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.
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.
NQ Volunteer Conference 2020 Dates and Venue Announced
We are excited to announce next year’s NQ Volunteer Conference 2020 now has dates and venue locked in. The conference will run from Friday 22 May to Sunday 24 May 2020 to tie in with National Volunteer Week.
The conference will be held at Rydges Southbank, Palmer Street, South Townsville. This is a great central location close to the city, restaurants and bars and the brand new North Queensland Stadium, home of the mighty NQ Cowboys!
Event Manager, Kim Borkowski said “Rydges is offering conference delegates a fantastic bed and breakfast rate for the conference and if you would like to extend your stay, dates either side of the conference will be available at the same great rate.”
With details still to be finalised, registration for the conference will open early next year. Sign up for conference updates https://www.vnq.org.au/nq-volunteer-conference-2020-updates/.
More exciting announcements to come early in 2020!
Event Manager appointed to coordinate Volunteer Conference 2020
Planning for the Volunteer Conference 2020 in Townsville is ramping up with the appointment of an Event Manager. Tasked with enacting the vision of the Volunteer Management Committee and coordinating activities conducted by Volunteering North Queensland’s volunteer staff and the event volunteers, Kim Borkowski brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Kim has 20 years of experience in the events, entertainment and marketing industries in government departments and private enterprise. Her work includes being part of the team that delivered the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Marketing and Promotions Officer at Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE and Event and Protocol Officer with Townsville City Council.
Kim is excited to bring Volunteering North Queensland’s conference vision to fruition in 2020 and beyond, as well as delivering other events throughout the year, to support volunteer managers and NFP organisations.
Kim has a long family history in Townsville and after years globetrotting and living in Sydney and on the Sunshine Coast, returned in 2013 with her husband and 2 children to be closer to family and friends.
Some Fun Facts about Kim:
• Her 2 boys went to the same primary school as their great grandmother.
• She hosted the Prime Minister of Australia during the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration – do you know who our PM was at the time?
• 2 x Australian Barefoot Waterski Champion (a very long time ago…)
• She lived in Italy for 18 months – ragazza fortunata!
• Jumped out of a plane 70 times!
We encourage anyone interested in attending the conference to sign up to receive updates as the program develops and guest speakers are announced
NQ Volunteer Conference 2020 Updates
We are working hard preparing for the inaugural North Queensland Volunteer Conference 2020 and we’ll be posting updates soon. Be sure to subscribe to updates so you don’t miss out on the latest news. www.vnq.org.au/nq-volunteer-conference Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn
