I know many of you are already into work planning and organising activities for 2024. Looking back over 2023, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of Volunteering WA’s successes and accomplishments: 

• 2023 Volunteering WA State Conference - 240 delegates across 2 days

• Completed the research phase of the WA State of Volunteering Report

• $2.1m additional funding announced by the Minister for Volunteering for regional Volunteer Resource Centres

• More organisations signed up for the INVOLVE Volunteer Management Platform

• Volunteer Management Activity Showcase and Member-only Roundtables

• Secured increased Lotterywest funding to help WA organisations celebrate NVW24

• And so much more……. 

​​​​​​​This year has gotten off to a flying start. Volunteering WA will be speaking at the Productivity Inquiry hearing, representing our members and advocating for specific volunteering issues. We’re also really excited to be launching the WA State of Volunteering Report in early March. The findings of the report are crucial in addressing the needs of volunteering and volunteer managers. We’re looking forward to sharing these results with you in the near future.  

As we roll into 2024, I would like to acknowledge everyone’s hard work and efforts. Each of you plays an important part in strengthening volunteering in Western Australia.  As CEO, I am extremely proud to work with a so committed to our purpose of empowering people and communities to enrich WA. 

I’m looking forward to another exciting, productive and fulfilling year ahead. 

Tina
Tina Williams, CEO Volunteering WA

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Volunteering WA News

Last chance to apply for NVW Grants!

>> Submit your National Volunteer Week Grant applications before 5:00pm Sunday 18 February, www.volunteeringwa.org.au/nvw

Now is the time to prepare for National Volunteer Week (20 - 26 May) with grants of up to $1,500 available for community organisations to host events during the week and celebrate volunteering.

Volunteering WA is thrilled to have received increased support from Lotterywest with $335,000 in grants available, meaning even more WA organisations can celebrate their volunteers in May. 

In 2023 more than 175 WA volunteer organisations shared in over $200,000, with 175 events held across WA recognising more than 13,997 volunteers.

Do you know a West Aussie making incredible impact through volunteering? Nominate them for the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards!

The 2024 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise Western Australians who inspire and promote the spirit of volunteerism, including community members who volunteer, volunteer coordinators, community organisations and businesses.

Nominations are open across seven categories, and close on 8 March with the awards ceremony held on Thursday 23 May during National Volunteer Week. Categories include:

• Excellence in Volunteer Management, presented by Aon
• Inclusive Volunteering Award, supported through Volunteering WA’s Volunteer Management Activity program
• Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering, presented by COTA WA
• WA Young Volunteer of the Year, presented by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation
• Excellence in Corporate Volunteering, presented by NeonLogic
• Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year, supported by Lotterywest
• RAC WA Volunteer of the Year, presented by RAC

Submit your nominations across all categories by 8 March >> awards.volunteeringwa.org.au

New Project Funding Round Opening Soon

Applications for the 2024-25 Round of Volunteering WA's Project Grants will open from 28 March - 28 April 2024 as part of our Volunteer Management Activity (VMA) program. Funded through the Australian Government Department of Social Services, the project-based grants aim to help volunteer involving organisations break down barriers to volunteering within one of more of the six identified priority groups.

Further information about the funding round will be released in March, and at Information Sessions scheduled for 2 April and 16 April. Email Jan Lucas to register your interest. 

Need grant-writing help? For those who are new to the process of writing applications, registrations are open for our online Writing Successful Grant Applications workshops on Wednesday 14 February. 

Recent recipient, EdConnect, launches its funded project 
Funded through Volunteering WA's Project Grants, EdConnect Australia is piloting its CanteenConnect program. This project will connect newly arrived migrants with volunteering opportunities in school canteens. A framework and small-scale pilot will be developed over the first six months of 2024 to establish welcoming and inclusive volunteering opportunities for newly arrived migrants in their local school canteens. The project aims to establish volunteering roles that celebrate diversity, support language and skill development, and create community.

Making 2024 about people not paperwork

Let Volunteering WA's national volunteer management platform, INVOLVE, help you concentrate on what matters this year so you can spend more time on people, less time on paperwork and streamline your workflow. 

