We are deeply humbled to once again receive a high number of nominations for the Tasmanian Volunteering Awards. It is truly inspiring to read the remarkable stories and examples of volunteering that continue to shape and strengthen communities across our State.  Once again, thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate an individual, organisation or group and congratulations to all nominees.  We also extend our sincere gratitude to our panel of judges, who have recently completed the challenging task of selecting this year’s finalists (see below for more details). Our team is now in full swing preparing for the highly anticipated Awards Ceremony, which will take place on 19 September 2025 and will honour both finalists and winners. We are deeply grateful to all our Awards sponsors and supporters, with special thanks to the Tasmanian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) for their funding contribution, and to the City of Hobart for their generous in-kind venue support.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of our volunteers, we remain focused on advocating for the future of volunteering in Tasmania. I have recently written to all Members of our newly elected Parliament to share our 2025–26 Budget Priority Submission, which outlines the pressing needs and opportunities within the volunteering industry. This submission highlights the importance of sustainable investment, strategic support, and policy alignment to ensure that volunteering continues to flourish across all communities.  I am eager to work with our new Minister and new government to strengthen the infrastructure that supports volunteering and continue to foster an inclusive, thriving and celebrated culture of community participation here in Tasmania. 
 

Mel Blake
Chief Executive Officer, Volunteering Tasmania

Announcing the 2025 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards Finalists!

With 22 days to go until the 10^th annual Tasmanian Volunteering Awards, we are delighted to be able to announce the finalists in each category!

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate amazing volunteers and organisations making positive change across Tasmania.  

52^nd Parliament of Tasmania has commenced

Our advocacy to remove barriers to volunteering continues

We look forward to working with the new government and advocating for measures in our 2025-26 Budget Priority Submission. Madeleine Ogilvie has been appointed the Minister for Community and Multicultural Affairs.  

With the recent changes to the ministry, Volunteering Tasmania acknowledges former Minister Jaensch’s support for the removal of volunteer fees for Registration to Work with Vulnerable People as part of a 2-year pilot. While this was placed on hold due to the election, the Liberal Party has remained committed to this reform and we eagerly await its inclusion in the upcoming budget. 

Member Voice

Join our new Member Reference Group!

As we continue to work with our Members to advocate for the needs of the volunteering industry and greater recognition, we are always excited to hear from you. To enhance our strong volunteering policy voice with the new government, and to reflect the evolving needs and priorities of our Members across the volunteering industry, VT is forming a new Member Reference Group to have direct input into our policy and advocacy work.

If you are interested in finding out more about joining this Reference Group, we would love to hear from you - click below to get in touch. You can also check out the issues below to get an idea of some of the topics our Reference Group may consider.   

Review: Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)

Public Consultation closes 24 October 2025

The Australian Government is reviewing the DDA to ensure it is working to protect people with disability. Volunteering Tasmania is working with Volunteering Australia and other State and Territory Volunteering Peak Bodies to consider the issues relevant to volunteering for the review.

Survey: Volunteering in Aged Care mandatory training proposals

Survey closes 5:00pm, 12 September 2025 

Don’t miss out on your chance to take this survey! The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing wants to hear from volunteers, volunteer managers and providers who engage volunteers in the aged care sector. This consultation is part of a proposed initiative to introduce a Mandatory Training Manual for volunteers in aged care, supporting compliance with the new Aged Care Act 2024, which comes into effect on 1 November 2025. 

Submission: Proposed amendments to SCHADS Award

Submissions due by 5 September 2025 

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has issued a draft determination proposing significant amendments to the SCHADS Award. These changes are part of a broader initiative to address gender-based undervaluation in modern awards, particularly in sectors dominated by female workers. The draft reflects the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair remuneration and recognition of work in social, community, home care, and disability services. The final determination is likely to carry financial impacts for organisations. 

