VVoolluunntteeeerriinngg MMeeeettss tthhee IInntteerrnneettSummer School - A huge success
YYoouutthhoorriiaa PPrroojjeecctt iinn PPoorrtt LLiinnccoollnn
Golden Gurus
LLeeaaddeerrsshhiipp -- FFoorr aa CCaauussee BBeeyyoonnee SSeellff
ittaalliittyyA
utu
mn
20
10
Voolluunntteeeerriinngg SSAA&&NNTT IInncc..vv
Page 2
13
Contents
From the Desk of the CEO 1
Report from the VA Board 2
Volunteer Partnership 3
DFC Volunteers Acknowledged 4
Volunteering Meets the Internet! 5
Critical Issues Answered by Major Parties
Prior to the State Election 6
Kaye’s Corner 7
Volunteering: Now, More Than Ever 7
SA Professionals Inspire Students 8
Leadership ... for a Cause Beyond Self! 9
Summer School a Huge Success 10
Gurus Share Skills and Expertise 13
The International Day for
Territory Volunteers 14
Turn Key Projects in the NT 15
VSA&NT Staff Profile 15
Your Role in Protecting our Environment 16
International Volunteer Managers Day 17
Searching for Balance 18
Youthoria Project in Port Lincoln 19
Arthritis Foundation 20
Santos Tour Down Under 22
Corporates & Community 23
Refugee Camp In Your City 24
VSA&NT new members 25
VSA&NT partners 25
Volunteering SA & NT Inc.Head Office1st Floor Torrens Building 220 Victoria SquareAdelaide SA 5000
www.volunteeringsa.org.auBoard:
Janet Stone (Chairman), Julie Pollard (Deputy
Chair), Tim Jackson (Treasurer), Mark Witham,
Bruce Hammond, Evelyn O’Loughlin,
Karen Buenger, Richard Geyer, Joe Capozza
CEO:
Evelyn O’Loughlin
Editor:
Denese Wyatt - [email protected]
Advertising & Graphic Design:
Robyn Haworth - [email protected]
Staff, Volunteers, Consultants: Tracey Miller, Martyn Paxton, Sascha Loffler, Robyn Haworth, Annette Barlow, Kaye Mahomet, Jo Larkin, Liam Hanna, Alexander Werchon, Anna Williamson, Denese Wyatt, Ellen Tindale, Shirley Terrell, Sue Keith, James Sadler, Robyn Toi, Lynette Bacon, John Carli, Kyla Casey, Courtney Davidson, Socheat Chak, Ryan Donaghue, Pam Evans, Mark Fielder, Richard
Geyer, Izaac Griffin, Anita Griffin Pauline Keane,
Janis Kerr, John Kimber, Andrea Haldane, Brian Leverett, Alastair McFarlane, Robyn McInerney, Erica Majba, Tony Mitchell, Atapo Moore, Jane
Osborn, Ross Prout, Joseph Rankoff, Josephine
Swiggs, Ian Tonkin, Carmel Vanderhoelm, Bob Watson, Jackie Campbell, D’Arcy Lunn, Carmel Vandermolen, Eleonora Zappia & Associates, EPAC Salary Solutions, Bliss Web Engine, Business SA, Community Sector Business Services, MHM, youGROW Pty Ltd, Ariel Printing, Pride Business Solutions Pty Ltd, Volunteering WA, Urban Umbrella Marketing, Teresa Forest, Alchemy Training, Jennifer Adams.
Students:
Lei Zheng, Vanitha Abraham.
Partners - Aboriginal Reference Group:
Bruce Hammond, Herb Mack, Ken Liddle,
Maxine Turner, Lenore Chantrelle, Fiona
Coulthard-Stanley, Elizabeth Hurrell, Jessica
Koolmatrie, Anna Caponi.
© Volunteering SA&NT Inc. Articles may be reproduced providing copyright is acknowledged. Publishing date March 2010.The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily shared by Volunteering SA&NT Inc.
Cover and pictured above: Belinda Cay, from PIRSA,
does a slime-making experiment with Seaton High
School students as part of the Advantage SA Speakers
in Schools Program.
Photo provided by Advantage SA
Deadline for Winter 2010 Edition
Bookings 3 AprilArtwork 1 MayLetter box 1 June
Subscribe to Volunteering SA&NT’s
quarterly Magazine.
or phone 08 8221 7177
IN THIS ISSUE
4
5
16
Page 1
From the Desk of the CEO
Evelyn O’Loughlin
Chief Executive Officer
Volunteering SA & NT (VSA&NT)
CEO REPORT
The Federal Government boldly continues to pursue building a
new and transformative relationship with the not for profit sector
in Australia, beyond the National Compact partnership agreement,
which was launched at an official signing ceremony in Canberra on
17 March 2010.
You will be aware that the Productivity Commission has released
its report on the contributions of the not-for-profit sector. The
Government Terms of Reference for the study focused on improving
the measurement of the not-for-profit sector contributions and
removing obstacles to maximising the sector’s contributions to
society.
