Disaster Volunteering
I want to volunteer
Online referral form
Become a member
I need Volunteers

Category: News

Celebrating Queensland’s Seniors

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering but weren’t quite sure where to start, why not pop in to CIC and grab one of our flyers. What better way to celebrate our seniors, or celebrate as a senior, than to start your volunteer story? The annual celebration of Queensland’s seniors, in this its 60th year, is […]

Introducing our new Manager, Marie-Claude Brown

We are excited to announce Marie-Claude Brown has come on board the VNQ team as our new Manager.  Marie-Claude is well-known in Townsville for her advocacy as the CEO of Townsville Chamber, a position she held from 2009 to 2020. In her work, Marie-Claude combines two visions: profitable businesses and strong communities. With the community […]

Recipients of the NQ Volunteer of the Year Awards 2020

Congratulations to the recipients of the NQ Volunteer of the Year Awards 2020. The awards were announced at our virtual On The Couch with VNQ celebration on Thursday 21 May.

The 2020 award recipients are:
Heart of Volunteering – Liz Downes, Wildlife Queensland, North Queensland Conservation Council and James Cook University Library
For more than 40 years, Liz has been passionately volunteering her time, expertise and skill for a number of community organisations. Liz is an inspiration in the conservation realm, participating in difficult environmental and social issues. It’s Liz’ research and storytelling ability though, that has enabled the Special Collections at JCU Library to gain such a following through a regular radio series on ABC North Queensland called ‘White Gloves’. Liz’ gift in locating and revealing stories of historical significance, communicating through her entertaining blog posts (of which there are now over 60) has been instrumental in connecting our history to around 14,000 radio listeners.
Youth Volunteering Award – Sarah McDonnell, Burdekin Shire Council (Community Development)
Sarah has become the face of many organisations and her school not only as a volunteer, but as a leader laying the foundation for future generations. Sarah’s enthusiasm and attitude towards volunteering is what has enabled her to successfully complete multiple projects with the Burdekin Shire Youth Council and Ayr State High School Interact Club including helping write a youth bill decriminalising sex work, establishing her high schools recycling project, and assembling birthing kits to donate internationally to aid countries in need.
Volunteer Impact Award – Susanne Gardner, The Pyjama Foundation
Sue has directly and positively impacted more than 600 people through her various volunteering activities in the community. At The Pyjama Foundation, Sue visits and mentors children who are living in foster care, coordinates the resource library for the Pyjama Angels, provides knowledge and support to those working with young children, and assists with fundraisers and community events. She works tirelessly across many volunteering organizations like the Townsville Toy Library and the Probus Club of Townsville always putting her hand up to help, and in her spare time she also helps out at the blood bank and knits hospital garments for women who have mastectomies.
Volunteer Achievement Award – Kate Pemberton, ‘Kate’s Campaign for Change’
In 2017, aged 15, Kate started the grassroots movement ‘Kate’s Campaign for Change’ to donate care packages through local not-for-profit organisations that help in-need and at-risk locals in the community. Kate who has difficulty with movement and speech, and uses a wheelchair for mobility, has overcome many obstacles to fulfil her role as the ‘Campaign Ambassador.’ Kate spends many hours a week collecting donated items across the city, creating care packages, and delivering packages to organisations for distribution. Her campaign is now supported by over 700 campaigners who donate goods or cash for care packages and volunteer their time to assist in collecting and packing activities.

We will be sharing more of their stories in the coming weeks.

NQ VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR VIRTUAL AWARDS 2020

https://youtu.be/8JYAd2Hui70 We are excited to have you join us for our first virtual celebration of the North Queensland Volunteer of the Year Awards! In these constantly changing times, it is more important than ever to recognise and acknowledge North Queensland’s volunteers. Join us from the comfort of your own home.  On The Couch with VNQ will honour our […]

Announcing the shortlisted nominees for the NQ Volunteer of the Year Awards 2020

We are excited to announce the shortlisted Nominees for the 2020 North Queensland Volunteer of the Year Awards. Congratulations to all award nominees on your nomination. You truly do live up to this years theme “Changing Communities. Changing Lives.”

