VQ supports over 300 member organisations | Get involved in volunteering!
We are very happy to be able to welcome eight new Board of Directors to our team alongside our President Linda Lavarch and Vice President Jane Hedger. Each brings a wealth of experience from a variety of positions and we look forward to their stewardship of Volunteering Queensland as it continues to innovate and strengthen to represent our sector.
We are also proud to announce our partnership with Queensland Community of Social Services in the Make Queensland Fair campaign, alongside a collective of organisations, which aims to highlight the far-reaching implications of the cost-of-living crisis on Queenslanders.
Finally, we invite you to save the date for some exciting upcoming events, including the launch of the Volunteer Leadership Network with Dr Ruth Knight on February 21, the launch of the much-anticipated State of Volunteering in Queensland 2024 report on May 7, and the gala event on our calendar, the Queensland Volunteer Awards on May 22, of 2024.
We look forward to continuing the important work of advocating and promoting the importance of volunteering with your support and hope to see you all at one of our many events in 2024.
Volunteering Queensland is proud to partner in the Make Queensland Fair campaign, led by QCOSS and with the collaboration of several partner organisations. The campaign aims to shine a light on the cost-of-living crisis’ impact on everyday Queenslanders and resulting increase in demand for front-line services.
Volunteering Queensland seeks to highlight the direct consequence of the crisis which is the worrying decline in volunteers who report that volunteering has become unaffordable. Read about the campaign and our response here.
This year the National Volunteer Week 2024 theme is ‘Something for Everyone,’ which emphasises the varied ways volunteers contribute to the fabric of our society. From lending a helping hand to promoting inclusivity, there’s a role for every individual to play.
Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just starting, this theme encourages us to embrace the diversity of skills, passions, and backgrounds that each volunteer brings to the table. Join us in recognising the unique contributions of volunteers across Queensland, and let’s celebrate the beauty of volunteerism that truly offers ‘Something for Everyone.’
We welcome applications from all parts of the community until March 31, 2024.
Congratulations to the graduates of the 2023 Continuing Professional Development Program for Professional Leaders of Volunteers:
- Marian Allan, The Smith Family
- Philomena Baumann, The Benevolent Society
- Jonathon Cowley, UnitingCare
- Jacqueline Gillespie, Stepping Stones Clubhouse
- Vicki Meyer, Inclusee
- Kate O’Brien, The Smith Family
- Nicole Rawson, The Smith Family
- Jamie Shewring, Share the Dignity
- Rachael Speechley, Queensland Meals on Wheels
- Emily Wilson, Share the Dignity
We are proud of our Professional Leaders of Volunteers and commend their commitment to raising the standards of volunteer leadership in their organisation.
Interested? Enrollments are still open for the 2024 program. Find out more and express your interest.
A Growing Trend in Australia
After watching an episode of the adored UK show River Cottage in 2010, Nick Steiner thought to himself, “Wow, I want to do that!” What began as a backyard farm in 2014 has now developed into a fully-fledged and thriving food secruity charity known as the Mini Farm Project. Currently based between Loganlea and Samford, the Mini Farm Project works to build farms and grow fresh produce, with the goal of supplying fresh food to families in need throughout Australia.
Read about the volunteers behind the organisation in this month’s feature article here.
Queensland Volunteering Awards 2024
The Queensland Volunteering Awards take place during National Volunteer Week every year. This year the awards will take place on May 22, at Brisbane City Hall.
Make sure you nominate a volunteer or volunteer program before the nomination close on March 31, 2024. Nominate now!
State of Volunteering in Queensland 2024 Report Launch
On May 7, the much-anticipated 2024 State of Volunteering Report in Queensland will be officially launched at Parliament House Brisbane, followed by a panel discussion open to all at UQ Brisbane City.
Save the Date!
Join Dr Ruth Knight as she shares her 30 years’ experience in supporting non-profit leaders and boards feel confident and empowered. In our inaugural meeting, Ruth will be sharing her knowledge on using data in storytelling and demonstrating impact, providing attendees with some takeaway actions they can use in their day-to-day work in recruiting and engaging volunteers. Reserve your place here.
1 CPD point is awarded for this session.
Volunteering Queensland is delighted to partner withToowoomba Regional Council to deliver workshops on 20th February and 6th March to support organisations who engage volunteers.
The workshops will cover how to effectively plan volunteer programs, efficient methods to recruit volunteers and management skills to provide a great volunteer experience.
For more information and booking details visit the council website.
The Queensland Gives Photo Challenge is the perfect way for photographers, instagrammers, community groups and non-profit organisations to tell their stories and share their work.
The goal is to capture an act of giving, kindness, doing good or to highlight a specific cause or issue affecting Queenslanders. The winning entry will receive a $2,000 donation for the charity of their choice and a $500 prize for the photographer!
Entries close Thursday 29 February 2024 at midnight. Learn more here.
Applications now open for the Lord Mayor’s Better Suburb Grants
The Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grants – Community Support Category provides funding of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) for projects that respond to local community needs, improve community facilities and build organisational capacity. The second round of 2023-24 Grants is open now, with applications closing on 29 April 2024.
For more information, or to apply for a grant, please click here.
Institute of Community Directors Australia – Leading for Transformation
The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) is hosting a 2-day online Leading for Transformation course aimed at empowering middle and senior managers with future-ready leadership skills. A special offer of 20% discount is available to support those who identify as women or young people (under 30) to participate in this training.
VQ supports over 300 member organisations | Join our community
news@volunteeringqld.org.au | volunteeringqld.org.au
Ph. 07 3002 7600 | Level 12, 127 Creek St, Brisbane, 4000