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Dear members
and friends,
It is shaping up to be an exciting 2025. The team at Volunteering Tasmania are finding great fulfillment in scoping and planning activities and events for the year ahead. We continue to listen to our members and stakeholders and have a range of upcoming workshops and activities to meet the changing needs of volunteering. Check out the upcoming opportunities below.
This week has seen the first two community forums for the development of Tasmania’s first Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan. Thank you to everyone who engaged in this process and provided their insights and ideas. Our team enjoyed connecting with you and being part of this conversation. It's not too late to register for the final two forums (Moonah and Online) - details are below. There will also be an upcoming opportunity to participate in an online survey; this information will be shared with our network soon. We are super grateful to be working with the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) on this incredibly important piece of work which will support the sustainability of the volunteering industry in Tasmania.
For our Members, please see below some specific offerings for you: invitation to order your 2025 Volunteer Recognition Certificates; discounted rate for upcoming Justice Connect Workshop: Top Legal Issues in Managing Volunteers; Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program; and invitation to share an event or feature on our monthly Community Noticeboard.
Mel Blake
Chief Executive Officer, Volunteering Tasmania
New ways to connect with Volunteering Tasmania
News alert: social media channel updates
Volunteering Tasmania has moved to a new Facebook page!
Don't want to miss out on the latest information about our events, training workshops, and advocacy to support volunteering in Tasmania? Head over to @VolunteeringTasmaniaVT to follow our new official page. You can also follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Connect with us across our socials and help us to create an inclusive, thriving and celebrated culture of community participation.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our Future of Volunteering peak body project aims to support and strengthen volunteering across Tasmanian communities in fresh and innovative ways. Our key objectives are to help break down barriers to formal volunteering and support organisations to develop meaningful networks and strategic partnerships.
As part of the Future of Volunteering project, we will be hosting several forums across the state during the year, with the first focussed on 'Caring for our People and Community'. To help us appropriately plan these forums we would love to hear about your experience with health and wellbeing support mechanisms that are in place for volunteers.
We’d greatly appreciate your experience – this short survey should take 2-4 minutes to complete.
Policy and Advocacy News
Tasmanian Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan
Be part of the development of Tasmania's first Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan!
It’s not too late to register for a community forum and join the conversation about how to strengthen and support the volunteering sector across Tasmania.
Find out more and register:
It's essential that volunteer-involving organisations and volunteers engage in these opportunities to help inform the Tasmanian Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan, to ensure that it is relevant and targeted. Register today!
Changes to Registration to Work with Vulnerable People
7-day and emergency worker exemptions will be removed from 01 April 2025
After consultation in 2024, changes to the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) Scheme will come into effect from 01 April 2025. These changes have been designed to strengthen the protections in place for vulnerable people, including children.
What might this mean for you?
- Workers and volunteers who previously used the 7-day exemption will need to apply for registration if they want to continue working and/or volunteering in their regulated activity from 1 April 2025
- Employers and organisations will no longer need to track the number of days a person is volunteering in a regulated activity while unregistered.
If you wish to discuss how the RWVP scheme impacts volunteers in your organisation, or your own volunteering, please reach out to us at policy@volunteeringtas.org.au
Training and Events
Upcoming National Standards for Volunteer Involvement sessions
The National Standards for Volunteer Involvement is a best practice framework that can guide your organisation’s volunteer involvement and support safe, effective and inclusive volunteering.
On Thursday 13 March we have two sessions that will help you as you implement (or continue to implement) the Standards:
Thursday 13 March, 10.00 – 10.30am Information session:
National Standards for Volunteer Involvement Tool (online)
Join us for an introduction to how this new online tool can help your organisation track its progress against the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement. We’ll show you how you can use the tool to:
- self-assess your organisation’s performance against individuals Standards,
- identify and action areas for improvement, and
- access resources to assist you in meeting the standard.
Once your organisation has been through the self-assessment process, you may decide to continue to formal accreditation against the Standards– we’ll show you how to do this using the tool.
