work during the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Enjoy...
that's the word from Gaze
[29 October 2005 | The Age]
While volunteers have a job to do, Andrew Gaze says they should also enjoy
the experience.
Volunteers
in the blocks and set to go
[29 October 2005 | The Age]
Most volunteers have been picked,
now it's time for training and outfitting.
Four
volunteers poised to work at the Commonwealth Games
[29 October 2005 | The Age]
Revealed: The first rosters. And these volunteers are all set to fulfil their
roles
More national volunteering news
– 2008 national volunteering news archive– 2007 national volunteering news archive