2009 National Volunteering News Archive
December 2009
2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award winners named
7 December 2009
Hunter Valley resident Liz Mullinar AM has been named 2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year for her work to ensure that survivors of child abuse have somewhere to heal. Ms Mullinar and four other State winners were announced in a ceremony at Parliament House on Friday, 4 December 2009. Read more
November 2009
Government to develop National Volunteering Strategy
November 2009 | Pro Bono Australia
The Rudd Government has begun discussions with the Third Sector and State and Territory Ministers to develop a National Volunteering Strategy.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Volunteer Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens has held the first meetings with the National Volunteering Strategy Advisory Group made up of leaders in the Not for Profit volunteer sector as well as with State and Federal Ministers to outline the Government's commitment to supporting and encouraging Australia's diverse volunteers. MORE
Vale Professor Mark Lyons
November 2009 | Pro Bono Australia
The Australian not-for-profit Sector is mourning the passing of one of it's great researchers and community sector commentators, Professor Mark Lyons who died after a battle with cancer last week. MORE
October 2009
Volunteering guides translated into 16 languages
14 October 2009 | Volunteering Australia
The Definition and Principles of Volunteering and the Volunteer Rights and Volunteer Checklist have been translated into the 16 most used languages in Australia. MORE
Southern Sydney Volunteer Expo 2009
Thursday, 22 October 2009, 11am–5pm,
Hurstville Entertainment Centre
The first Southern Sydney Volunteer Expo provides people in the St George area with a one-day opportunity to find out about their local volunteer organisations and the types of volunteer jobs that could be available to them, as well as enjoy the information stalls, refreshments, entertainment and free entry! The Sydney South Region Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented at 3pm on the day. MORE
Surviving and Thriving in Tough Economic Times: One-day forum
Thursday, 22 October 2009, 9am–4:30pm,
Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts
Hear from communication experts who have thrived in tough times, found campaign success or just communicated well. Walk away with some great campaign ideas, be able to produce a fundraising proposal that gets noticed, better understand your corporate supporters, and spruik your organisation using the latest social media tools. There will also be sessions on campaign project management, developing a fundraising proposal, communicating with corporate supporters, social media and building on your success to re-engage your supporters for next year. Learn how you can thrive, not just survive, in tough economic times. Register online
Homeless to do charity work to pay off fines
October 2009 | ProBono Australia
Homeless and disadvantaged people will be able to pay off fines by doing charity work or treatment programs under a scheme launched by the NSW Government.
The NSW Government has begun a two-year trial to allow disadvantaged people such as the homeless, mentally ill and persons experiencing acute financial hardship to apply for a Work and Development Order from the SDRO. MORE
September 2009
Youth Volunteering – engaging young people for service
25 September 2009 | Stefanie Sandford, International Baccalaureate
I recently attended the annual conference of The Centre for Volunteering with the goal of learning more about engaging young people for volunteering service. A reoccurring theme of the conference was that the landscape of volunteering is changing, and not-for-profit organisations, especially long established ones such as the Salvation Army and Benevolent Society, need to reassess their programs and program delivery or risk ever falling numbers of volunteers as the age of their willing workers increases. MORE
Last chance to nominate for the 2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award
Nominations for the 2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award close on Wednesday, 30 September. Don't miss your opportunity to nominate your volunteer team, individual volunteers and employee or corporate volunteers. Awards are awarded at a regional and State level and special awards are given to outstanding youth and senior volunteers. NOMINATE ONLINE TODAY
You're invited to goodcompany's WishFest
20 September 2009 | goodcomany Foundation
goodcompany Foundation invites volunteer professionals to a free night of fun to meet and match with community groups seeking volunteer skills. Come along to our WishFest launch in Melbourne (23 September) or Sydney (30 September) to meet like-minded professionals and community groups keen to use your skills. Invitations are attached and you can RSVP at www.goodcompany.com.au MORE
Help your Board: Survey
17 September 2009 | The Centre for Volunteering
The Centre for Volunteering invites you and your Board to participate in an online survey designed to gather information on the current state of not-for-profit
Boards in NSW. The term 'Board' is meant to be an inclusive description of your organisation's governing body, which may also be called a Management Committee or may be known by another term. MORE
National Volunteer Week 2010 theme announced
17 September 2009 | Volunteering Australia
Volunteering Australia are pleased to announce that the theme for National Volunteer Week, 10-16 May 2010 is... Volunteering: Now, more than ever! This theme really brings volunteering to the forefront and provides a focussed agenda for the volunteer sector. It will raise the profile of volunteering and highlight that volunteering, now, more than ever, is important to Australian society and the contribution of all volunteers must be recognised. MORE
An evening dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour for $30
Thursday, 17 September, 2009, 6pm (for a 6.15pm departure)–9.45pm
Pyrmont Bay Wharf (next to Maritime Museum)
The Centre for Volunteering is hosting a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour as part of its conference activities. There are limited places available and this is your opportunity to come along. Tickets cost $30 for members ($40 for non-members) and includes buffet dinner, DJ and dancing. Drinks can be purchased on board. Book your tickets NOW – First in gets a berth on board for a fun night!
