On the 26th of January 1983, Volunteering Queensland became an incorporated body, to represent, advocate for, promote and advance volunteering across Queensland.

This year Volunteering Queensland celebrates a milestone of 40 years. Join us this year to acknowledge the impact volunteering has made on Queensland! View the timeline of all that we have achieved together here.

Watch the anniversary video from our CEO Ms Mara Basanovic.

For media enquiries contact: media@volunteeringqld.org.au or (07) 3002 7600

40th Anniversary Messages

My Queensland Volunteer Story

Volunteering Queensland launches it’s official podcast

Each fortnight, we travel to regional and remote Queensland to meet some of the larrakins and heroes doing their bit to keep their communities alive by volunteering. From heartwarming to downright hilarious, the stories of these regular Aussies and what makes them love their hometowns will open your eyes to the wonder of these communities, what makes them special and how you can bring the simplicity of the country into your life. Settle in as Lauren Exton takes you around Queensland to meet volunteers from every corner of this integral but often invisible force.

Listen to the episodes here.

Member Feature Series

As part of the 40th Anniversary, Volunteering Queensland launched its Member Feature series.

Read the articles written by Susan Milne

Volunteering Queensland History Timeline

Celebrating 40 Years of Volunteering Queensland and the achievements over the past four decades

Volunteering Queensland is looking to a bright future in which it will continue to offer new opportunities to individuals, communities and organisations. With a lively history of experience, relationship building and commitment, Volunteering Queensland has every reason for optimism. This is the story of the people who have fostered a culture of caring, flexibility to meet changing needs and perseverance in the face of challenges. These accomplishments are to be celebrated and offer a testimony to what can be achieved through volunteering.

1983

The Volunteers Centre of Queensland (VCQ) was incorporated as the peak body for volunteering in Queensland.

1986

VCQ participated in the first National Volunteer Conference in Sydney.

1987/88

Five state volunteer centres formed the Council of Volunteer Centres.

1989

The Queensland Government granted $30,000 to enable VCQ to continue its operations with the support of 20 volunteer staff recruited from the successful Expo 88 volunteer program.

1990

VCQ introduced the first computerised volunteer referral data base with more than 2,000 volunteer positions registered in more than 400 member organisations.
 
A national body, the Australian Association for Volunteering (AAV) was established. Di Morgan, the CEO of VCQ became the first national president.

1991/92

VCQ hosted the 4th National Volunteer Conference in Brisbane.

A national magazine with 12,000 copies was produced to promote volunteering and a national volunteer insurance scheme.

1993/94

Three national bodies, AAV, NAVRA and the Council of State Centres form one national body called the Australian Council for Volunteering which later became Volunteering Australia.

1995/96

VCQ now referring more than 3,000 people a year to member organisations and training more than 2,500 volunteers and volunteer coordinators across Queensland.

1997/98

VCQ achieved Quality Assurance Certification to deliver accredited registered training courses throughout the state, becoming an Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

VCQ changes name to Volunteering Queensland (VQ).

1999

VQ developed a computer referral data base program called Vol-Base.

In partnership with the University of Queensland, VQ delivered a course, Working with Volunteers, to Social Work undergraduate students.

VQ recruited and managed the volunteer program for the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and the Olympic Soccer matches in Brisbane.

2000

The Queensland Government committed to funding and supporting the 2001 International Year for Volunteers (IYV).

Major event volunteer programs managed by VQ included the Centenary of Federation, Goodwill Games, CHOGM and World Masters sporting events.

VQ registered more than 8,000 referral placements and 300 hits per month on the new Vol-Base.

2001

IYV celebrated across Queensland.

A one-day interstate cricket match hosted by BCC, Queensland Cricket and VQ was held in recognition of the contribution of volunteers. 40,000 volunteers attended the first of many annual cricket matches.

2002

VQ established a volunteer mentor and speakers’ group to promote and support best practice volunteer management skills in community organisations.

2003

The Queensland Government appointed a Minister Responsible for Volunteering and produced a government policy on volunteering.

VQ established rural and remote volunteer referral hubs through libraries, neighbourhood centres and Centrelink offices.

The first of many Volunteer Expos during National Volunteer Week was held in King George Square. 40 organisations participated with more than 5,000 people attending.

2004

The Queensland Volunteer Resource Centres Network was established with eight regional centres. All VQ services and resources were offered to support this network.

2006

VQ delivered the Standard Chart of Accounts (SCOA) developed by QUT’s Centre for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Studies (CPNS) to twenty-eight locations throughout the state with more 800 participants.

2007

An Office of Volunteering within the Queensland Government Department of Communities was established to work with VQ as the state peak body on volunteering.

Homeless Connect, a partnership between VQ, and Brisbane City Council commenced, with volunteers welcoming people who are homeless to a one-stop-shop of service and connection.

VQ also commenced delivery of the Active Volunteering course to schools as part of the Grade 12 Certificate. The project was called Students As Active Volunteers Initiative (SAAVI).

2008/09

The Queensland Government produced a, Towards Q2-Towards 2020 Strategy, with one of its targets being 50% of the state’s population volunteering by 2020.

Corporate volunteering events were introduced including a community corporate marketplace event with 14 corporate businesses and 20 community organisations participating.

The Emergency Volunteering Community Response to Extreme Weather (EV CREW) program was established to mobilise volunteers at times of disaster.

2010/11

VQ leads the celebration of IVY +10 highlighting the valuable contribution
of volunteers.

QUT and VQ delivered the Business Advantage program to university students. The Program continues to
be delivered.

EV CREW plays a significant role in the response to the devestating floods with over 100,000 volunteer registrations.

2014/15

VQ recruits and manages volunteers for the G20 Summit.

2016

A new digital platform became the focus for continuing improvement of VQ services.

VQ introduces a new membership structure.

2017

The annual Queensland Volunteering Awards were introduced to recognise and honour the exemplary endeavours of Queensland’s volunteers and volunteer involving organisations.

2018

VQ supports volunteer engagement for GC 2018 Commonwealth Games and manages the post-games volunteer legacy program.

2019/20

VQ works with the Queensland Government to implement the Care Army initiative to mobilise local volunteers to support isolated and vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

VQ manages the $20m national volunteer small grant initiative.

2021

The first State of Volunteering in Queensland 2021 Report, with renewed priority for volunteering was completed by Volunteering Queensland. Several key issues were identified, and strategies recommended.

The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to impact volunteering. VQ supports organisations to reinvigorate volunteering models.

2022

A new strategic plan is introduced.

EV CREW mobilised large numbers of volunteers in response to the catastrophic SEQ Floods.

VQ launches a new website.

2023

VQ transitions to a company Limited by Guarantee with a new constitution.

The second State of Volunteering in Queensland Report is commenced.

In partnership with the Queensland Government work begins on a Queensland Volunteer Strategy.

Refresh of all VQ online resources begins.
All RTO courses are delivered online.

A proud 40-year history of service, advancing the economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of Queensland through volunteering.

Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.

We look forward to your continued support for as Queenslanders we are always better together.

volunteeringqld.org.au
reception@volunteeringqld.org.au
07 3002 7600
Level 12, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4001
ABN: 46 621 632 398

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