The report outlined that the Government is “committed to finding the
best solutions to problems of social exclusion by ensuring the not for
profit, private and government sectors work together effectively”
However, it has been frequently said that volunteering is not a sub-
set of not-for-profit inputs, but rather it is the primary mechanism for
community participation. Volunteering stands on its own feet, with
over 5 million volunteers across Australia.
Some home truths, which need to be understood and acknowledged:-
Volunteering attracts minimal government funding, but
contributes the equivalent of $14.6 billion per annum to the not-
for-profit sector alone
Volunteering has minimal funding and program infrastructure
but has 5.4 million participants
By any net measure volunteering is the probably the greatest
contributor to the Australian community of any definable
community of interest
Reducing the contribution of volunteers and volunteering to the
community to an economic measure or input, misses the actual
value of volunteering to the community; the contribution to the
strengthening and building of community capacity, community
cohesiveness, and the reduction of exclusion and marginalisation
Volunteering is about human endeavour. It’s very different
to business and it’s very different to what government does.
It’s about people wanting to get together to participate. It’s a
fundamental hallmark of civil society.
“Increased participation and engagement to reduce exclusion will
happen through a community strengthening process. This is a grass
roots community-led process. While many not-for-profit organisations
are effective in facilitating this, again the mass participation vehicle
is volunteering. Some volunteer organisations are funded, but the
vast majority are small, stakeholder managed associations. Some
of the recommendations touch on the challenges these volunteer
involving organisations face, but the Productivity Commission
recommendations are clearly aimed at making it easier for not-
for-profits to interface with corporate, business and government
structures.” 1
The late Professor Mark Lyons, Director of Research at the Centre
for Social Impact, and an Australian and world expert on the third
sector, stated that “On the one hand, Robert Fitzgerald (Productivity
Commissioner) has been asked to map the economic contribution of
the entire not-for-profit sector, making recommendations about ways
to remove impediments to its efficient operation. On the other hand
it’s pretty clear from the terms of reference that what the government
is really talking about is improving efficient service delivery by the big
social assistance charities that receive government funding”.2
The Productivity Report is about the not-for-profit sector, but
volunteering being subsumed within the context of the not-for-profit
“business” environment (volunteering as cost element) indicates that
government still struggles to understand the role that volunteering
plays in building and strengthening community connection.
Furthermore, Elizabeth Cham, Senior Fellow in Philanthropy at
Melbourne University has said that “the Third sector is poorly
understood by government and by the public.”
She states... “ how do you actually measure human endeavour? It takes
much longer than anything that happens in business, and if you’re not
measuring human endeavour, you’re measuring social change which
is also very, very slow. So I feel that for the last 25 years, the whole
non-profit sector has been in self imposed straitjacket. The critical
issue is that in doing that, it’s lost its independent voice, it’s lost its
language, and it’s really lost its values. I mean it hasn’t totally done that
of course, but there’s been such emphasis put on the measuring and
the business model, and government has increasingly not understood
what the sector does, and has offered vast amounts of money for
service delivery, and it’s said, ‘You’re service delivery providers for us.’
Now that’s one element of what the sector has done, and it really has
swamped the entire workings of the sector, certainly the debate. In
fact I think there’s been very little debate, I think it’s been so hidden”. 3
Ongoing dialogue, particularly via the current National Volunteering
Strategy consultative mechanisms, must inform government of
the best way it can support volunteering to maximise community
participation and inclusion and must ensure government understands
the link between support for volunteering and community outcomes.
Volunteers aren’t just an input. I urge you to be part of the discussions.
The National Volunteering Strategy can be found at
www.socialinclusion.gov.au/Initiatives/Pages/Volunteering.aspx
1 Volunteering Victoria, Submission to Productivity Commission Inquiry into Contribution of Not-For-Profit sector, November 2009
2 Professor Mark Lyons interview, Inventing The Third Sector – Background Briefing Radio National transcript, May 2009
3 Elizabeth Cham interview, Inventing The Third Sector – Background Briefing
Radio National transcript, May 2009
Page 2
Report from the Volunteering Australia BoardVOLUNTEERING AUSTRALIA
Mark Witham
Director VA, Board Member VSA&NT
Paul Lynch, who was elected as President of Volunteering
Australia at the Annual General Meeting of Volunteering
Australia on 20 November, looks forward to working with all
VA members and stakeholders as we approach the significant
milestone of 2011 – The International Year of the Volunteer
+10.
The incoming Volunteering Australia Board is committed to
strengthening VA’s relationship with Foundation Members
and the volunteering sector more broadly. The Board
will continue the work started on engaging VA with the
Emergency Management sector; and Build a more diversified
and sustainable long term funding model for VA.
During the AGM of Volunteering Australia, Dr Mark Witham,
Nominee of Volunteering South Australia/Northern Territory,
General Manager Client Services within Public Trustee, Former
National President of the Australian Rural Education Research
Association and Treasurer for Norwood Primary school was
welcomed as a Director.