If you would like further information, click here to watch a short overview of the tool. You can also submit an expression of interest to access it. If approved, you will have complimentary access through to May 2025 and potentially beyond. Register here:
Thursday 13 March, 1-2pm Webinar (online):
A Deep Dive into Standard 1 of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
This free webinar, presented as part of the Volunteering Management Activity (VMA) and in partnership with the Centre for Volunteering NSW, will focus on Standard 1:
Volunteering is embedded in leadership, governance and culture.
Join us at the next National CHSP Volunteering Network meeting
Tuesday 18 March 1:00 – 2:30pm (online)
The next CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Program) Volunteering Network meeting will focus on young people volunteering in aged care.
Hosted by Volunteering Tasmania and Volunteering SA&NT, the CHSP Volunteering Network provides an opportunity for CHSP Providers who engage with volunteers to connect with each other and with the CHSP sector more broadly.
We hope you can join us.
Let’s Talk Anti-Discrimination and Inclusion
Wednesday 19th March 2025, 10.30am-12pm (online)
We'd love you to join us for a conversation about anti-discrimination and inclusion in volunteering during Harmony Week. This free workshop will be delivered in partnership with Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.
During this session you'll discover information about your rights and responsibilities under Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Law and the Commissioner's role, purpose, and function. We'll also provide an overview of the work Volunteering Tasmania are doing to support volunteer-involving organisations to be more inclusive and accessible.
We encourage your questions and active participation as we discuss the challenges facing volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations, as well as ways we can successfully overcome these challenges.
Top Legal Issues in Managing Volunteers
Tuesday 8th April 2025, 10am-1pm (online)
Registrations are now open for this special offering delivered by Justice Connect’s Not-for-profit Law program and tailored for volunteer-involving organisations. Places are limited, and ticket fees apply (reduced fee for Volunteering Tasmania Members).
This is an interactive and practical session which will include discussion on:
- Defining the volunteer relationship
- Equal opportunity in volunteer recruitment
- The ‘duty of care’ your organisation owes its volunteers
- Work, health, and safety duties
- Child safety requirements
- Legal responsibility for the actions of volunteers
- Risk management processes
- Reviewing or ending the volunteer relationship
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program
Empower and lead: Continuous Learning for Volunteer Managers
Are you a volunteer manager or coordinator? It’s time to take your next professional step!
Volunteering Tasmania’s CPD Program for Professional Leaders of Volunteers is designed to enhance your knowledge and to uphold the highest standards of professional practice in volunteer management. By participating, you will gain access to resources, events, and a learning and sharing environment with a supportive community of like-minded practitioners. This is a 12-month program, commencing at registration date.
The CPD program formally recognises the work you are doing to raise the standards of volunteer leadership in your organisation and across our state. On successful completion of the program, you will gain Professional Leaders of Volunteers (PLV) status for 12 months.
This program is exclusive to members of Volunteering Tasmania. Each organisational member of VT receives two placements in the program per financial year. Additional organisational or individual memberships placements can be secured for a $50 (ex GST) fee per person.
Register now to embark on this journey.
Resources
Volunteer Recognition Certificates 2025
We are excited to continue to offer our Volunteer Recognition Certificates member benefit for 2025. These certificates are to support your celebration of National Volunteer Week (19-25 May 2025).
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers and this year’s theme is Connecting Communities!
We are delighted to support our members with personalised digital certificates of appreciation for each of your volunteers – whether you have 1 or 10,000.
These certificates can be personalised with your organisation’s logo, and shows yours, and Volunteering Tasmania’s appreciation for the contributions of your volunteers.
Please note: Certificates will be provided in a digitised format. We encourage members to distribute them in the way that is meaningful and relevant to your volunteer workforce. Your local Member of Parliament's office may offer complimentary printing services. This presents an ideal opportunity to engage in a conversation about the challenges you face in volunteering and how funding through service grants could enhance volunteer infrastructure, systems, and support for tasks such as Working with Vulnerable People Registrations and police check forms.