Can getting involved make you happy?
Monash University and the Inspire Foundation is preparing to launch into an exciting study exploring the relationship between civic engagement and well-being. It will help demonstrate that participation has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. The study will require participants to complete a survey three times over a period of 12 months. Inspire would love your help, by participating in a focus group – either online or face to face. MORE
Review of Volunteering Australia
11 September 2009 | Volunteering Australia
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has commissioned a review to assess the services provided to Government by Volunteering Australia. People with an interest in volunteering and the role of Volunteering Australia are invited to forums in Sydney on Monday, 21 September, 10am–12noon and Tuesday, 22 September, 3–5pm at The Centre for Volunteering at Level 2, 228 Pitt St, Sydney. Ring 9261 3600 to register your attendance or provide input to the review through written submissions and a survey. MORE
Participate in the 2009 National Survey of Volunteering Issues
8 September 2009 | Volunteering Australia
Volunteering Australia is calling for all volunteers and not-for-profit organisations that involve volunteers to participate in the 2009 National Survey of Volunteering Issues. The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete and is open until 30 October. You are able to save your responses and return to the survey if you do not complete it all in one go. MORE
August 2009
Government provides $21 million to support volunteers
17 August 2009 | Pro Bono Australia
Not-for-profit organisations, who are supported by volunteers, can apply for Australian Government grants of up to $5,000 to purchase equipment and cover the cost of petrol. The Government says $21 million will be distributed across Australia in the 2009 round of volunteer grants, supporting more than 7000 organisations and 900,000 volunteers. Organisations will receive grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to purchase equipment, including computers, tools and air conditioners and also help with fuel costs. MORE
Progress on Volunteering National Standards Review
17 August 2009 | Pro Bono Australia and Volunteering Australia
The first stage of a national review of Standards for Involving Volunteers in Not for Profit Organisations has seen a call for a refinement in the approach to managing volunteers rather than a major re-write.
Volunteering Australia carried out Phase 1 of the review via an online survey; face to face meetings with state volunteering centres; forums with volunteer resource centres; and with feedback from organisations that had implemented the National Standards.
The Review has delivered 15 recommendations for consideration by Volunteering Australia. MORE
July 2009
UNSW Volunteer Work Expo
Thursday, 13 August 2009, 3pm–6pm
UNSW is delighted to offer the annual Volunteer Work Expo on Thursday 13th August this year. Are you a not-for-profit organisation seeking volunteers? Promote your volunteer opportunities to UNSW students from all faculties in all years. The purpose of the Volunteer Work Expo is to bring not-for-profit organisations and students together. There is no cost to participate. Places are limited. MORE
June 2009
Trapped in a living limbo
29 June 2009 | Vicki Tennant, Sydney Morning Herald
A recent Heckler writer called for more strident contributions. Now the Herald reports an oversupply of volunteers. Put these together and here is the mother of all rants. MORE
May 2009
2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award to be extended
11 May 2009 | The Centre for Volunteering
Two changes have been made to broaden the 2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award. The Award recognises the 1.7 million volunteers in NSW who work tirelessly for the community. This year, a new Tea, category will be added to recognize groups of people who have formed to make a special contribution to their not-for-profit organisation. And the category for corporate volunteers has been extended to include pro bono workby professional organisations, such as lawyers, accountants and medical personnel and the category has been renamed the 2009 NSW Employee Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominate someone today
National Volunteer Week – time to say thank you
7 May 2009 | Volunteering Australia
National Volunteer Week will be held from the 11–17 May 2009. Volunteering Australia CEO, Cary Pedicini, said that volunteers have again stood tall when needed. "The bushfires in Victoria and floods in Queensland earlier this year are high profile disasters where volunteers provided the majority of the response and recovery roles. We could not have coped with those disasters without the commitment of volunteers. And there are millions of other volunteers who everyday make amazing contributions in their communities, but often go unnoticed, in areas including sport, welfare, education, conservation, environment and the arts." Read more
April 2009
Government funds research on economic contribution of non profit sector
April 2009 | Third Sector Updates
In recognition of the enormous contribution made by the non profit sector, the Australian Government is providing more than $93,000 to the Australian Bureau of Statistics for an updated non profit satellite account.