The Volunteering Australia communiqué keeps stakeholders
up to date with governance of Volunteering Australia. Read
the most recent Board Communiques on the Volunteering
Australia website: www.volunteeringaustralia.org and go to
About Us / Board.
Janet Stone’s outstanding contribution over her four year
tenure was acknowledged by the board of VA and she will
remain as President of Volunteering SA&NT.
As many of you are aware the Australian Government has
conducted a review of the services provided to government
by VA.
The outcome of the review of VA services has resulted in a
50% reduction in Federal Government funding to VA. The
main reduction has been the loss of $400k pa for the National
Volunteer Skills Centre (NVSC). In addition the Federal
Government has indicated that support for GoVolunteer ($68k
pa) is not guaranteed beyond December 2010.
The National Volunteer Skills Centre will cease operation at
end of March 2010. The overall staffing establishment for
VA will reduce from 7.3 FTE to 4.9 FTE. Many other services
previously supported by the NVSC will also need to cease or
be outsourced. The loss of critical mass due to the closure of
the NVSC significantly impacts VA’s ability to achieve some of
the priority objectives set out in the current strategic plan.
Feedback from FaHCSIA officials following the Review
highlights their view that VA needs to focus on its role as a
representative body, and that VA’s role in service delivery
and resource development through projects such as the
NVSC has the potential to compromise the independence
and objectiveness of our advice to government and our
relationship with stakeholders.
In response to the FaHCSIA Review, Foundation Member
organisations strongly supported the continuing need for
a national representative body. However, the Review found
that a number of the Foundation members felt “ that VA’s role
should not include service delivery, and this role is better
left to the Foundation Member, with VA focussing on policy,
frameworks, standards etc.”
There is a noticeable trend for Governments (Federal and
State) to increasingly undertake activity that has traditionally
been the role of the community sector bodies. This is having
a compounding impact on organisations including VA and all
Foundation Members. Firstly it reduces the range of direct
services that these organisations can provide to their members
as government withdraws funding for these activities. This
is compounded by the loss of corporate and philanthropic
support for organisations as their former activities are
increasingly seen as a function of government. The provision
of a service such as GoVolunteer is an example of this potential
risk.
The Australian Government, through the Office of Senator
Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and
the Voluntary Sector, has established a Volunteering Policy
Advisory Group. VA CEO, Cary Pedicini has been appointed to
this group which met for the first time on 23 October 2009.
The Advisory Group, appointed and chaired by Senator Ursula
Stephens, will be a key source of expertise and advice to guide
Australia’s vision for volunteering to 2021.
Page 3
OFFICE FOR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer Partnership - Accessing Resources Message from the General Manager, Office for Volunteers - Andrew Hamilton
I’d like to thank everyone who came along to our State Volunteer Congress, the Power of Partnerships, at the National Wine Centre on 4 December 2009 (see photo above). The event turned out to be one of our best yet, with more than 300 people signing up to attend! Highlights of the day included the special address by prominent leadership coach and psychologist Dr Daryl Cross, as well as the interactive workshops with tools, tips and tactics on creating and managing partnerships. A full wrap up of the event, with photos, presentations and resource kits, is now available on our website at www.ofv.sa.gov.au/congress_2009.html. I’m also pleased to report that, in a real win for the community, more South Australian Government owned facilities and resources are now available for use by volunteer groups across the State! Through the newly launched ‘Volunteer Partnership - Accessing Resources’ project, more than 90 South Australian Government offices, hospitals and health services, libraries, schools and ambulance stations have pledged to share their facilities and resources with local volunteer groups across SA. These resources range from meeting rooms, kitchens and car parks to equipment such as photocopiers, data projectors and whiteboards. You can can find out what facilities and resources are available in your local area by visiting our website at www.ofv.sa.gov.au. Check it out now! In some other good news, the Office for Volunteers was recently delighted to learn that it had won a 2009 Premier’s Award in the ‘Building Communities’ category! The Premier’s Awards formally recognises and rewards the achievement of excellence by the South Australian public sector. The Office for Volunteers winning entry, the Sustainable On-line Community Engagement program, was developed in partnership with the University of South Australia. Through this initiative, UniSA students work closely with community organisations to help
them build a website, plan and manage events, produce promotional materials and promote their organisation and services. You can find out more about this program by visiting
www.ofv.sa.gov.au/community.htm. Finally, I’d like to congratulate all the successful recipients of Volunteer Support Fund and Community Voices Program grants. Over the past few months, the Office for Volunteers has had a tough task on its hands, to select the successful entries from a field of many high quality applications from community groups across South Australia. Recipients of the 2009-10 round of Community Voices grants are: Fauna Rescue of South Australia, Iron Knob Progress Association, Parkinson’s South Australia Incorporated, Sammy D Foundation Inc, Eldercare Incorporated, Hackham West Community Centre Inc, Holiday Explorers Inc, RPH Adelaide Inc, Youth Opportunities Association (SA) Inc and Community Food SA Inc. These groups will soon be pairing up with Flinders University students to produce television commercials or short films to help promote their organisations and volunteering in the community. A full listing of the more than 100 community groups awarded 2009 Volunteer Support Fund grants is also available on our website at www.ofv.sa.gov.au/fund.htm. These grants will be used by the groups to help boost training and resources for their volunteers. For further information, contact the Office for Volunteers by phoning 8463 4490 or emailing [email protected].