TasCOSS is collaborating with ACOSS and the Councils of Social Service (COSS) Network to prepare a joint submission to the FWC's gender undervaluation review and proposal for a new SCHADS Award structure.  If your organisation has capacity, we encourage you to make a written submission to the review advising the impacts of the proposed changes. Please note submissions can be brief and are due by 5 September 2025.  You can use FWC’s submission coversheet and template to help you prepare your submission. You may also find this case study template, prepared by NTCOSS, helpful - it contains a number of guiding questions to assist in preparing a submission.  Submissions should be sent to awards@fwc.gov.au

Let's Talk Aboriginal Cultural Safety Awareness

Tuesday 2 September 2025, 10:30am-12pm (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. 

Webinar: A Deep Dive into Standard 6 of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement

Thursday 4 September 2025, 1-2pm (online) 

This free webinar, presented as part of the Volunteering Management Activity (VMA) Program by the Centre for Volunteering NSW, will focus on Standard 6 of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement: Volunteer safety and wellbeing is protected.  

The session takes a deep dive what the Standard covers and how you can implement it in your volunteer involving organisation. 

Becoming an Inclusive Volunteer Involving Organisation

Wednesday 3 September 2025, 12-1pm (online) 

Wednesday 1 October 2025, 12-1pm (online) 

Wednesday 5 November 2025, 12-1pm (online) 

Inclusion matters. Based on key learnings from the Inclusive Volunteering Pathways to Employment Program, this engaging workshop run by the Centre of Volunteering NSW, will explore how to build an inclusive community where people of all abilities and backgrounds can contribute. 

Discover how inclusive volunteering can enrich experiences and build meaningful connections. Through case studies and practical strategies, we’ll explore how it fosters belonging, strengthens workplace culture, and empowers everyone to contribute. This session invites you to reflect on the impact of inclusion — and your role in advancing it.

Measuring Impact

Tuesday 7 October 2025, 10:30am-12pm (online)

Join us for a practical session designed to support volunteer managers and coordinators in understanding, tracking, and communicating the impact of their volunteer programs.

The session will introduce and explore impact monitoring, evaluation and reporting - and explore why measuring impact matters for both leaders of volunteers and volunteer involving organisations.

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.

Australian Red Cross Yarn Club

Every Wednesday a relatively new group of volunteers have been meeting at Grinners Bar in Hobart to take part in the Red Cross Yarn Club!  
 
This weekly gathering is all about crafting for a cause, connecting with community, and sharing skills — whether seasoned stitchers or those just picking up a hook for the first time. 
 
Participants in the group have been learning how to crochet a Red Cross Trauma Teddy. The teddies are given to children in stressful situations, such as when fleeing bushfires or floods, settling in Australia for the first time, or sitting in hospital.  

“I'm still very new to Hobart... so this was the perfect idea to meet more people.” - Yarn Club volunteer

Connecting friendly locals and like-minded makers, the Red Cross Yarn Club has brought people together AND produced a pile of cuddly companions ready to be delivered to hospitals, ambulance services, and emergency responders across Australia to bring comfort when it’s needed most. If you're free in Hobart on a Wednesday evening, why not pop by and join in?

Promote the positive impact of your volunteering activities through VT’s Member Spotlight. 

The Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework

New resources for organisations from the Office of the Independent Regulator (OIR)

VT has been attending OIR sessions to keep you up to date. The OIR’s website now includes new resources on Child and Youth Safe Standard 1, including a link to watch the practical webinar held in July, in case you missed it. This is the first of 10 new resources to support organisations in implementing the 10 Child and Youth Safe Standards and Universal Principle for Aboriginal Cultural Safety. Guidance resources for Standard 2 are currently being finalised.

Tips for engaging young people in volunteering

Feeling inspired by National Student Volunteer Week? #NSVW2025

If you've been inspired by the amazing stories of youth volunteering from National Student Volunteer Week earlier this month, check out these resources on how to engage young people in volunteering. These resources were developed in partnership with UTAS through a Sustainability Placement Experience last year.  During this placement, the UTAS student worked with VT and some of our member organisations to design resources to support volunteer involving organisations engage young people in their volunteer programs.

