Volunteering Queensland (VQ) will deliver the Volunteer Management Activity (VMA) on behalf of the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services (DSS). The objective of the VMA is to increase opportunities for people to participate in the social and economic life of their community through volunteering.

About the Activity 

From 01 July 2021, the Australian Government commenced the distribution of up to $33.5 million (exc GST) over five years under the new VMA to volunteering peak bodies across Australia.  Volunteering peak bodies in each State/ Territory will partner with other service providers to develop and support the new VMA program to increase and strengthen volunteer participation.

The new five-year model will focus on developing and implementing strategies to build the capacity of volunteer-involving organisations. DSS has funded volunteering peak bodies to: 

  1. Deliver online services to build the capacity of volunteer involving organisations including:
  • Best practice recruitment and training of volunteers.  
  • Best practice strategies for supporting and retaining volunteers.  
  • Best practice volunteer management.
  • Provision of information, tools, training and resources including regulatory obligations and risk management.
  1. Break down barriers to volunteering for the three identified priority groups:
  • People with Disability. 
  • First Nations People.
  • Newly Arrived Migrants.

Successful delivery of this program will be measured through: 

  • Increased opportunities to participate and reduction of barriers that prevent the inclusion of volunteers from identified backgrounds.  
  • High quality and accessible volunteering based on National Standards for Volunteer Involvement.  
  • Improved accessibility and range of quality volunteer management products and services across each jurisdiction.  


For further information on the VMA program, visit the DSS website here.  You can also access VMA FAQ information here.

Delivery of Outcomes

VQ will undertake broad sector and priority group consultation and a dedicated reference council will also be appointed for each priority group. This will help guide, identify, and implement programs and resources that build sector capacity and reflect the needs and strengths of the priority groups. Capacity building and participation and connection through volunteering will be supported.

VMA program outcomes will be delivered by:    

  • Building effective volunteering practices and opportunities within Queensland volunteer involving organisations and communities.
  • Providing training, resources and support for Queensland volunteers and volunteer involving organisations.
  • Broadening inclusion and the diversity of volunteers in Queensland.
  • Making information on volunteering easily accessible to all groups across Queensland.

Partnership Opportunities

To deliver program outcomes VQ will establish partnerships with volunteer involving organisations to design and deliver new programs and strengthen existing relationships by supporting volunteer organisation capacity to reduce barriers to volunteering among priority groups.

Partnership support and funding will be available for volunteer involving organisations.to implement these programs within their communities. 

Download VMA Brochure 

 For further information or expressions of interest to partner, please contact the VMA project team – E: vma@volunteeringqld.org.au or T: 3002 7600. 

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