Orders close Thursday 3 April 2025. To complete your order, complete this form, and attach an excel spreadsheet with information sorted into three columns: First name, Surname and Organisation name.
We'll also include a blank Certificate for all organisations, that you can use for any new volunteers that join your organisation after submission of your order.
We anticipate that Certificates will be ready to email to your nominated email address on Friday 2 May, allowing time for arrangements to be made for distribution as appropriate. This will be sent to you as a link to a file share platform from the team@volunteeringtas.org.au account. It won't require you to download an app or sign up for any other platforms.
Not a financial member of Volunteering Tasmania, and wish to order these? Sign up today!
Any questions? Please contact us via team@volunteeringtas.org.au.
Something for everyone – order your digital National Volunteer Week e-card today!
Volunteering Tasmania as the peak body for volunteering in this state, is excited to connect you with our National body, Volunteering Australia’s, National Volunteer Week volunteer recognition e-card!
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025, is Connecting Communities!
You can access these by sending a free e-card Certificate of Appreciation or Thank You card directly to your volunteer’s email, by following the steps via the link below.
To access Volunteering Australia’s National Volunteer Week e-card and other recognition resources go to their website here.
Hanging Out to Help Out - resources for volunteering organisations
‘Hanging out to help out’ is part of the Australian Government’s efforts to guide the actions needed to achieve a better future for volunteering. This Volunteering Awareness campaign aims to raise awareness, interest and consideration of volunteering among young people 15-18 years of age.
A range of information and resources are available for organisations looking to engage with young volunteers, including:
- A guide for multicultural community organisations - How to reach and recruit volunteers
- Creating a culturally safe workplace for First Nations volunteers
Out and About!
Volunteering stories from the VT team
Jenny McQuilkin – VT Sector Development Coordinator
Jenny volunteers with Loui’s Van, run by Vinnies
Volunteers with Loui's Van - Vinnies
I’ve been a volunteer for Loui’s Van since October 2018 and have been team leader for the last three years. Loui’s Vans travel throughout Hobart providing food, drinks, essential items and a welcoming environment for people experiencing homelessness and people in need.
I wanted to be part of Loui’s Van because it’s a really vital service, particularly at the moment with cost of living rising. I like that anyone can access the van and do so in a way that suits them – whether they want to just grab a cup of homemade soup, get information or stay and have a chat. I enjoy the sense of community that comes from being part of a great team and getting to know the people who come to the van. On van nights, I get to see people looking after each other and making sure everyone has what they need. Our team is always well supported by our Volunteer Coordinator - I feel lucky to be involved.
Sub-lease available with Volunteering Tasmania
Do you need an office space? Something close to Hobart with a friendly and warm environment? We are a vibrant and friendly team looking for a like-minded organisation to share our working space. If your organisation values integrity, inclusion, and connection, we would love to hear from you!
Location: 75 Federal Street, North Hobart
Availability: Top floor of a two-story building, with internal and external stair access (no lift). Ideally, this would be taken up by one tenant, but could be negotiated for multiple. Currently vacant and available for immediate occupancy.
What’s on Offer:
- 2 Large Rooms: Perfect for shared office space or meeting/training rooms
- 4 Offices: Private and spacious
- Sitting Room/Storage: Versatile space for your needs
- Bathroom: Includes toilet and shower.
- Shared Amenities: Access to kitchen, boardroom, and tearoom downstairs
Contact Us: For more details or to schedule a viewing, please contact our CEO, Mel Blake.
Community Noticeboard
If you're a Member of Volunteering Tasmania and you'd like to share an event or feature on this monthly Community Noticeboard, please contact us at team@volunteeringtas.org.au.
Youth Participation Workshops
Are you looking to grow your knowledge or expand your skills in youth participation and engagement?
