VQ supports over 300 member organisations | Get involved in volunteering!
It has been an exciting month for all of us here at Volunteering Queensland and across the volunteering sector.
Following the election of a new Queensland State Government, we have welcomed the announcement of a portfolio dedicated to volunteers. The Hon Ann Leahy MP has been named the Minister for Volunteering, and Ms Nikki Boyd MP is the Shadow Minister for Volunteering.
It is encouraging to see the recognition of the significance of volunteering in Queensland, and I look forward to working with the new government to continue raising the profile of volunteering and engaging more Queenslanders in volunteering.
Last week we held the 23-24 Annual General Meeting (AGM). We celebrated the significant achievements across the sector in the 23 – 24 year, and thanked our team, our volunteers and our many stakeholders for their incredible partnership and support. We heard inspiring stories from Salty Otton from 4ZZZ Radio and Helen Crew from Childhood Cancer Support. These incredible projects were a reminder of the tangible impacts that volunteers have in the community, and only a taste of the many stories that are out there yet to be heard.
Before the AGM, our workshop for volunteer managers was topical and energising. Jade Mortlock from Randstad Australia shared insights about digital technology and AI, and Vicki Meyer from Inclusee brought awareness to the opportunities in virtual volunteering. If you missed it, you can find the recordings of both workshops here.
During the AGM we formally elected our new Board Members who will provide invaluable guidance for Volunteering Queensland, ensuring we continue to play a leading role in the Queensland Community.
The end of the year is slowly creeping up on us with only six Friday’s left until Christmas!
Unfortunately, this also means we are heading into disaster season here in Queensland. Brisbane has just had a week of thunderstorms, heavy rain and hot weather and it’s a pertinent reminder to get prepared. Ensure you have an emergency kit ready and a plan in place for your family and get to know your neighbours so you know how you can support each other in the event of a disaster. We’re always looking for more emergency volunteers willing to help during disaster recovery efforts. You can find more information about emergency volunteering and register to join our EV CREW at emergencyvolunteering.com.au
Jane Hedger
Volunteering Queensland CEO
Volunteering Queensland’s 2024 Annual General Meeting
On Thursday 7 November, Volunteering Queensland held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the BDO offices in Brisbane City. The AGM was preceded by a workshop for volunteer managers that was focussed on ‘Making it easier to make a difference: volunteer management in a digital age’. As part of the workshop event, guests were lucky enough to hear from two incredible guests, Jade Mortlock and Vicki Meyer.
Pathways Information Expo
On Tuesday 12 November, Program Coordinator Nury and Volunteer Mehvish presented to 35 students from the Adult Migrant English program at TAFE Southbank about volunteering in the community.
The presentation included ways to get involved in volunteering, what to expect, and the value of volunteering as a pathway to future employment and skill development. Volunteering Queensland was invited to present by TAFE teachers Janelle and Allison.
Pictured: Nury, Mehvish, and Janelle
A new leash on life
Member feature written by Meg Baresic
Established close to 65 years ago, Guide Dogs Queensland is an incredible organisation based in Brisbane’s northside. With over 800 active volunteers and a wonderful raft of staff, Guide Dogs Queensland operates with the intent of enabling those with vision loss to lead independent, fulfilling, and rewarding lives. As volunteer Leesa (accompanied by gorgeous Puppy In Training, Betty) puts …
Volunteering Queensland is proud to support organisations like Guide Dogs Queensland, and their volunteer involving activities. If you have a story to share, please contact membership@volunteeringqld.org.au to be featured.
Name of Student: Blake Walker
Name of School: Centenary Heights State High School
Certificate Level being completed at the school: CHC24015 Certificate II in Active Volunteering
Details: Blake Walker, recipient of the Active Volunteering Student of Term 2 2024, recently completed a 20-hour placement with Wildlife Rescue Education and Rehabilitation, where he made such a positive impact that the organisation eagerly welcomed him to continue. His proactive approach in seeking further work experience reflects his passion and dedication, leaving a lasting impression.
Blake excelled in both the theory and practical components of the CHC24015 Certificate II in Active Volunteering.
Well done Blake!
Call for expressions of interest: Success Stories in Volunteer Involvement
Present your case study at the 2025 Queensland Volunteering Conference and receive a complimentary ticket.
Have you successfully adopted one or more of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement? Do you have some pearls of wisdom to share with your fellow volunteer managers?
During our 2025 Queensland Volunteering Conference on 20 & 21 March 2025, we will be featuring case studies of volunteer involving organisations who have seen great success in a particular aspect of volunteer involvement. Each case study will be shared by a representative from that organisation through a 10-minute presentation and will include practical takeaways that delegates can try out in their own organisations.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your organisation’s commitment to best practice in volunteer involvement, plus all selected case studies will receive a complimentary conference ticket for the presenter.
Volunteer Leadership
Network Meeting
3 December, 10am-11:30am
Volunteer Management Essentials:
Designing Roles
10 December, 1pm-2pm
Volunteer Management Essentials:
Planning
11 December, 10am – 11am
Queensland Volunteering Conference
20 & 21 March 2025
More details coming very soon!
Applications open
Plan now for your next qualification. The Cert IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs will boost your volunteer programs and support you in attracting more volunteers.
Our VMA Journey
The volunteer peak bodies are delighted to present this report, which highlights the impacts, partnerships, and successes of the Volunteer Management Activity (VMA) program. It showcases the evolution of the VMA and the development of place-based, volunteer-centred projects that respond to a changing volunteering ecosystem and address barriers to participation within our communities.
You can read more about the Volunteer Management Activity here.
VQ supports over 300 member organisations and advocates for the 2.8 million Queenslanders who volunteer || Join our community
news@volunteeringqld.org.au | volunteeringqld.org.au
Ph. 07 3002 7600 | Level 12, 127 Creek St, Brisbane, 4000