Managing the downturn: Survey
17 April 2009 | PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Fundraising Institute Australia and the Centre for Social Impact
The Managing the Downturn survey will assess the projected increases and decreases in fundraising and other income streams resulting from the economic downturn to help policy makers and charities make informed decisions in response to the economic downturn if income streams soften and the demand for services rises. Read more
National Volunteer Week: Monday–Sunday, 11–17 May 2009
9 April 2009 | The Centre for Volunteering and Volunteering Australia
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say thank you to the more than 5 million Australians who volunteer.
Read more
March 2009
Australian not-for-profit sector technology capacity survey
27 March 2009 | Connecting Up Australia
In 2008 Connecting Up Australia commissioned Digital Business Insights to conduct and analyse a survey to benchmark the technology capacity of Australia's not-for-profits. Over 930 organisations of all types and sizes responded from all round Australia and the results are available to download for free. There are two reports available: one from Digital Business Insights providing details of the survey results and a series of case studies of technology implementations in small to medium organisations, and one from Connecting Up Australia. This includes a comparison with the previous survey conducted in 2006 and some recommendations for the not-for-profit sector, Governments and businesses. Download the reports
Productivity Commission to review the contribution of not-for-profit sector
25 March 2009 | Givewell Monthly Newsletter
The Government has announced that the Productivity Commission will examine the contribution of the not-for-profit sector to Australian society. The Commission has been asked to assess how the not-for-profit sector's contributions to Australian society are currently measured and whether these measures can be improved. The Government has also asked the Commission to identify ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of community organisations, and to consider options for improving the delivery of government-funded services by these organisations. A final report is due by the end of 2009. To register an interest in the study or to find out more, visit www.pc.gov.au.
It's true: volunteering boosts job prospects
24 March 2009 |
Third Sector
CSV research finding coincides with new recruitment campaign. Almost 90 per cent of volunteers believe volunteering has helped to boost their job prospects, according to a Community Service Volunteers survey expected to be released in the next week. Eighty-nine per cent of people who had volunteered with CSV between 2000 and 2009 said their employment prospects had improved as a result. Read more
Community Task Force meets
16 March 2009 | Pro Bono Australia
The first meeting of the Community Response Task Force was held in Melbourne to provide the Not for Profit sector with an opportunity to discuss the impact of the global financial crisis on vulnerable Australians with the Rudd Government.
The Community Response Task Force was established to give the Rudd Government first hand knowledge of what is happening on the ground in the community, particularly in disadvantaged households. Read more
Volunteers rush to register in bushfire crisis
16 March 2009 | Pro Bono Australia
More than 17,000 people rushed to register as volunteers to help in the recovery process after the Victorian bushfire crisis and managing these registrations has been remarkable in the cash-strapped volunteer sector in Australia. Here's how it unfolded. Read more
Valuing Volunteers Kit for Community Legal Centres
Combined Community Legal Centres NSW
The Valuing Volunteers Project aims to develop volunteer training and resource materials with broad application to community legal centres. The Project is a collaboration and partnership between the Peninsula Community Legal Centre and Chisholm Institute. Volunteers are an important resource for many community legal centres. Their participation connects centres with their communities, provides access to a broad range of skills and expertise, and enables centres to extend services and activities. The value that volunteers add to community legal centres has been widely and gratefully acknowledged. Community legal centres understand that the incorporation and utilisation of volunteer resources requires planning and coordination. It is also understood that the provision of training and support will have benefits in terms of effective service delivery, volunteer satisfaction and the management of risk. Download the Valuing Volunteers Kit (scroll down to end of page).
Participate in the National Standards review - Phase 1
Volunteering Australia
Be part of Phase 1 of the Review of Volunteering Australias National Standards for Involving Volunteers in Not for Profit Organisations. There are lots of ways of being involved – you can comment on the survey design; take part in the national survey; and discuss aspects on the e-forum. Bookmark the National Standards webpage to keep up to date with the review. Take part in the Review
Get ready for the big one
7 March 2009 | The Australian
Natural disasters need the same level of prevention and response effort as counter-terrorism. Anthony Bergin and David Templeman outline what must be done. Anthony Bergin is director of research programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and David Templeman is a former director-general of Emergency Management Australia. They are the authors of Taking a Punch: Building a More Resilient Australia. Read more
February 2009
Dealing with conflict and grievances when managing volunteers
Volunteering Australia
This subject guide is designed to address issues that may lead to conflict with volunteers. Volunteering Australia recommends that all not-for-profit organisations invest time, energy and resources to prevent problems arising.
