About the Initiative
As part of the Queensland Government’s Covid-19 recovery plan, Volunteering Queensland is delivering the UNITE AND RECOVER: Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect Workers Initiative (NCAC), a statewide program in partnership with Care Army and the Queensland Government.
The Unite and Recover: Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect Workers Initiative has placed 15 dedicated Connect Workers in 15 neighbourhood and community centres across the state.
The Connect Workers are set to identify volunteering opportunities in their community and connect volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) and Care Army Volunteers. They will also support the VIOs in building their capacity to utilise Care Army volunteers. These volunteers will assist in delivery of support services to vulnerable members of their community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and assist in strengthening areas of community need.
In facilitating this, The Initiative will:
- increase accessibility of services for communities in high need.
- effectively support VIOs with the recruitment, management, and retention of volunteers.
- place Care Army volunteers with organisations requiring assistance to deliver essential services.
- reduce social isolation experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- present substantial volunteer opportunities across Queensland thus improving the volunteering rate.
Participating Regions
View Map
Kingston East Neighbourhood Centre - coming soon
Inala Community House
Coopers Plains Saint David's Neighbourhood Centre
New Farm Neighbourhood Centre (Communify)
Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre
Cairns Hambledon House Community Centre
Lockyer Neighbourhood Centre
Gailes Community House
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre
Mackay - The Neighbourhood Hub
Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre
Logan Central Multilink - coming soon
Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre
Gladstone Community and Neighbourhood Centre
Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre
Care Army Background
The Care Army was established in early 2020 as the Queensland Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic with the aim of supporting Queensland’s older and vulnerable citizens. Support was available to community members who found themselves isolated and in need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic lock downs. Over 29,000 individuals from across Queensland registered their interest to volunteer. Many volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) experienced a decline in volunteer numbers but an increase in demand for their services and expressed interest in engaging additional volunteers through the Care Army. This scenario highlighted the need to support organisations to effectively mobilise and manage additional volunteers, and to reduce barriers regarding engagement and retention of new volunteers.
How to participate
- If you are already registered as a Care Army Volunteer, we will contact you about Volunteering Opportunities as they arise in your region.
- If you are interested in participating and are not yet a Care Army Volunteer, please register your interest.
- If you are an organisation within one of the listed regions and would like to request volunteers, please complete the registration form or contact your Connect Worker directly.
Become a Care Army Volunteer
Request Volunteers
View Upcoming Events
Contact
Jodi Phillips
State Manager - Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect
(07) 3002 7607
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Care Army News
Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect Bundaberg Connection being established by specialist worker
Her love for her local community combined with making a difference and assisting people to live a full and happy life is what drew Birgit Merkel to the role of Volunteer Queensland project officer – Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect Worker.
Port Douglas Care Army: being part of the community
Building new friendships, increasing your self esteem and confidence as well as the knowledge you are making a difference in your community. Does this sound appealing to you?
Program Launch: Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect Workers Initiative
Care Army to be reimagined and reinvigorated by joining the Queensland Government’s UNITE AND RECOVER: Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect Workers Initiative, with Volunteering Queensland at the helm.
Media Statements - The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Care Army Connect Workers to boost Neighbourhood and Community Centres
The Palaszczuk Government has delivered on its commitment to employ 15 Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect Workers in Neighbourhood and Community Centres, with workers beginning in 15 communities across the state.
Volunteering Queensland
Everyone can make a difference