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- Meet the State and Regional Winners of the 2011 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award
- Latest national and international volunteering news
- Events: Networking Events 2012 and OH&S Information Sessions |
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 Ralph Naden is named the 2011 NSW Volunteer of the Year
Balladoran's Ralph Naden has been named the 2011 NSW Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his dedication to indigenous youth. Ralph saw the need for someone to mentor and teach young Indigenous people about their culture and keep them busy and out of trouble, Ralph bought a property at Balladoran where he built his home created a "camp" for Aboriginal youth, all at his own expense. His "camp" is a place of learning which he named "Yalmambirra Boogijoon Doolan" translated it means "To Teach the Little Sand Goanna". Read more
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 Meet the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award winners
The following volunteers were recognised for their contributions to their communities at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award on 5 December 2011 at Parliament House, Sydney:
- Loki Ball (2011 NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year)
- Mohit Tolani (2011 NSW HC Youth Volunteer of the Year)
- Margaret Hardy (2011 NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year)
- Margaret Jones (2011 NSW HC Senior Volunteer of the Year)
- Samaritans Friendship House (2011 NSW Volunteer Team of the Year)
- Richard High (2011 NSW Corporate Volunteer of the Year)
Meet the above NSW Volunteer of the Year Award winners and each of the 47 Regional winners. |
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 One-off NSW Excellence in Not-For-Profit Management Award winner announced
The winner of the NSW Excellence in Not-For-Profit Management Award was announced at the 2011 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony at Parliament House on Monday, 5 December 2011 – International Volunteer Day. Congratulations to Bathurst Information and Neighbourhood Centre. The NSW Excellence in Not-For-Profit Management Award is a one-off Award to celebrate International Year of the Volunteer +10. It was open to NFP organisations who demonstrated best practice in the management of their volunteers. Read more
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New Minister for Social Inclusion
The Hon Mark Butler MP was sworn in as Minister for Social Inclusion on Wednesday, 14 December 2011. Minister Butler is also the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Heath Reform. To find out more read Pro Bono Australia's article: Cabinet Reshuffle Significant for NFPs. |
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Federal Government volunteering furoure
The Centre for Volunteering & Sydney Morning Herald | 10–14 December 2011
The news of the change of policy at the Department of Human Services meaning 37,000 employees in her department were told that if they wished to engage in volunteering activities in the future, they would have to get their manager's permission first, created a furore with community groups, government employees and the media. Days later the policy was reversed. Follow the news trail and read The Centre for Volunteering's response to the policy reversal:
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Researchers looking at possible toxic chemical risk to volunteer firefighters
Bush Telegraph – ABC Rural | 15 December 2011
As usual at the height of summer, hundreds of volunteer fire brigades will be kept on their toes in coming weeks in rural areas and on the fringes of big cities where urban development meets the bush. But if they are called to fight a fire, do these volunteer firefighters realise the toxic chemicals they may be exposed to - from burning vegetation or burning buildings? Featuring: Dr Fabienne Reisen, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research;
Dr Deborah Glass, Monash University, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine; and Dr Robyn Pearce, Chair, Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council. Listen to the discussion |
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 National Volunteering Strategy launched 
The former Minister for Social Inclusion, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, launched the National Volunteering Strategy at the National Conference on Volunteering. 30 November 2011, to mark the 10th anniversary of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers. The Strategy has been presented as a ten year plan for volunteering in Australia, in which volunteering is encouraged, supported and recognised and is a response to years of input and advocacy by the volunteering community across Australia. The National Volunteering Strategy is the product of extensive consultation with volunteers and the organisations they work for, peak bodies, and state and territory governments. Download and read the National Volunteering Strategy
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 United Nations Volunteers' State of the World's Volunteerism Report launched
The first ever State of the World's Volunteerism Report (SWVR) has been launched. The SWVR promotes a better understanding of volunteerism. It demonstrates the universality, scope and reach of volunteerism along with new trends in the twenty-first century. It examines important contributions in diverse fields. By suggesting how volunteerism can be taken forward, the SWVR also provides an alternative vision of a better society. The SWVR shows, in most societies around the world, volunteers make significant contributions to economic and social development.