The recipients of the awards will be announced at our virtual On The Couch with VNQ celebration tonight at 7:00pm at https://www.vnq.org.au/nvw/

Youth Volunteering Award
• Sarah McDonnell – Burdekin Shire Council (Community Development)
• Claire Treagust – The Palliative Care Unit – THHS
• Sean Foster – St Vincent de Paul Society QLD
Volunteer Impact Award
• Susanne Gardner – The Pyjama Foundation
• Ray Waters – NRL Cowboys House
• Louise Marsden – Townsville Kennel Assoc & Thuringowa Kennel Club
Volunteer Achievement Award
• Luke Ross – Conservation Volunteers Australia
• Gerard Byrne – Small Business Recovery Centre
• Kate Pemberton – ‘Kate’s Campaign for Change’
Heart of Volunteering Award
• Erin Donnelly – The Oasis Townsville
• Liz Downes – Wildlife Queensland, NQ Conservation Council & James Cook University Library
• John Morton – Ozcare Villa Vincent

‘ON THE COUCH’ WITH VNQ TO RECOGNISE NORTH QUEENSLAND VOLUNTEERS

With annual National Volunteer Week celebrations under a cloud of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 situation, Volunteering North Queensland (VNQ), in a major break from tradition, is forging ahead with plans to deliver the North Queensland Volunteer of the Year Awards in a virtual format.
‘On The Couch’ with VNQ will feature the inspiring volunteer stories of the shortlisted nominees and the announcement of the recipients of the four NQ Volunteer of the Year Awards by well-known Townsville radio identity, Glenn Mintern.
Once again, the contribution to community by the volunteers nominated has been outstanding according to Natalie Dukes, Volunteering North Queensland’s Acting Manager.
“We feel it is important now more than ever to tap in to the sense of community Townsville is renowned for and to connect, celebrate and thank our amazing volunteers who truly do live up to this year’s theme “Changing Communities. Changing Lives,” Ms Dukes said.
Joining VNQ ‘On The Couch’ will be special guest speaker Dr Joann Lukins. With a PhD in Psychology and over 25 years’ experience in her field, Dr Lukins is renowned for empowering individuals and organisations to realise their potential.
Ms Dukes said, “For our volunteering community to have access to Dr Lukins’ insights, usually reserved for professional athletes and executive teams, is invaluable and a great opportunity.”
‘On The Couch’ with VNQ will be streamed online at 7:00pm on the 21st May.
Registrations are now open at vnq.org.au/nvw. Everyone who registers will receive the most up to date information and practical guides on how to get the most out of the event.
This event is proudly supported by the Port of Townsville, Creative Flare NQ and the Department of Social Services.

Our top picks for how YOU can support your community during the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 is causing great upheaval in our society. The physical distancing restrictions necessary to prevent the virus spreading are causing considerable financial and social stress to many sectors and groups within our communities. If you, however, find yourself with a bit of time on your hands, wondering how you can make a difference, here are our top 8 tips:
1. Give Blood:
Whilst blood isn’t necessarily required to treat COVID-19 patients, Australia still needs 29,000 blood donations every week to maintain supply for a variety of uses. Lives depend on donated blood, it helps people recover from surgery, accidents and even cancer. Regular blood donors may be self-isolating if they are in vulnerable groups so it’s up to the rest of us to bridge the gap. If you are generally well and healthy check out how to donate here https://www.donateblood.com.au/one-step-closer
2. Support food banks and charities:
As more people face financial hardship and food insecurity, these organisations will be relied upon more than ever to support people in need. Usual fundraising activities have been curtailed reducing their ability to maintain their community service delivery. If at all financially possible keep up your donations to local charities, not forgetting our furry friends who are facing hardship and food shortages.
3. Support local businesses:
The best way to keep people employed is for the public to keep buying businesses products/services. Restaurants, cafes and other discretionary goods providers are going to be hardest hit by the pandemic as people stop spending. When cafes are open for takeaway for example, it is important that people still buy their goods so they can stay open and minimise job losses and economic hardship. Another way to help businesses is to buy gift cards and give yourself something to look forward to when you are cashing them in with your friends.
4. Bolster the volunteer pool:
We are seeing some volunteers reduce their usual involvement, especially if they are in a particularly vulnerable group or have to provide increased support for family and friends. Whilst some not-for-profit activity is on hold, other volunteer roles are now in higher demand such as community transport, community visitor schemes, shopping trip support etc. Food banks and other community delivery services will also need more drivers as well as cooks to keep up with rising demand and adaptation of services that perhaps were provided in a community centre setting. Restrictions change daily and we will endeavour to keep our volunteer opportunity database up to date. https://www.vnq.org.au/quick-search/
5. Virtual Vollies
Volunteering online is a great way of helping the community while still adhering to self-isolation or social distancing requirements. It is just like working online, all you need is a computer and internet and you can volunteer your time and talents from your home. There are all sorts of volunteer opportunities that can be done online such as writing thank-you letters to web design and more. Even if you don’t consider yourself computer-savvy there will be opportunities to do check in phone calls to people who are more socially isolated than ever.
6. Write a note or a letter to someone you do or don’t know
It sounds simple but what a great way to connect with a neighbour, friend or older relative during this time. There are a lot of aged care facilities imposing visitor restrictions to reduce the risk to our older Australians who would love to hear from you! Why not encourage the children to write a letter to their grandparents/aunts/uncles complete with artwork masterpieces. Here are two great resources that you can use and distribute around your street or local neighbourhood.
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-townsville/living-in-townsville/being-neighbourly https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10163194559985324&set=gm.582700855665916&type=3&theater&ifg=1
7. Check out your local Community Radio station
Community radio stations have their finger on the pulse in your local community and bring a rich mix of culture and entertainment that you will find refreshing in these trying times. Community radio stations also depend heavily on volunteers and local support especially from businesses who are also doing it tough and may have to withdraw or downsize their financial contributions. By engaging with these community groups we are demonstrating our solidarity in supporting services that mean a lot to listeners who are doing it tough. So tune in! https://www.triplet.com.au/
8. Look after your community by looking after yourself
If you find yourself in lockdown why not try 14 ways in 14 days, a Corona Connection Chain Campaign initiated by the Kindness Kommunity. Focussing on what you can do rather than what you can’t is a useful mindset shift to improve mental health and resilience. Check out some ideas that the people of Townsville have been coming up with… ukulele anyone? #14for14campaign https://www.facebook.com/thekindnesskommunity/
Rest assured, Volunteering North Queensland is working closely with our not-for-profit members in this unprecedented time to gather information on what the volunteering sector needs right now so we can provide well thought out, targeted support. We will be updating our volunteering opportunities to reflect the changing nature and needs of the community. In the meantime, we need you to look after you.