Volunteering in roles that require a Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP)

Tasmania's RWVP Scheme continues to answer your frequently asked questions with new sector guides, fact sheets, and video resources

The Department of Justice’s latest newsletter notes that Attorneys-General from all Australian states and territories have agreed to take action to deliver a more consistent, national approach and fix systemic gaps in working with children checks, to help keep children safe across Australia. The department continues to provide resources and information, including guidance on who needs a RWVP, what a RWVP is for, and how a RWVP differs to other checks.

Aged care volunteering

Toolkits and information from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing have a range of resources available to support those involved in aged care volunteering. From information about aged care volunteering for potential and current volunteers, volunteer managers and providers, to explanations of the upcoming changes under the new Aged Care Act 2024 which commences on 1 November 2025.

Volunteering stories from the VT team

Elisa Ryan, VT Project and Events Coordinator

Elisa on stage performing comedy, and hosting a local fundraising quiz night.

One of my favourite things has been creating moments of joy and connection for people who might be doing it tough – whether that’s been organising a Christmas Day lunch for those spending the day alone, or dropping off Easter packages during COVID dressed as the Easter Bunny with my daughter, something that started as a fun idea that turned into an annual tradition. It’s often the little things that seem to make the biggest difference. 

Volunteering has introduced me to incredible people and reminded me again and again how strong, kind, and resourceful communities can be. I feel lucky to be part of that – and I’m looking forward to more in the pipeline for the year ahead.  

VT team volunteering day

VT Team Lends Helping Hand at Foodbank 

Recently, our team spent a morning at Foodbank’s Hobart distribution warehouse, trading our office routines for packing fresh produce and dry goods destined for Tasmanian families in need. Although our work revolves around supporting the volunteering industry, it’s rare for us to volunteer together—so this experience felt especially meaningful. 

“I loved stepping out of the office and getting to know my colleagues better - chatting about everything under the sun while knowing I’m helping the community,” - Sharon, VT Corporate Volunteering and Membership Coordinator 

Each week, more than 50 volunteers give their time at the Foodbank warehouse, and the team regularly welcomes large groups from schools and corporates. Demand for their school program is on the rise: new schools sign up every week to receive fresh food and pantry staples, enabling them to provide breakfasts and lunches for students who might otherwise go without. 

“I was amazed by the sheer scale of Foodbank’s operation,” - Fiona, VT Advocacy and Engagement Manager. 

Together, we packed dozens of hampers - each including long-life essentials and a little sweet treat.

“The hampers are packed with joy; there are good vibes going into these boxes as well as food. This hands-on experience has not only strengthened our team’s camaraderie but has also deepened our organisation’s connection to the community and the volunteering industry we support." - Mel, VT CEO

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.

As part of their ongoing commitment to transparency, impact, and learning, the Fund have embarked on a statewide engagement process to better understand how they are tracking and how they can do better.  

The survey will explore your awareness of the Fund, your views on its strategic direction and how TCF can strengthen its engagement with organisations like yours.

• Department of Premier and Cabinet Carers Small Grants Program
  To celebrate and promote the contribution of carers to their communities, the Tasmanian Government is providing $20,000 in 2025-26 for a Carers Small Grants Program, for events and activities during National Carers Week 2025, or for projects that support the health and wellbeing of carers. Eligible applicants can apply for funding of up to $2,500, applications close 2pm, Thursday 4 September 2025.
   
• City of Hobart Community Grant 
  The Community Grant provides support of $1000 - $5000 to activities that involve, engage and benefit the Hobart community. Applications close 3pm, Monday 1 September 2025.
   
• City of Hobart Events Grants
  The Event Grants program provides funding for events that provide benefits to both the local and wider community. The Event Grant is available for the planning and delivery of major small to medium scale events in the Hobart local government area, with $1000 - $20,000 available. The Event Partnership Grant is available for the planning and delivery of major events in the Hobart local government area, with over $20,000 available.  Applications close 3pm, Monday 1 September 2025.