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Dear members
and friends,
The recent state election provided us with a valuable opportunity to again highlight the needs of the volunteering industry through our election campaign ‘Remove Barriers to Volunteering: Tasmania’s Largest Workforce’. We were also proud to be involved in the Coalition of Community Service Peaks campaign ‘Prioritise all Tasmanians’. We look forward to continuing to work with government to address these needs and help strengthen and sustain volunteering in Tasmania.
Nominations are now closed for the 2025 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards. Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate an individual, organisation or group. This is the 10th anniversary of our annual Awards program which presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible and far-reaching benefits of volunteering. We look forward to announcing finalists next month and celebrating them at the Awards Ceremony on 19 September 2025.
Thank you to members who have renewed their membership with us for 2025-26. We look forward to supporting you and adding your voice to our policy and advocacy work. Membership details and our member sign up / renewal form, can be found here: Membership - Volunteering Tasmania. If you are not sure of your membership status, please contact us via: team@volunteeringtas.org.au.
Mel Blake
Chief Executive Officer, Volunteering Tasmania
Tasmanian Volunteering Awards 2025
Nominations for the Tasmanian Volunteering Awards are now closed!
A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate amazing volunteers and organisations making positive change across Tasmania.
Over the next month our brilliant judges will take on the difficult task of reviewing nominations and deciding on finalists and winners in each category.
Each judge brings a range of experience and expertise from across the volunteering industry and generously gives their time to carefully consider the merits of each nomination. With so many amazing nominations this year, they certainly won’t have an easy job. The Awards couldn’t happen without them, so we hope you’ll join the VT team in thanking them for their hard work.
Policy and Advocacy News
Commitment to our 2025 Election Priorities
Our election platform focussed on removing barriers to volunteering.
Ahead of the election earlier this month, both the Liberal and Labor parties committed to supporting some of our election priorities:
- Additional investment for the implementation of Tasmania’s first Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan.
- The removal of the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People fees for volunteers as part of a two-year pilot.
This position essentially puts us where we were when the budget was announced in May. The Greens have also written to us, and they fully support all our budget priorities.
Thank you to our members, stakeholders and friends for your support and advocacy to help ‘Remove Barriers to Volunteering’. Going forward we will work with all political parties and independent members of the new Tasmanian Parliament to advocate strongly for a funding pathway for ALL our current budget priorities. We continue to encourage members to reach out to us about these priorities and how they may impact you.
Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Scheme
New fact sheet for volunteers
The RWVP Scheme have released a new fact sheet for volunteers, with information about why volunteers may need a RWVP, and how to apply. Organisations that engage volunteers to provide services to vulnerable people, including children, can provide this sheet to volunteers to inform them about the process.
Training and Events
Webinar: A Deep Dive into Standard 5 of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
Thursday 7 August 2025, 1:00-2:00pm (online)
This free webinar, presented as part of the Volunteering Management Activity (VMA) Program by the Centre for Volunteering NSW, will focus on Standard 5 of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement: Volunteers are supported and developed.
Standard 5 states that volunteers understand their roles, and gain the knowledge, skills and feedback needed to participate safely and effectively. The session will outline how to implement the standard in your organisation.
Legal Issues in Managing a Diverse Volunteer Team
Thursday 21 August 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm (online)
Join us for this special session delivered by Justice Connect’s Not-for-profit Law program. Justice Connect specialise in providing legal help and support to not-for-profit organisations, to help make sense of the law, stay legally compliant, thrive within complexity, and achieve good governance.
This will be an in-depth, interactive exploration of the topics outlined below, with small breakout sessions for participants to workshop legal issues, discuss scenarios, and problem-solve as a group.
- Overview of discrimination laws, safety, screening checks, and privacy law
- Case studies to guide discussion on diversity and the law
- Practical tips on balancing your legal obligations to make volunteering more inclusive
VT member rate: $20; non-member rate: $65
If you are a member and have not yet received your member discount code, please contact rutho@volunteeringtas.org.au
How will changes to the Aged Care Act 2024 impact your management of volunteers?
Join us for the National CHSP Volunteering Network Meeting as we count down to 1 November 2025: the future of volunteering in Aged Care (Part 2)
Tuesday 26 August 2025, 1:00-2:00pm (online)
In Part 2 of this National CHSP Volunteering Network Meeting 'Countdown to 1 November', we’ll be exploring the relationship between volunteering in Aged Care and the new Aged Care Act, including feedback from the provider workshop and an overview of resources available to support providers through the change. As in Part 1 of this session, we will continue to compile questions and feedback for the Department in relation to the upcoming changes.