For more news from the Office for Volunteers, you can also subscribe to our free e-newsletter by visiting www.ofv.sa.gov.au/newsletter.htm.
Page 4
Forty-two of the Department for Families and Communities (DFC) 1,500 volunteers were acknowledged for their diverse contributions to the community at an awards ceremony in Ayers House on 2 December 2009.
The volunteers, who provide various forms of support to DFC’s
service divisions, represented a broad cross-section of the
South Australian community and together have contributed
more than 187,000 unpaid working hours to the department.
Among them was Edwin Ekpa-Smith who overcame many
challenges including language difficulties to provide assistance
to a long distance runner from Congo. Working with the client,
Edwin helped the man to buy running shoes, meet with a
coach and establish a training program.
DFC
Department for Families and Communities Volunteers Acknowledged
by Georgina Goodrich - DFC Volunteers Unit
Volunteer Managers from across DFC divisions - Families SA, Disability SA and Domiciliary Care SA.
Edwin Ekpa-Smith pictured with Minister Jennifer Rankine
DFC volunteers perform a range of activities from driving children to doctors’ appointments and supervising access visits to helping run art and craft sessions, and much more.
The Hon Jennifer Rankine, Minister for Families and Communities, attended the ceremony and presented each volunteer with a certificate of recognition, letter of acknowledgement and small gift. The Minister recognised that volunteering roles could be demanding, but also said that there are “wonderful rewards” to be gained from the experience, “The most important of which is making a significant difference in someone’s life,” Ms Rankine said.
Volunteers bring with them expertise, life skills and knowledge from diverse cultural backgrounds that contribute to the effectiveness of the services across the department. DFC values this contribution and works to support and recognise volunteering in all its forms.
Information and opportunities for people to volunteer is available on the DFC website or by calling 1300 885 068.
Recognition – Volunteers awarded at the ceremony with the Hon Minister Jennifer Rankine
Page 5
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
We value your time, Go-Online
The City of Charles Sturt launches an innovative approach
to volunteering, by valuing the needs of its volunteers and
harnessing the power of the internet to extend the volunteer
induction training scheme, into the online environment.
The Council currently provides an in-house induction program
for all new volunteers; however, the new online induction
service creates new opportunities.
Volunteers’ time is important to the Council, and the online
induction program adds value to the current program, by
valuing that time. It is a requirement that all new volunteers
undertake the induction which provides the volunteer with
valuable information that ranges from volunteering values,
insurance, manual handling skills and OH&S requirements.
Council has been concerned that some prospective volunteers
found it difficult to attend the day time induction program.
This is where the new On-line Induction Program provides
flexibility and time saving for the volunteer. The question
was asked – “If you can complete an OH&S induction on-line,
why not complete a volunteer induction on-line as well?” To
this end the On-line Induction for Volunteers was developed.
The project, completed in 9 months in conjunction with E3
Learning, provides a user-friendly online environment, which
the council believes is groundbreaking work in the area of
Volunteer Management.
During the volunteer interview process, prospective volunteers
can indicate their desire to undertake the training on-line in
the comfort of their own home. All they need is access to a
computer with broadband internet. Likewise, if this is not
available at home, the volunteer can complete the induction
on a computer in a Community Centre or Library. The volunteer
will receive an email which contains all the information they
need to complete the induction.
The whole program takes two hours to complete, but the
volunteer can undertake the training at his or her own pace
and one section at a time. The Administrator of Volunteers can
track the volunteer’s progress. On completion of the induction,
the volunteer becomes fully registered and is orientated into
their role.
The On-line Induction package came to fruition in October
2009, when the first trial group tested the system. The feedback
from the participants was positive, and all the incumbents
completed the induction with flying colours! The On-line
Induction was launched for full-use in the New Year, and we
anticipate that 50% of all inductees will enjoy the use of this
service. However, the Council wants to reassure prospective
volunteers that the in-house induction will still be available to
people who prefer to a face to face induction.
Volunteering Meets the Internet!by Lis Brittan, Administrator of Volunteers at the City of Charles Sturt
CommunityDevelopement Officer, Karen Gillon and Volunteer Wendy Abbas, check out the new On-line Induction for Volunteers
This handbook is aimed specifically at people who manage volunteers and other
staff in organisations that wish to involve young people in volunteering.
Special Offer $3.20 RRP $4.20. Special offer valid until 31 May 2010. Price includes GST and delivery within Australia.