This free, 3-hr workshop from the Youth Network of Tasmania is designed for staff, team leaders and managers working in local government and community sectors. Gain confidence and knowledge in evidence-informed, best-practice youth participation to meet Child and Youth Safe Standards.
Upcoming workshops:
- Hobart - Thursday 6 March, 9AM-12PM - SOLD OUT
- Queenstown - Tuesday 15 April, 1PM-4PM
- Rosebery - Wednesday 16 April, 10AM-1PM
- Devonport - Thursday 17 April, 9AM-12PM - SOLD OUT
- Scottsdale - Wednesday 21 May, 1PM-4PM
- Deloraine - Thursday 22 May, 11AM-2PM - FEW TICKETS REMAINING
Not-For-Profit Insurance Week Webinars
24-28 March
Aon and Institute of Community Directors are offering an information packed series of webinars and resources on not-to-be-missed topics and issues facing the not-for-profit sector, including:
- Fundraising for NFPs: Prize indemnity insurance & how it can help raise funds for your organisation.
- How insurers review your risk and how to make your NFP more attractive to insurers
- How to protect your organisation from cyber crime
- Cover for your board and why you need it
- Why you should 'health check' your policy
Registration is free. Just head to the Not-for-Profit Insurance Week web page and register for the webinar/s you’d like to attend.
Digital Mentor Program
Hobart Library, 17th & 24th March, 2-5 pm
Want to help more people feel digitally confident in your community?
A digital mentor is someone who guides other in learning digital skills, empowering them to perform essential tasks like connecting with loved ones, banking online, and staying safe from scams. Digital mentors don't need to be tech-experts - they just need to be friendly, supportive, and motivated to help others become
more confident online.
The Multicultural Council of Tasmania has been hosting a series of Digital Mentor programs, and there's still time to register for the last session in Hobart if you're interested.
Register for the CHSP Futures Conference
When: Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 March 2025, 10:00 am to 4.30 pm AEDT
Where: Online via Whova Event Platform
Registration Cost: $100 + GST
The 2025 CHSP Futures Conference: Reimagining CHSP Together will offer an engaging, accessible and affordable opportunity for CHSP providers and community stakeholders to keep informed and up to date with changes impacting on CHSP. The conference will focus on four key priorities as the sector comes together to reimagine our future:
- Future focus for compliance and regulation
- Opportunities for future workforce strategies
- Future shaping of service provision and capacity
- Sustainability and viability for CHSP
What’s for Dinner?
Free Volunteer Training for CHSP funded services
The What’s for Dinner? program is a FREE training program for volunteers, delivered by the Healthy Ageing Tasmania Dietitians. The aim of the training is to build volunteer confidence in identifying and responding to early warning signs of malnutrition in a way that is engaging, practical, and sustainable.
The training helps staff and volunteers to have simple conversations about food and eating, starting with easy and engaging questions like "What's your favourite food?" and "What's for dinner?".
Feedback has been extremely positive, including;
"Since our staff did the training, we've noticed we're getting more checks coming through, and not just for nutrition. Our volunteers are really on the ball." - Volunteer coordinator
“As a retired nurse I thought I had good general knowledge about nutrition… I was surprised at how much I learned at the training!” - Volunteer
Places are now open for all Tasmanian Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) funded organisations.
Upcoming Grant Opportunities
Hydro Tasmania Community Grants
Applications are now open for Hydro Tasmania's 2025 Community Grants Program. Hydro Tasmania offers grants for not-for-profit community organisations to fund projects that will make a real difference for people and communities in Tasmania.
The grants available are up to $5,000, with applications closing 5pm Friday 28 March 2025.
Disaster Ready Fund - Round Three
Applications are open for the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund. The fund provides up to $200 million per year for projects that build resilience to prepare for, or reduce the risk of, future natural hazard impacts across Australia. Round Three will invest in projects that support Australian communities to manage the physical, economic and social impacts of future floods, cyclones, bushfires, storm surges and other natural hazards. Applications close through state lead agencies on 02 April 2025.
