The Centre's Utilisation of Highly Skilled Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (HS CALD) Volunteers project update

February 2010 | Tony Frew, Research, Development and Policy Manager

The Utilisation of Highly Skilled Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (HS CALD) Volunteers project has received funding from City of Sydney in the 09–10 Community Services Grants program to undertake this project in the City of Sydney local government area (LGA).

Additionally The Community Relations Commission of NSW has provided further financial support from the 2009–2010 Community Development Grants program. 

The project will be coordinated from offices of The Centre for Volunteering, Pitt Street, Sydney. The project will develop a practical Toolkit initially targeted at 'decision makers' of NSW NFP organisations ie CEO's, Executive Officers, Managers or Coordinators. 

The Toolkit will be a resource consisting of documentation, strategies, guides, training and consulting services to assist NFP organisations to recruit, manage, train and assist HS CALD volunteers gain skills and experience which may transition them to paid employment.

The NSW the Volunteer Referral Centre (VRC) network will be invited to participate in the delivery of the Toolkit once it has undergone successful piloting in the City of Sydney LGA. 

Additional funding, to implement this concept across NSW, is now being sought.