To order Phone 8221 7177
Email [email protected] Country callers phone 1300 135 545
Page 6
RESEARCH
As the peak body for Volunteering in this State, Volunteering SA&NT has a responsibility to provide reliable and accurate information to its members, both institutional and individual, on matters relating to volunteering.
Accordingly, I was grateful that prior to the state elections, both major political parties provided me with statements on how they would advance volunteering and the volunteering sector should their party win government in the recent election.
Policy positions were sought on the following issues:
1. Public support for the maintenance and expansion of volunteering services and infrastructure.
2. Promotion of inclusion strategies for culturally and linguistically diverse groups, Indigenous people, the disabled and ex-offenders within the volunteer sector.
3. Tax incentives for volunteers and treatment of costs and payments relating to volunteering in the tax system.
4. Recognition of the legitimate advocacy roles of peak bodies and other advocate agencies within the third sector.
5. Recognition of the contribution of voluntary associations and volunteers.
6. Public subsidisation of the costs to the volunteer sector of compliance with corporate governance initiatives.
7. The blurring of the lines between volunteering and other unpaid forms of labour, such as work experience, Voluntary Work Option (as part of the Job Services Australia contracts), community servicer orders, etc.
8. The boundaries between paid and unpaid labour.
9. Guarantees to ensure the autonomy of third sector agencies contracted to deliver government services.
10. The role of the government in setting volunteering policy for the third sector.
This is a summary of their responses:
The Labor Party
The then Minister for Volunteering, Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP replied in person and committed his party to work together with the volunteer sector to build on a vision to energise and strengthen volunteering in South Australia and to advance volunteering by ensuring its ongoing promotion and recognition.
Specifically, he stated that a Labor Government would;
redress the issues that impede volunteering by actively identifying and responding to these issues, such as police checks availability of transport and attracting young volunteers;
Critical Issues Answered by Major Parties Prior to the State Election
by Evelyn O’Loughlin - CEO, Volunteering SA&NTdevelop and establish a protocol to improve the exchange
of information processes between the volunteer sector
and public sector agencies;
continue support to the Volunteer Ministerial Advisory
Group, which will continue to provide the Minister for
Volunteers with direct input and advice from, and in
relation to, the sector;
ensure that volunteer organisations have access to
appropriate technologies that will assist with promotion,
attraction, retention, training and education of volunteers.
The Liberal Party
The Shadow Minister for Volunteering, Hon Iain Evans MP
committed his party to doubling the Volunteer Support
Fund and increasing it by Consumer Price Index each year
and to increase funding agreements to three years. A Liberal
government would also continue the role of the Minister for
Volunteers.
Some other important commitments made were to;
recognise the legitimate advocacy roles of peak bodies;
join Volunteering SA&NT to lobby the Federal Government
regarding the need for fairer treatment of volunteers
under the tax system;
work with Volunteering SA&NT to expand services to
culturally and linguistically diverse groups through grants
from the increased Volunteers Support Fund and other
government agencies;
change the law so donors of goods and services are better
protected;
maintain the Volunteers Day celebrations and awards;
consult Volunteering SA&NT and other volunteering
groups in establishing broad state volunteering policy
while not interfering in the internal workings of volunteer
organisations;
consult with SA&NT regarding the blurring of the lines
between volunteering and paid employment and
between volunteering and other forms of unpaid labour.
guarantee the autonomy of third sector agencies
contracted to deliver government services.
We look forward to working with the new government and the new Minister to implement the commitments that have been made to advance volunteering in this state.
Note: In the new Ministry, sworn in on March 25, Grace Portolesi
is now Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation;
Multicultural Affairs; Youth and Volunteers.
Page 7
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
655 South Road T +618 8293 2388 [email protected] Black Forest SA 5035 F +618 8293 2344 www.pridesolutions.com.au
Pride Managed IT Services Remote & On-Site Technical Support Internet Security Solutions Business VoIP Cisco Unified Communications (IP Phones) Off-Site Backup & Disaster Recovery High Availability & Business Continuity Solutions
Occupational Health & Safety
Laws and Volunteers, South
Australia
A healthy and safe workplace is important to the productivity, effectiveness and sustainability of any organisation. Organisations that employ one or more person also have obligations under Commonwealth and State laws to maintain a safe workingenvironment.
Most federal and state laws do not make explicit reference to volunteers in their legislation; however this does not exempt volunteer-involving organisations from OH&S obligations. In most instances, volunteers fall under the category of ‘other persons’ to whom a volunteer-involving organisation owes a
Kaye’s Cornerby Kaye Mahomet - Manager, Sector Support and Development VSA&NT
duty of care. While an employer’s duty of care to ‘other persons’ is not usually defined as specifically as it is for employees, breaches of this duty of care are just as important and treated as seriously as if the person were an paid employee.
Volunteer-involving organisations also have other obligations to ensure the occupational health and safety of volunteers, including common law and laws relating to workers’ compensation.
Relevant LawsOccupational health and safety in South Australia is governed principally by the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986.
