Recap: 2023 Volunteering NSW State Conference

2023 Volunteering NSW State Conference – The Age of Disruption

This year, the Conference was hosted on beautiful Gadigal, Kamilaroi, Wilyakali, and Wiradjuri Country, made possible by our amazing venues and their teams at the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney, Broken Hill Musicians Club, Gem Hotel Griffith, Mercure Wagga Wagga, Moree Services Club, and Orange Ex-Services’ Club. 

Kicking off with heartfelt speeches from our very own CEO Gemma Rygate and Chair of the Board Helen Freeland, we then had the honour of receiving Uncle Michael West’s Welcome to Country and a video message from the Hon. Jodie Harrison MP. Each shared their passion and optimism for the sector, acknowledging the challenges while embracing the exciting opportunites that “the Age of Disruption” (our 2023 theme) represents for our communities.

With introductions out of the way, we welcomed 10 incredible speakers to share the stage, with a special mention to our brilliant panel facilitator Clint Bertenshaw:

• Leigh Sales AM – Keynote Speaker
• Uncle Shane Phillips – CEO, Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation
• Daniel Murray – CEO, Empathic Consulting
• Amy Smith – Acting Program Manager for RAP Development and Outreach, Reconciliation Australia
• Kylie Elliott PLV – Volunteer and Supporter Engagement Lead, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation
• Tahera Nassrat – CEO, Afghan Peace Foundation
• Ben Hellier – Senior Manager of Research, Policy, and Advocacy, The Centre for Volunteering
• Clare Kerley – Specialist Counsel, Hall & Wilcox
• Louise Geoghegan – Co-Founder, FOLD7
• Christine Anu – Keynote Speaker

We value the knowledge and experience of our community partners and sector experts. From Leigh’s exploration into the human psyche in the face of disruptive events, Daniel’s steps to becoming an effective leader in times of uncertainty, Amy’s advice on cultivating a culturally safe workplace, to Clare’s counsel on the important legal obligations of leaders and organisations, we gained so many valuable insights and practical tools which will help shape a more resilient, supported and inclusive sector.

For our part, one of the key takeaways was this: though we may find comfort in feeling like we have control, change is not only inevitable but a natural catalyst for progress, and through meaningful connections and relationship-building, we can weather any storm.

Whether it be as an organisation or as a sector, our collaborative approach with communities improves support for all teams of volunteers, and their respective causes.

With that in mind, let’s stay connected. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to discover our individual speaker recaps from the Conference, and many more exciting updates, news and developments.