• Customised checklists streamline your volunteer onboarding process and allow you and your team to follow the same process.
• Group volunteers into programs, assign them each a role and schedule them into one -off or recurring shifts so you know who is doing what and when.
• Easy tracking of volunteer hours gives you more time to focus on important tasks instead of getting consumed by timesheets.

Volunteering WA not-for-profit financial members can receive a 25% discount (for a limited time only) on the first year of an annual subscription.

Contact the INVOLVE team now and let INVOLVE help you manage your volunteers, your way in 2024.

Do you want to engage more volunteers in 2024?

Let us help you increase your potential to recruit volunteers this year by purchasing our Volunteer Position Search widget.

It’s the best way to connect volunteers to the opportunities you have available via your website and enables volunteers to search, view and express interest in your opportunities.

Depending on your requirements, it can be set up to display only volunteer positions available in your local area/state or just the ones your organisation is listing.

Contact our support team now for further information and to get a quote on the costs involved.

Recruiting volunteers in 2024: Time to rethink your strategy!

In the ever-evolving landscape of volunteering, the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind our commitment to giving back have shifted. 2024 is the time to adapt, rethink your strategy, and experience success in volunteer recruitment.

Our free online resources will help you develop a better recruitment strategy, guiding you through topics such as how to:
•    understand the needs of prospective volunteers
•    recognise the nuances of generational motivations
•    understand everyday pressures
•    tailor roles to be more appealing and accessible.

Tap into FREE online training and develop a better recruitment strategy!

Want to tap into Corporate Volunteers in 2024?

Are you a volunteer involving organisation keen for a team of corporate volunteers?

Volunteering WA’s Corporate Volunteering Program helps community organisations link with businesses wishing to contribute to the community through team-based volunteering and skills-based volunteering. Get in touch today and learn how we can assist you through corporate volunteering in 2024. 

Welcome New Members

Welcome new and returning Volunteering WA Members: Starick Services; Wandoo Rehabilitation Prison; RUAH; Perth NRM; Hedland Community Living Association; South Perth Senior Citizens Centre and Swans Elevate Program - Roebourne.

Please contact Jane Mason to become a Volunteering WA member and make volunteering matter across WA and within your organisation.

Exclusive to Volunteering WA Members, the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program for Volunteer Managers is free to join until 30 June 2024.

To learn more about the CPD program, join us on 6 February for a 30min Introductory Session.

Sector News

Play Well Participation Grant Program

Start 2024 for your sport or council on the right foot with additional funding through the Play Well Participation Grants Program.

Supported by the Australian Government, the Australian Sports Commission Play Well Participation Grant Program (the Program) will invest in innovative new or expand existing programs that address the barriers to participation and increase involvement in sport and physical activity. Grants range from $10,000 to $300,000 to support eligible organisations.

Applications close >> Friday 23 February 2024

Recommended Podcast Episode: The future of philanthropy in Australia

This is a must listen when you have a moment. Volunteering WA's messages regarding considering volunteering in government decisions were definitely heard!

The future of philanthropy in Australia
RN Breakfast - Separate stories podcast

The Productivity Commission has published a draft report, looking at the future of philanthropy in Australia, with Volunteering WA and our members involved in the consultations. The Commission is looking to lay the foundations for future giving, but as the cost of living continues to rage, what will that look like? Listen via ABC. 

UN Proclaims 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development

Volunteering WA welcomes the historic resolution by the United Nations General Assembly designating the year 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. It is a couple years off yet, but mark your calendars to start thinking about potential celebrations events, activities and funding proposals. 

Harmony Week: 18 - 24 March 2024

Australia is one of the world's most successful multicultural countries, and cultural diversity is at the heart of who we are. Over half of Australians were born overseas, or have at least one parent who was born overseas. That's why it's so important that we celebrate our country's diversity through Harmony Week (18 - 24 March). Harmony Week is also about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, from the Traditional Owners of the land to our most recent arrivals. 

To find out more and to get involved, head to www.harmony.gov.au

www.volunteeringwa.org.au  |  08 9482 4333  |  info@volunteeringwa.org.au

Volunteering WA empowers people and communities to enrich Western Australia.