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.
Possible funding opportunity to attend the NQ Volunteer Conference!
Do you know of community groups in your area who are looking for funding to get an initiative off the ground? Share the news!
Applications are now open for the 2020 Ergon-Energex Community Fund.
Queensland has been doing it tough over the last year – fire, flood, drought and severe weather have taken a big toll. Ergon is particularly keen to hear from community groups who are working to support communities impacted by these adversities to get back on their feet.
More than $100,000 in funding is available to not-for-profit community groups and like organisations across the state whose projects need a helping hand to get them across the line. Individual grants of up to
$5,000 are available this year, the People’s Choice bonus will see one lucky recipient receive an additional $5,000 funding.
Application is made online at: energex.com.au/communityfund OR ergon.com.au/communityfund
Applications close 5pm, Friday 27 March.
If you have any queries relating to the Community Fund, contact communityfund@energex.com.au and a member of the team will be happy to assist by return email or phone call.
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.
Registrations Now Open!
We are excited to announce the NQVC 2020 is now on sale for “Early Bird” registrations. We encourage you to take advantage of our Early Bird rate. Secure your place for the inaugural North Queensland Volunteer Conference 2020 here: https://www.vnq.org.au/conference/.
Need help to fund your attendance? Check with your organisation or local council to see what grant funding opportunities may be available to assist with registration, accommodation and transport costs.
Our accommodation partner; Rydges Southbank, conveniently also the Conference venue, has provided us with a fantastic bed and breakfast rate for Conference delegates. We encourage you to take advantage of this great offer and secure your accommodation. With a NQ Cowboys home game over the Conference weekend, accommodation across Townsville will be at a premium.
VNQ Manager, Shane Harris said, “One of the many highlights of the conference weekend will be a Civic Reception to welcome delegates, hosted by the Mayor of Townsville, on Friday evening 22 May.”
Shane continued ”We are grateful for the support we are receiving to help us bring the NQVC to you from our generous partners; QLD Government, Townsville City Council, Rydges Southbank, Northern Stevedoring Services, South32, Wilmar Sugar, Sisters of the North and Pajingo Gold Mine. More partners will be announced as they come on board.”
In our next update, we will announce Keynote Speakers, Workshop topics plus a few surprises…
If you would like more information about the NQVC 2020, contact Kim, our North Queensland Volunteer Conference 2020, Event Manager.
Volunteering! Getting Started
Volunteering is a very rewarding experience and this free information session will help set you up to have a great experience. Whether you are new to volunteering (or not) the information in this session will boost your confidence in getting started and continuing to volunteer. Information covered in the free session will include: Your Rights […]
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.
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.”