Other relevant legislation include: the Volunteers Protection Act 2001 and the Civil Liability Act 1936 the Workers’ Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986.
This information is taken from the Volunteering Australia website www.volunteeringaustralia.org.
Now is the perfect time to start planning your NVW activities and Volunteering Australia have added loads of new information to the website to help your preparations.
Go to the Volunteer Australia website at www.volunteeringaustralia.org.
check out the new NVW Media section full of tips to get your story in the paper and how to write a media releaseDownload the Certificate of Appreciation, NVW logo and NVW posterRead about the NVW Theme and how you can use itPrint out the NVW Fast Facts.
... And don’t forget to let Australia know how you will be celebrating NVW by registering your events on the VA website.
Volunteering: Now, More Than EverNational Volunteer Week, 10-16 May 2010
Kaye Mahomet
National Volunteer Week 2009 in Mall
Page 8
SCHOOLS
Since 2005, Advantage SA’s Speakers in Schools program has provided professionals with a unique opportunity to inspire South Australian students and invest in the State’s budding workforce.
The program involves South Australian professionals, under the age of 45, who volunteer their time to share their career stories with students across the State.
Currently, more than 400 speakers from a wide range of industries are involved with the program. Speakers are selected from various organisations around the State in order to expose students to the diversity of rewarding career paths offered in South Australia.
As part of their involvement with the program, speakers are offered a series of training forums which look to contribute to their professional development.
In January, Advantage SA hosted a free training forum which enabled speakers to improve on their presentation skills and ability to work with young people.
Previous District Governor of Toastmasters International, Andris Bilkens, was at the forum to teach speakers about the key elements of executing a successful presentation.
Mr Bilkens, who now owns a public speaking training business, covered topics such as credibility, confidence, personal image and audience interaction.
Brett Gresham from the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program was also on-hand to share tips on effective mentoring after spending the last 15 years working with young people in Afghanistan’s refugee camps.
Beyond the practical skills gained through Speakers in Schools, the program also gives speakers a sense of achievement and a chance to give back to the South Australian community.
Andrew Hamilton, General Manager from the Office for Volunteers at the Attorney General’s Department, said he thrives on the challenge of inspiring students to succeed.
“I enjoy the delivery and engaging the students. I enjoy the challenge of developing communication for an audience I would not normally be exposed to and have found myself looking forward to the next experience,” said Mr Hamilton.
On a broader level, the program also gives speakers the opportunity to directly communicate with the State’s budding workforce and promote their organisation as a great workplace for school leavers.
Current speaker, Tim Keen from International Power, believes the Speakers in Schools program provides an excellent chance to beat skill shortages and promote industries less popular with the younger generation.
“The program has allowed me to share with students my achievements in a profession that is often viewed as less rewarding and interesting than it really is.” said Mr Keen.
Advantage SA values the contribution of its speakers and acknowledges their efforts each year through the Advantage SA Speakers in Schools Awards.
The 2009 Speakers in Schools Awards recognised three speakers who had shown outstanding dedication and passion towards the program.
These included Kate Rush from the Department for Families and Communities who inspired students with stories about her role as a Senior Project Officer in the Office for Homelessness and High Needs Housing.
The Regional Speaker Award went to Simone Kain, Director of Hello Friday, who delivered seven presentations across the Limestone Coast about her entrepreneurial business.
Detective Inspector, John De Candia, from the South Australian Police was named the 2009 Program Ambassador in recognition for his assistance at training forums, presentations and Speakers in Schools tours.
Advantage SA’s Speakers in Schools program is proudly supported by the Government of South Australia, BHP Billiton and Electranet. If your business would like to support Speakers in Schools, please contact Advantage SA on 8211 8111.
Interested in becoming a speaker?
For more information on becoming a speaker with the program, follow the links via www.advantagesa.com.au or email [email protected]
Speaker, Belinda Barr (Program Leader Skills and Education, PIRSA) gives students an insight into her career
South Australian Professionals Inspire Students by Renee Jones, Communications Coordinator, Advantage SA
Page 9
REGIONAL
Leadership ... for a Cause Beyond Self! Liam Hanna, Regional Development Officer - VSA&NT
During 2009 I made presentations at two regional leadership programs, in Port Lincoln and Whyalla.
Leadership programs are a volunteering initiative with the objectives of building leadership skills, qualities and resources to increase social capacity
within the local regional community.
Strengthening EP is a program supported by the Eyre
Regional Development Board and the Eyre Peninsula Natural
Resources Management Board.
Background: Strengthening EP provides an opportunity
for future leaders from all sectors of the communities and
industries of the Eyre Peninsula to come together to increase
their skills and knowledge to invest in building effective and
sustainable communities and industries. The program also
ensures long term prospects by developing new leaders and
supporting existing leaders to enable leadership succession.1
The SA Regional Community Leadership Program
(SARCLP) is supported by Advancing Whyalla Inc, University
of SA, the Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group and
industries and communities of regional SA.