Postponement of NQ Volunteer Conference 2020

Following advice from Queensland Health and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy on the COVID-19 virus relating to large gatherings of people, the management committee has made the difficult decision to postpone our inaugural NQ Volunteer Conference that was scheduled for 22-24 May 2020.

This was an extremely hard decision considering the work, effort and resources already committed to the event but the health and well-being of our communities are ultimately our main priority.

The management committee and the rest of the Volunteering North Queensland team are currently looking into potential dates and delivery platforms to bring this great event to you.

We will endeavour to update all delegates, sponsors and other stakeholders with information personally and directly over the coming weeks.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and we continue to be humbled by your support.

Volunteer Consultations
In response to our changing social and economical landscape, Volunteering North Queensland is cancelling all face to face volunteer consultations until further notice. We are still accepting Expressions of Interest through our website and we are conducting volunteer consultations over the telephone. We are liaising with our not-for-profit member organisations and working hard to respond to the needs of our community and keep volunteering well and truly alive; at a time when Queenslanders need it most.

2020 NQ Volunteering Awards Open

The third year of the North Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award will again occur in National Volunteer Week 18-24 May 2020. The event will be inclusive of the inaugural NQ Volunteer Conference at the Gala dinner on Saturday, the 23rd of May 2020.

These awards acknowledge the contributions volunteers make throughout our community through their generosity, compassion and commitment to making a difference:

Heart of Volunteering Award
The heart of volunteering award acknowledges a volunteer that practically outwork the definition of volunteering, “…time is willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.” Nominations for volunteers whose attitude and actions are exemplary and an inspiration to others are welcomed.

Youth Volunteering Award
The Youth Volunteering award acknowledges a volunteer under 25 years of age that practically outwork the definition of volunteering, ‘…time is willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.’ Nominations for volunteers whose attitude and actions are exemplary and an inspiration to others are welcomed.

Volunteer Impact Award
The Volunteer Impact award acknowledges a volunteer whose contribution has made a significant difference to an individual, group or community over a short or long period of time. Nominations for volunteers who have made a significant difference in the lives of those they serve are welcomed.

Volunteer Achievement Award
The Volunteer Achievement award acknowledges a volunteer for whom the very act of volunteering is an achievement. Nominations are welcomed for volunteers that give their time in the face of challenging circumstances either personally or the activities undertaken.

We encourage leaders of volunteers and co-volunteers to nominate, including previously nominated volunteers, that you believe are deserving of recognition for their volunteering contribution.

The closing date for nominations is Monday 29 March 2020. Nominees will be shortlisted and announced at the NQ Volunteer Conference Gala Dinner.