VQ supports over 300 member organisations | Get involved in volunteering!
Unfortunately the start of 2024 has not been a happy one for a lot of our communities. Cyclone Jasper and the South East Queensland storms have resulted in wide-reaching impacts on our communities. Our thoughts are with those impacted.
As the recovery phase following these events unfolds, volunteers continue to offer their diverse skills and dedication to support clean-up and provide essential support to those affected. We thank volunteers for their valuable contributions and assistance in supporting these communities recover.
Volunteering Queensland’s EV CREW aids on-the-ground efforts by facilitating the registration and referral of volunteers to organisations delivering essential services and support in disaster impacted communities. Additionally, it offers information and advice to organisations on the effective use of volunteers to enhance the services they provide.
Volunteering Queensland recently worked with Cairns Regional Council in response to Cyclone Jasper for the recruitment and referral of volunteers to support local clean-up efforts:
new volunteers registered: 483
volunteers referred: 139
days volunteers assisted: 2
locations supported: 3
If you are an organisation working in disaster impacted communities and require volunteers to support the delivery of recovery services, or if you wish to volunteer in your area if required in the coming weeks and months, please visit Volunteering Queensland EV CREW to learn more and to register your interest.
The Board of Directors of Volunteering Queensland has asked Mara Basanovic to remain as CEO for the immediate future as they progress the appointment of a new CEO. The recruitment process is well underway to find her replacement to continue the excellent progress made during Mara’s tenure.
Eight new board members have now been selected to add to the existing team and we are very excited to continue our mission to promote and advance volunteering with new input from an outstanding group of individuals.
Be sure to read next month’s newsletter when we introduce you to the new Directors of Volunteering Queensland.
Every year we come together to shine a spotlight on the remarkable accomplishments of individuals and organisations across Queensland who lead the way in making a positive contribution to community through volunteering.
Every individual, program or business which volunteers deserves celebration and gratitude and it is the Queensland Volunteering Awards that highlight the people behind this immense wave which embodies the spirit of change for the greater good.
We welcome applications from all parts of the community until March 31, 2024.
Introducing the online CHC44015 Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs for all leaders of volunteers.
Embark on a flexible and dynamic learning experience with our brand-new online Cert IV program. In March, we are excited to unveil an innovative approach to acquiring the skills and knowledge essential for coordinating volunteer programs.
The online course allows learning anytime, anywhere with interactive units, a collaborative community and expert guidance. If you are already working in the space, you may be eligible for a government subsidy to partially cover the course fee.
Learn more and register your interest here.
A Warehouse Fit for Connection
Hidden amongst the streets of Virginia sits one of Brisbane’s largest charity op-shops, Connected Inc. The warehouse-turned op-shop was established in 2011 after an excess of donations were collected for victims of the Brisbane floods, with the team now wholeheartedly committed to helping anyone in need.
Meet Wayne and three of his volunteers Denise, Jo and Sylvia as they share with us the reason they keep coming back again and again to help. Read this month’s feature articlehere.
Name of Student: Ruby Zsadony
Name of School: Maroochydore State High School
Certificate Level being completed at the school: CHC24015 Certificate II in Active Volunteering.
Details: Ruby has completed over 37 hours volunteering with Nambour Apex Club, preparing and serving food to the less fortunate and continues to volunteer. She also organised and volunteered at the Sleep on a Cardboard Box school event as well as Clean Up Australia Day.
Ruby Zsadony, Amanda Johnson (Active Volunteering Trainer)
Nambour Apex Club had this to say about Ruby:
“Ruby has been doing an amazing job at the Nambour Apex Club this year. She has already done a huge 37 hours of volunteering in 2023, some of it under enormous pressure. She is an absolute asset to our team”
Well done Ruby!
Volunteer Management Essentials: Planning
Wednesday 14 February
1pm – 2pm
Volunteer Leadership Network
Wednesday 21 February
10am – 11:30am
Implementing the National Standards
Tuesday 27 February
10am – 12pm
Volunteering Queensland also offers a range of bespoke professional development opportunities for leaders of volunteers. Contact reception@volunteeringqld.org.au to discuss more about how we can support your development needs.
Disaster assistance grants for SEQ not-for-profits in Logan, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast.
Support from the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) has been expanded to offer Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery grants of up to $50,000 to directly impacted small businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Primary producers in these areas can apply for grants of up to $75,000.
For more information, or to apply for a grant, please click here.
9th annual Australian Charities Report available
The Australian Charities Report – the annual analysis of the charity sector – maps the size and scope of the sector, illustrating the contribution of Australia’s charities to the economy and to communities locally and overseas. Interestingly, we see that volunteers continue to underpin the work of the sector and 50% of charities operate with no paid staff.
A fully interactive version of the report can be found here.
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