The primary goal of SARCLP is “.... to build leadership resources
within the Upper Spencer Gulf communities..... It encourages
participants to enter into a wider community system of interest,
by providing new perspectives and a broader understanding
of regional issues. Through the SARCLP, emerging leaders will
be further committed and empowered to make a personal
and community difference.”2
Each year twenty participants are selected across all community
sectors. For twelve months they engage in workshops,
retreats and presentations to build their leadership skills and
come to grips with those ”....new perspectives and broader
understanding of regional issues.”
The energy of these two groups of people and their
commitment to the growth and enrichment of their
communities was inspirational. I always find myself energised
and fired with a passion for humanity when in such company.
I shaped my contribution around a set of value statements:
Community life and development must be holistic/
integrated, working together as one, with common
purpose, not pulling apart, competing and excluding
some from the fruits of a prosperous community.
1 Strengthening EP Briefing notes
2 South Australian Regional Community Leadership Program 2008 Yearbook
The success and prosperity of the business sector is necessary for the overall prosperity of the community (employment, infrastructure, retention of local populations etc).
Effective business and community leaders understand that business and economic prosperity are grounded in community, people living together bound by a social contract of interdependence and mutual rights and obligations.
With the global financial crisis, perhaps it is time for an adjustment, a re-balancing of our socio/cultural values. Time to reflect and act upon an awareness that to sustain connectedness, mutual care and concern for each other, we need to work for a common wealth that is not dictated solely by the share index.
Volunteering is a formative model for this paradigm shift:
- It operates on the currency of social capital, building the capacity of a community to achieve self-enrichment.
- It is inspired by the generosity of each individual to give without financial reward.
- It exercises care and concern for all groups in the community, irrespective of their social position. Indeed, some of our most disadvantaged groups depend on volunteering for their welfare.
- It is grounded in the most noble instincts of the human spirit, self-empowered to do what is necessary to sustain community.
- ... Discover a cause beyond self!
I acknowledge and celebrate the many examples of this spirit that I am privileged to work with in my travels (not least the Terowie mob with whom I shared their Christmas Pageant and was blown away by a community, by-passed by the railway, but still building, sustaining and sharing a vibrant, mutually caring community).
Anyone seeking further information on the two Regional Leadership Programs cited in this article may wish to contact SA Regional Community Leadership Program Jo McGrath on 8645 5999.
Participants at a workshop of the SA Regional Community Leadership Program
Presenter Liam Hanna
Page 10
TRAINING
Summer School a Huge SuccessBy Evelyn O’Loughlin, CEO VSA&NTOur Summer School has made quite a splash for the start of this year. The enrolments have been extraordinary with some workshops filling up in the first week and additional workshops scheduled to take the overflow!
Over 200 participants have enjoyed the benefits of revitalised programs and new trainers and have created quite a buzz in the volunteering sector. With over 95% of participants saying that they would recommend these workshops to other volunteers - this is a tremendous outcome.
We welcome your feedback at each workshop with your thoughts for changes and also for new programs.
Remember, when modules are fee for service, discount applies for Volunteering SA&NT members.
Apart from a diverse range of cost effective training opportunities, aimed at supporting both volunteer managers, co-ordinators and volunteers, we can customise workshops specifically for your organisation’s needs.
One of our renowned workshops is a Gold Standard Workshop – National Standards for Volunteer Involving Organisations.
This 2 day workshop is always a big hit. It’s fun, practical, empowering and consistently generates excitement, passion and commitment for those who take part.
The workshop covers the National Standards and how you can successfully integrate them into your organisation’s volunteer management program. Out of this process you will have happier volunteers, improved retention, better services for clients, and more credibility for your organisation as well as many other benefits.
You’ll love its practicality and working with your peers in a network of like minded leaders.
The National Standards provide the only existing framework for best practice volunteer management and we intend to schedule these workshops every 3 months as a must have experience for all volunteer managers.
Our facilitator, Teresa Forest is a highly qualified and experienced trainer with a passion for standards within the volunteering sector.
Feedback from previous participants always speaks for itself:
Systems are important, as is consistency – Standards provides the framework for that.
This was a great workshop and I’m very excited as it has given me the confidence to proceed knowing we are on the right track with the right framework to complete and implement.
Instruction was outstanding: engaging, relevant, energising.Introducing some of our outstanding trainers
Teresa Forest - Training Consultant
Teresa has professional qualifications in Arts, Education, Counselling, Drug Education and Workplace Training.
She has over 30 years experience working in the public, private, political and not-for-profit sector. She has been a High School Principal, Superintendent
of Education, CEO, Adviser to two Government Ministers and Consultant to a myriad of organisations. Her current role as VSA & NT Training Consultant involves the design and delivery of training programs, mentoring, organisational reviews, strategic planning and governance enhancement. She is passionate about the application of National Standards in the third sector and is also a volunteer.
Dr Jennifer Adams
Jennifer has a rich background in social sciences, anthropology and social work gained over many years in statutory social work and in funding and governance capacities within the SA Government. She further honed these skills through volunteer activities in community organisations, which offered her rich opportunities for sharing of skills and abilities.