A guest speaker from the Advocacy and Volunteering Section of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will give a short overview presentation about volunteering in aged care.
This is an opportunity to discuss the upcoming changes with the Department, peak bodies and other providers, including clarifying any issues and asking questions.
Recognising that this meeting is being held at a busy time for the sector, the meeting will run for 60 mins.
Let’s Talk Aboriginal Cultural Safety Awareness
Tuesday 2 September 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm (online)
Volunteer Managers/Coordinators are invited to join us for this special conversation with Dewayne Everettsmith, focused on providing culturally safe volunteering opportunities.
This free Let's Talk session will discuss practical elements for volunteer involving organisations to consider when engaging Aboriginal volunteers, including a suggested cultural safety checklist.
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.
Member spotlight
With National Student Volunteer Week 2025 just around the corner, this month we’re excited to highlight Generations Connect: Tech Together, an initiative from COTA Tasmania powered by young volunteers.
Bridging Generations Through Technology: The Power of Young Volunteers
In today’s world, staying connected often relies on technology – yet for many older Tasmanians, navigating the digital space can feel overwhelming. At the same time, many young people are eager to make a difference, share their skills, and build meaningful connections. That’s where Generations Connect: Tech Together comes in.
The Motivation Behind the Program
Launched by COTA Tasmania, this initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by pairing young volunteers with older adults living in residential aged care. Through an engaging program spanning up to ten weeks, young digital mentors work one-on-one with residents, providing practical support such as learning how to use smartphones, tablets, and apps. But the program goes far beyond tech skills—it’s about building friendships, sharing stories, and fostering understanding between generations.
The Impact of Young Volunteers
The feedback has been heartwarming: residents feel more confident and less isolated, while young volunteers gain patience, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the wisdom of older generations.
“It’s not just about learning tech,” says Mel Knuckey, Digital Inclusion - Project Coordinator. “It’s about laughter, stories, and creating connections that truly matter.”
Why Volunteer?
By volunteering as a digital mentor, you’re not only helping someone navigate technology—you’re helping someone reconnect with loved ones, access vital services, and feel part of the modern world. Plus, it’s an incredible opportunity to develop communication skills and make an impact that lasts a lifetime.
We’re always looking for passionate young volunteers to join our next round of programs across Tasmania. If you’d like to make a difference and be part of something truly rewarding contact Mel at MelK@cotatas.org.au | 0407 512 315.
Promote the positive impact of your volunteering activities through VT’s Member Spotlight.
Members of Volunteering Tasmania are a crucial part of our vision to create an inclusive, thriving and celebrated culture of community participation. We love supporting you to promote the positive impact of volunteering by sharing your stories.
Resources
National Student Volunteer Week 2025
#PoweredByPurpose, 4-10 August 2025
National Student Volunteer Week (NSVW) is back from 4–10 August 2025 and it’s time to get excited! This is your chance to spotlight the student volunteers making a difference in classrooms, campuses, and communities across Australia.
Are you ready to:
- Explore event ideas, download resources, and discover inspiring student stories?
- Share your “why” using #NSVW2025 and #PoweredByPurpose?
- Recognise, support, and celebrate the student volunteers making a difference in your community?
Let’s gather together to recognise student volunteers and inspire even more students to engage in volunteering.
Racism. It Stops With Me
Tools and resources available to support the campaign
Racism. It Stops With Me is a national campaign by The Australian Human Rights Commission that supports people and organisations to improve their understanding of racism and develop skills in anti-racism. There are great tools and resources available, including:
- Myths and Misconceptions about racism - self-reflection and education guide
- Ask yourself the hard questions - campaign video and conversation guide
- Workplace cultural diversity tool - self assessment for organisations seeking to strengthen their approach to cultural diversity and anti-racism in the workplace
Supporting safe conversations with children and young people
'Tell Someone' campaign toolkit released to help adults have preventative conversations about child sexual abuse
Evidence shows that creating safe environments for children begins with open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations. The National Office for Child Safety has released valuable guidance 'Having Conversations' that can help adults speak with children and young people in ways that promote trust, safety, and wellbeing.
The guide offers practical tips on:
- Creating a safe space where children feel comfortable and respected.
- Using simple, age-appropriate language to talk about personal safety.
- Listening without judgment, so children feel heard and validated.