We also recommend that organisations develop transparent systems to deal with volunteer workplace conflict if it unfortunately occurs. Download the Subject Guide.
2008 Australian NFP Technology Survey results
Pro Bono Australia
A new survey has found that Australia's charities and Not for Profit organisations are missing out on opportunities presented by the social web and are unhappy with software that does not meet their needs. Read more
Bushfire Emergency Appeals
10 February 2009 | Our Community
Our Community has packaged up in one place all the various ways people can help out and give to people affected by the Victorian bushfires through its Giving Centre – which is proudly supported by its alliance partner Westpac Bank. The page describes where to donate money, time, blood, clothes or furniture and blankets, help animals and more. www.ourcommunity.com.au/bushfirehelp is a one-stop-shop to help out individuals and workplaces who want to contribute to the emergency and recovery efforts.
Fido: Skilled volunteering recruitment service
3 February 2009 | The Centre for Volunteering
In 2008, The Centre advertised approximately 250 positions in the Sydney Morning Herald for over 100 member organisations for free through its skilled volunteering service, Fido. Many of these positions involved multiple vacancies. We know from member feedback that Fido continues to be a very valuable service for members for recruiting skilled volunteers.
However, while Fido is used by a large number of members of The Centre, some members may not be aware of the details of its operation. In this article, we give some brief details of Fido and how it operates. Read more
SBS donates $2 million worth of television airtime to charity
February 2009 | SBS
SBS will create a Foundation to be custodian of $2 million worth of television airtime which will be donated to support charities and charitable causes, SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown has announced. "While SBS has always been a strong supporter of charities, the SBS Foundation will ensure that our support truly makes a difference to the aims and ambitions of a small number of not-for-profits," Shaun Brown said. Read more
January 2009
New non profit sector body to advise government on impact of economic crisis
28 January 2009 | Senator Ursula Stephens
The Acting Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens yesterday met with non profit sector leaders to discuss the impact of the economic downturn on Australians. The Acting Prime Minister and Senator Stephens emphasised the importance of the government being in regular contact with the third sector. "Third sector organisations are the first to see the personal impact of the economic crisis and can provide valuable information to government," said Senator Stephens. Read more
Government to offer HECS discounts for people who volunteer
28 January 2009 | The Australian
The federal Government is planning to offer discounts on HECS debts to university students who undertake volunteer community work. While the full details of the plan are still to be worked out with volunteer groups, a spokeswoman for senator Ursula Stephens, parliamentary secretary for social inclusion and voluntary sector, said the government would soon announce a broad framework for the plan. Read more
United voice essential to win Government support
16 January 2009 | The Canberra Times
"...According to a recent Government discussion paper, the automotive industry in Australia employs about 60,000 people, contributes about $5billion to the economy in export earnings, and is one of our largest manufacturing industries. In pure economic terms, the not-for-profit sector contributes over $20 billion to the Australian economy and directly employs almost 900,000 people, roughly 15 times as many as the automotive industry..." Read more
Volunteer grants aid the community
9 January 2009 | Australian Labor Party
More than 7,200 community organisations across the country will benefit from $21 million in Australian Government funding for volunteer grants.
The Volunteer Grants Program 2008 will support about 900,000 volunteers and assist organisations to buy small equipment and sporting items, to train volunteers, and to help with fuel costs. Read more
Volunteer passports 'creditable'
3 January 2009 | The Australian
Australia's 5.4 million volunteers could be issued with government-funded "passports" to allow them to earn credits from their work and avoid repeat police checks. Parliamentary Secretary for the Voluntary Sector Ursula Stephens yesterday said such a proposal could be used to provide gap-year students with a skills record from their community work to boost their chances of university entry. "We think a skills passport would be a very good way of documenting that kind of contribution, and help young people describe and articulate their skills," she said. Read more
National Standards Review
January 2009 | Volunteering Australia
The National Standards for Involving Volunteers in Not-for-Profit Organisations were developed and endorsed by Volunteering Australia in 1997 following an extensive national consultation process. A second edition was released in 2001. In a climate of change in the volunteering sector, it is timely to engage in a review process to ensure continuous improvement in the application and implementation of the National Standards. This is particularly important in terms of emerging trends in volunteering, such as episodic and project volunteering, demographic changes and expectations, the engagement of volunteers outside the not-for-profit sector and an increasing focus on the importance of quality management of volunteers – at an individual level and organisational level. Read more