Download and read the State of the World's Volunteerism Report
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Insights from the National Survey of Volunteering Issues 2011
Volunteering Australia | 5 December 2011
In the past 5 years, Volunteering Australia (VA) has conducted the National Survey of Volunteering Issues. In 2011, VA placed greater emphasis on identifying priorities and suggested solutions, learning about what works best for volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations and companies, and the success factors. Review the insights |
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Women more likely to volunteer than men
Australian Bureau of Statistics | 3 December 2011
More than one-third of Australians did voluntary work last year, with more women volunteering than men, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). In 2010, 36% of Australians aged 18 years and over participated in voluntary work – 38% of women and 34% of men. Read more
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| It's time to make a World Of Difference
The Vodafone Foundation's World Of Difference program is heading into its ninth year in 2012, and once again is seeking five new people to make a real difference for their chosen charity. The Vodafone Foundation will not only fund the participants' salaries for the year (up to $60,000), it'll also support them with initial planning and professional resources to ensure they make the most of their year – a unique and important element to help people make change happen. So if you're an Australian charity (DGR Item 1) who could benefit from a full-time employee to work on a defined program of work for a year, please reach out to your volunteer networks, tell them about the World of Difference program and encourage them to apply. Applications open 9 January 2012 to all Australian residents aged 18+.
For more information, visit www.Vodafone.com.au/worldofdifference |
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Do Something! makes volunteering easier in 576 different communities around Australia
A survey released by the action group Do Something! shows that only four out of ten Australians have been involved in local community organisations within the past three months. To combat this lack of community volunteering, Do Something! have launched DoSomethingNearYou.com.au. The site is the brainchild of Do Something Founder Jon Dee. "[It] will make it simpler for people to find community groups in 576 different communities around Australia," said Mr Dee. "All you have to do is type in your postcode and we'll show you the different ways that you can be involved in your community." Read more |
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Protection of Volunteers in the Workplace – a pilot study of GREAT Community Transport
In April 2008 an accident occurred involving a GREAT Community Transport Inc (GCT) volunteer driver using his own car and the death of a client. The volunteer was charged with negligent driving causing death. In the aftermath of this "critical incident", a number of issues arose concerning the role and responsibility of volunteers, the adequate protection of volunteers, the role and responsibilities of third parties and funding bodies, and how small community not-for-profit organisations in New South Wales such as GCT can best prepare themselves, and their volunteers, against such incidents in the future. Download report |
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 Coin and Stamp Celebrate 'Volunteer Army'
The Federal Government has released a new coin and stamp to recognise the contribution of Australia's 'volunteer army'. The Government has released the commemorative stamp and coin as part of the celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10). Read more
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Thoughtful Thursdays on Twitter
Thanks to Jayne Cravens for this Twitter tip: "On Twitter, each Thursday, people are using the tag #ttvolmgrs for questions, comments and tips regarding volunteer management. It's surprising how much information can be squeezed into 140 characters!" Get tweeting! |
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AAVA name change
At their recent Annual General Meeting, AAVA (the Australasian Association for Volunteer Administrators) formally changed their name to AAMoV (Australasian Association for Managers of Volunteers). Visit the AAMoV website |
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More National Volunteering and Not-for-Profit News
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International Volunteering News
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The Centre's Monthly Volunteer Managers' Networking Events
The Centre for Volunteering's Networking Events for volunteer managers and their peers are held on the third Tuesday of the month, 2–4pm from March to November, at The Centre for Volunteering. This is a great opportunity for people in the not-for-profit sector to meet each other, network and share their experiences, knowledge and learnings. Attendees can suggest topics for discussion, guests or issues. All volunteer managers and coordinators are very welcome to these events. View the 2012 Networking Events Calendar |
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OH&S Information Sessions
Are you ready for the new OH&S Legislation to commence on January 1 in 2012? Are you a PCBU? Do you know what a PCBU is? The new legislation now includes volunteers as "workers" so have you undertaken a review of your policies and practices to ensure a safe working environment for your volunteer – both mentally and physically? The Centre will be hosting a number of information sessions over the coming months so if you would like to come along, please email your expression of interest to Lynne Dalton. |
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© The Centre
for Volunteering 2011, All Rights Reserved (ABN 28 002 416 024) |
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