Note from the CEO 

Did you know? 1.5 million people dedicate their time to volunteering in Western Australia, generating a substantial value of $63.9 billion for the state.

We will be releasing Western Australia's State of Volunteering Report with the Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Volunteering, on 5 March, which will be an important 'reset' of our understanding of volunteering in WA, and the outlook of the sector. 

The WA State of Volunteering Report 2023 serves as a comprehensive overview of the volunteering landscape in WA, offering insights into various aspects of the sector. We know you will find the report a valuable resource in guiding and supporting your efforts in recruiting and recognising volunteers, reducing the barriers to volunteering, and working together to build a sustainable and vibrant volunteering sector. 

Volunteering WA Members will be invited to join us for a special Member-only webinar on 12 March, where we will present the key results from the WA State of Volunteering Report (details to follow). 

Over the past few years our advocacy work in supporting members and the volunteering sector has increased considerably. Earlier this month, I spoke at the Productivity Commission’s Philanthropy Inquiry public hearing. The hearing was Volunteering WA's opportunity to put forward our response in-person and provide details of the trends, opportunities and concerns relating to volunteering in WA. You can read our submission, and the full transcript will be made available shortly.  

Tina

Tina Williams
Volunteering WA

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Volunteering WA News

Last days to nominate! 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

We strongly encourage regional and rural nominations. We are pleased once again to work with Lotterywest in supporting regional Finalists with access to travel and accommodation grants to attend the Awards.

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

The refreshed National Standards for Volunteer Involvement are out now!

The National Standards for Volunteer Involvement are a best practice framework to guide volunteer involvement. The National Standards can be used flexibly, recognising that volunteering takes place in highly diverse settings and ways. All organisations and groups can implement the refreshed National Standards at any time. The state and territory Volunteering Peak Bodies are leading the implementation of the refreshed National Standards and will be offering training in the coming months.

Read the eight refreshed National Standards at volunteeringwa.org.au. Tailored resource and workshops coming soon!

Applications now open - Volunteering WA Research Grant Program

Volunteering WA is proud to invest in our own Research Grant program for projects that facilitate connections between Volunteering WA, researchers and our members. Research proposals are now open for any matter that contributes to our understanding of volunteering and how to advance the sector in Western Australia. 

Read the guidelines and submit your application by 5:00pm Friday 29 March. 

Expressions of interest to join the Volunteering WA Research Committee

Interested in research into the volunteering sector?  Volunteering WA is seeking WA researchers with a passion and interest in exploring volunteering and its societal impacts. 

Expressions of Interest are invited and until Friday 15 March 2024 by completing the attached application form and sending it to alana@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 or 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. 

Welcome New Members

Welcome new and returning Volunteering WA Members: Sock it to Sarcoma! and Kids Cancer Support Group. 

Volunteering WA advocates on behalf of the volunteering ecosystem to ensure any policy changes result in better outcomes for volunteering. Membership to your volunteering peak body helps build a stronger sector. Please contact Jane Mason to become a Volunteering WA member and make volunteering matter across WA and within your organisation.

Volunteering WA Training & Events Calendar

Registrations open for January - April workshops

Sector News

National Strategy for Volunteering: Attend an Action Plan Consultation

This month we have been celebrating the one year anniversary since the launch of the National Strategy for Volunteering, which will be delivered through a series of Three-Year Action Plans, with the first to commence in 2024.

Public workshops for the first Three-Year Action Plan have begun and you're invited!

Volunteering Australia's consultation for the first Action Plan have begun, and we encourage you, no matter your role in the volunteering ecosystem, to attend a guided workshop and share your perspective. 

There are a number of sessions scheduled from 27 February - 8 March, and you can register to attend through the Volunteering Australia site. 

National Volunteer Management Online Project

The national Volunteer Management Online Project envisions a thriving volunteering ecosystem where an online platform empowers organisations and individuals to connect, manage, and enhance the volunteer experience. 

Volunteering Australia is leading the development of the online project, which will be a single, centralised launchpad to a curated selection of national tools and resources that support volunteer involving organisations.

Learn more about the Project | Subscribe for updates

True Sport - Volunteer Assistance Program

SportWest announced an Employees Assistance Program (EAP) and Volunteer Assistance Program (VAP), which is being piloted to strengthen the industry. Through generous support from DLGSC, SportWest have partnered with Access Wellbeing Services (AWS) to provide mental health and wellbeing counselling and critical incident response to the WA sporting community. Learn more at SportWest.com.au

International Women's Day: 8 March 2024

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a chance for us to celebrate women’s achievements and to highlight the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality in Western Australia. To find out how you can be involved in International Women’s Day please access International Women's Day (www.wa.gov.au).

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. 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

Are you onboarding new volunteers for the year ahead? Let us help you 

INVOLVE streamlines the onboarding of new volunteers so your team can follow the same process and easily see when new volunteers are ready to start volunteering. 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.

Let Volunteering WA help you connect volunteers to the opportunities you have available via your website by purchasing our Volunteer Position Search widget.

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

Volunteering WA empowers people and communities to enrich Western Australia.