Not-for-profit Volunteer Management & Board Ready Partnership Announcement
It is fair to say that good governance has never been more important for Not for Profits. Learning Partnerships Not For Profit Volunteer Management and Board Ready Program is a 3-day comprehensive program designed to enable a board or committee to work on their governance together for real benefits and outcomes.
The Last of Three Successful Better Together Breakfast in 2019
Thursday, 10th of October will be the last of the three networking breakfasts we introduced this year. We have been encouraged by the interest from not-for-profits, businesses, and governments eager to strengthen cross-sector connections. We believe that it is through these connections, together, we will continue to build a better community! The Keynote speaker, Sarah […]
7 Networking & Training Sessions to Strengthen your Community Organisation
Registrations are open for a range of great networking and training sessions being held on Thursday, 10th of October 2019. Make connections and receive practical training that will strengthen your organisations capacity for social impact in our community. The day starts with the last of three successful networking breakfast introduced this year that provide an […]
Membership, Services, Fees and Sustainability
Membership Membership renews annually on the 31st of July and is a partnership with Volunteering NQ’s vision to see a community rich in volunteers and volunteering. During the 2018-19 year we: Successfully placed more than 1 volunteer every day and, Provide training and networking opportunities to 300+ participants Membership is available to individuals and NFP […]
Volunteer Conference for North Queensland Announced
The recent announcement of a $50,000 State Government grant to help hold a North Queensland Volunteering Conference in Townsville next year has been received with excitement at Volunteering North Queensland (VNQ). As North Queensland’s leading Volunteer Referral and Community Training Centre, VNQ will coordinate the conference in conjunction with a committee of volunteers. In the main, it will be volunteers organising a volunteer conference for volunteers!
Shane Harris, Manager at Volunteering North Queensland, said “This conference has been a long-term goal of VNQ that has come to fruition largely through the persistent and dedicated volunteer efforts of our President, Margie Ryder.”
“Following the mammoth contribution of volunteers to their communities during this year’s unprecedented flooding events in Townsville and North West Queensland, we believe this conference is an important part of building resilience and avoiding volunteer burnout. We are thankful the grant will enable us to bring together the grassroots volunteers from all over North and North West Queensland to connect, train, and rejuvenate their motivation to continue their vital volunteering support, without which our communities would suffer,” Shane said.
The conference will be held in Townsville over three days in May or June 2020 providing motivation, tools and support through inspiring speakers, training sessions and practical workshops.
Shane said “While it’s early days yet, we encourage everyone interested, whether they are currently volunteering or not, to sign up to receive updates as the program develops and guest speakers are announced at www.vnq.org.au/volunteer-conference.”
Congratulations 2019 NQ Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients!
Volunteers throughout our community were acknowledged at the National Volunteer Week celebrations on 20th May with these four exemplary individuals being honoured as recipients of the individual 2019 NQ Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Heart of Volunteering – Lori Langford, Northern Townsville Community Hub
Lori volunteers at NOTCH 5 days a week and has quickly become an integral part of the team. Her commitment to the centre and the community knows no limits as she can be relied upon to contribute extra hours in response to the demand on the NOTCH services wearing many hats such as cleaner, flood recovery worker, child minder, events coordinator and social media advocate all whilst providing much needed emotional support. With her dedication and commitment NOTCH has been able to add regular monthly events to their calendar, many of which are coordinated by Lori.
Youth Volunteering Award – Lachlan Dent, St Vincent De Paul Society
Lachlan’s passion for creating quality experiences for disadvantaged children has been an integral contribution to the Buddies Day and Kids Camp Programs. His compassion, leadership and enthusiasm for providing an inclusive environment where children have the opportunity to enjoy sports, days out and other quality activities enables participants to have fun, build self-esteem and make friends. He is a true role model not only to the children whose lives he helps shape but also to the other volunteers who he regularly encourages and empowers to follow their own leadership journey.
Volunteer Impact Award – Rhiannon Hall, Happy Feat
Rhi fosters an inclusive environment and strives to keep ‘Happy Featers’ engaged through her fun and fresh choreography. Rhi’s ability and focus on tailoring her teaching for varying levels of mobility and concentration as well as her unwavering commitment contributes significantly to participant’s self-esteem and providing them with rich social engagement.
Volunteer Achievement Award – Allen Bishop, Ozcare Villa Vincent
Allen’s extraordinary commitment to volunteering suits him down to the ground as he’s kept busy and that’s the way he likes it! From avian husbandry and assisting the diversional therapist to creating a warm and welcoming environment to the residents, Allen’s innovative and detail oriented approach contributes greatly to the Villa Vincent family.
Making a world of difference – 6 million reasons to celebrate NVW!
6 million amazing Australians volunteer their time! Volunteers contribute an estimated $290 billion to the national economy annually, yielding a 450% return for every dollar invested. Worldwide, it is estimated there are 1 billion volunteers, the equivalent of 109 million full-time employees.
Imagine the world of difference these 6 million volunteers make in the lives of individuals, organisations and communities across all areas of Australian society, from the arts, education, emergency services, sports and environment to health, community welfare, aged care and disability services.
Could the staggering figures above suggest that volunteering is a positive experience to have so many volunteers giving so generously of their time? Definitely, according to Volunteering Australia’s State of Volunteering in Australia report that found 93% of volunteers reported positive outcomes as a direct result of their voluntary participation. The benefits of helping others are numerous. To name just a few, volunteering provides purpose, a sense of self-worth, social connection, increased health and well-being, as well as development of skills that can provide a pathway to employment.
From 20–26 May 2019, thousands of events will be held across the country to say thank you to the volunteers making a world of difference.
On the 20th of May 2019, we will acknowledge the many volunteers in North Queensland. The celebration includes ‘shout outs’ to some amazing volunteer teams throughout an evening of entertainment concluding with announcements and presentations of the 2019 North Queensland Volunteer of the Year award recipients.
Will there be Lego again at this year? Absolutely! What will your team make?
Find out more about the North Queensland NVW celebrations at https://www.vnq.org.au/nvw/
#NVW2019 #VNQ
4 North Queensland Awards – Nominations Open Now!
The North Queensland Volunteer of the Year Awards will be presented at the North Queensland National Volunteer Week Celebrations on the 20th of May event, where the efforts of the many volunteers bringing about positive change in our community will be recognised.
We encourage volunteer managers and fellow volunteers to nominate a volunteer from your organisation that you believe is deserving of recognition for their volunteering contribution.
The second year of the NQ Volunteer of Award will see the introduction of 4 new awards to be presented, acknowledging the contributions volunteers make throughout our community through their generosity, compassion and commitment to making a difference.
1. Heart of Volunteering Award –
a. The heart of volunteering award acknowledges a volunteer that passionately lives and breathes the very definition of volunteering, ‘…time 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.
2. Youth Volunteering Award
a. The Youth Volunteering award acknowledges a volunteer under 25 years of age that passionately lives and breathes the very definition of volunteering, ‘…time 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.
3. Volunteer Impact Award
a. 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.
4. Volunteer Achievement Award
a. 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 previously nominated volunteers to be renominated again.
The closing date for entries is Monday the 13th May, 2018 and nominees will be shortlisted before being announced at the National Volunteer Week Celebrations.
Nominations can be made online at www.vnq.org.au/nvw