- Being responsive to disclosures, including knowing what steps to take if a child tells you something concerning.
The Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework
Resources from the Office of the Independent Regulator (OIR) to support organisations
With practical compliance guidance and a new printable Child and Youth Safe Action Plan Workbook resource, there is a lot of help available to support your organisation to be a safe place for children and young people. Whether you are new to learning about your compliance obligations or are looking for more advanced guidance, the OIR have a range of resources available.
Out and About!
Volunteering stories from the VT team
Sharon Phelps, VT Finance and Payroll Coordinator, volunteers as an Age Manager for Under 10s at Carlton Park Surf Club
Every Saturday morning (November to March), I volunteer at Carlton Park Surf Club as an Age Manager (Under 10s). It’s one of the most rewarding things I do. I assist with the Nippers program. It’s a fun and active program for kids aged between 5 to 14 years.
Nippers helps children learn how to be safe in the surf. They build confidence and learn skills that last a lifetime. Each week, we do group activities like beach sprints, flags, board paddling and swimming. Kids also learn lifesaving skills like spotting rips, first aid and rescue techniques. I help guide a group of kids through each activity and support them to learn, develop and grow.
Carlton Park is a friendly and welcoming club. Families often start here when their children join. Parents get involved too, helping on the beach, in the water, or at the BBQ and canteen. Everyone works together and that’s what makes it special.
“Many Nippers go on to become volunteers… having spent years surrounded by dedicated volunteers, they already understand the joy and impact of giving back”
Sharon (left) at the beach with a Nippers Program participant. Photographer credit Michelle Earley.
We also have fun at carnivals. These events are held across Tasmania and children can compete in surf sports with others their age. You don’t have to compete, but it’s a great way to make friends and be part of the Surf Life Saving community. Families often travel together, camping and sharing meals. It’s a great way to connect and broaden friendship groups.
One of the best parts about volunteering is seeing kids support each other and grow. I’ve watched children go from being unsure in the surf to being confident and strong. They learn teamwork, leadership and how to look out for each other. It’s amazing to be part of their journey.
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 submit an expression of interest.
Register now to attend the TasCOSS Conference 2025: Shaping our future together!
You are invited to attend the TasCOSS Conference 2025: Shaping our future together, which for the first time, is being held in Launceston at the Tailrace Centre over two days from 12-13 August 2025
Featuring a diverse range of speakers and workshops on topics ranging from social impact and best practice in lived experience storytelling, to industry sustainability solutions for the future and transforming child and youth safety.
Mission Health needs volunteers!
If you are a Nurse, GP or Allied Health professional, you could help City Mission transform lives.
Mission Health is a free Nurse Practitioner led clinic that supports people experiencing homelessness to access primary health care.
The clinic is expanding its opening hours and is seeking clinicians to volunteer. Even if you're only available for one session every six weeks, if you're a health professional or a student in medicine or health, this could be the role for you.
Free Impact Storytelling Workshops in Tasmania
The Funding Network and the Tasmanian Community Fund are sponsoring a series of free workshops across Tasmania.
Are you leading a grassroots non-profit, community organisation or social enterprise? Join us for a free in-person workshop plus an online interactive session being delivered across Tasmania to master the art of impact storytelling. Workshops run 9am – 3pm across Tasmania:
- Hobart - 15 October 2025
- Huon Valley - 16 October 2025
- Smithton - 21 October 2025
- Devonport - 22 October 2025
- Launceston - 24 October 2025
Healthy Ageing Tasmania
The new Healthy Ageing Tasmania website has launched!
You can now find evidence-based resources developed by expert healthy ageing dietitians and physical activity officers in one place, including:
- On-demand webinars with topics including food insecurity, dining with dignity and eating well with dementia
- Updated healthy ageing factsheets covering common food and physical activity topics
- Newsletter article templates that your service can use to promote eating well and staying hydrated with your clients and volunteers
- Free online training modules to help staff and volunteers gain confidence in supporting older clients with food and eating.
Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania: Community Development workshop with Corman Russell
‘The Fundamentals of Asset Based Community Development’ with Cormac Russell from Nurture Development. Wednesday 27 August, 9am to 12pm
This interactive session explores Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) – what it is, why it is important, and what we can do to put it in practice.
The workshop is relevant to anyone working with people and communities and is on before the Neighbourhood Houses state conference. We have a limited number of external delegate tickets still available to the conference, and you are welcome to join us for the conference after the workshop session. $25 for NHT members, $125 for non-members.