An interest in volunteering spans many years and is reflected in her professional and personal life. Being particularly passionate about the importance of effective communication in volunteering - Jennifer has taught in this area at university and vocational levels over many years.
Page 11
TRAINING
Jo Swiggs
Jo has had more than 20 years experience in senior roles within the aged care sector with a specific interest in the development of education programs and a passion to ‘make a difference’. Residing and working overseas gave her an insight into the challenges or living in a country where the language and culture was ‘foreign’. She describes the experience as “wonderful, empowering and empathetic”.
Jo believes that delivering training is not only an opportunity to share one’s knowledge and experiences and working with a great team, but an opportunity to learn from the participants.
Melanie Lambert
Melanie has been training volunteers and volunteer managers all her working life and – we are pleased she decided to relocate from the UK to Adelaide.
Having worked in numerous areas of the not-for-profit sector, from youth work to journalism, older people’s services to organisational development, Melanie has delivered equally diverse training programs within the sector. A keen communicator, Melanie has a masters degree in languages & a post graduate diploma in journalism. She holds a certificate in volunteer management & a post-graduate diploma in equality & discrimination studies.
Melanie’s experience will be an asset for volunteers from care agencies and facilities that care for the aged and support at home.
For more information on training modules and dates, check out our website at www.volunteeringsa.org.au or phone VSA&NT on 8221 7177.
ariel printing pty ltd
brochures & booklets
business stationery
newsletters & books
carbonless forms
stickers & envelopes
digital printing
P 8346 6177F 8346 6619
email [email protected]
159 South Rd Ridleyton SA 5008
dESIGn pRiNT fiNIsH
Teresa Forest far right with attendees from the National Standards workshop at VSA&NT
Page 12
NATIONAL STANDARDS
National Standards for Volunteer Involving Organisations (Fee for Service)
The National Standards provide the only
existing framework for best practice volunteer
management.
This is a two day practical, hands on, interactive
workshop that covers each of the National
Standards and how they can be successfully
integrated within your organisation’s volunteer
management program.
Implementation of these Standards in your
organisation will lead to happier volunteers,
improved retention, better services for clients,
and increased credibility for your organisation
as well as many other benefits.
The NS training has consistently generated
excitement, passion and commitment. You’ll
love its practicality and working with your peers in a network of like minded leaders.
Price for 2 day workshop (includes materials and lunch)$335.00 Non-Members$235.00 Members price
Alice SpringsWednesday 14 and Thursday 15 April,
contact Robyn Toi for time and locationPh 08 8952 9630 or email
Adelaide Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 May,
9.30-4pm
VSA&NT - Adelaide
Feedback from previous participants:
“Two days talking about Standards - boring! Absolutely not!!! Exciting, inter-esting and very informative. I now have lots of ideas on how to improve our Vol-unteer Program based on the Standards and have the tools and skills to identify the gaps. Two days well spent!“
“The time went very quickly - Teresa managed to bring the attendees into a cohesive networking group, and I am sure that each person felt that their input was valued. Elephants, lions and restaurants? That is how the workshop unfolded ... it taught us to take one step at a time, and to be excited about not only recognising that these standards are imperative, but how to excite other people around us.”
“This was a great workshop and I’m
very excited. This has given me the con-fidence to proceed knowing we are on
the right track but now having the right framework to complete and implement”
“Instruction was outstanding: engaging, relevant, energising”
National Standards training conducted by Teresa Forest, a highly qualified and experienced Trainer with a passion for Standards within the Volunteering Sector.
Teresa has years of experience working in the public, private and not for profit sector.
She has been a High School Principal, Superintendent of Education, CEO, and Adviser to 2 Government Ministers and Consultant to a myriad of organisations.
She currently designs and conducts training programs, reviews, planning and gov-ernance enhancement and is also a volunteer.
Page 13
SOCIAL INCLUSION
Gurus Share Skills and Expertise by Erica Majba - VSA&NT Golden Guru Program Coordinator
The Golden Gurus Program arose from an idea generated at the 2020 Summit, and has been developed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The program recognises the loss to the community of the skills and experience of baby boomers who are now retiring from the workforce and invites them to become volunteer mentors to support the growth and development of people working for community organisations and small business.
The Volunteering SA & NT (VSA&NT) program will provide support to community organisations and will not involve small business.
Would you like to become a Golden Guru?
Are you:50+ years of age?Retired or semi retired?Willing to volunteer your time to support others?A good listener?
Do you:Have experience and knowledge that you are prepared to share? Have good relationship skills and the ability to empathise with others?
This is an opportunity to use your skills and experience in a volunteer role. The time commitment is about 4 – 8 hours per month, with a great deal of flexibility. You would become part of a peer group of skilled volunteers who will receive training and support in your mentoring role. As a Golden Guru you will not be expected to provide specific skills training.
Would you like to be mentored by a Golden Guru?
Do you work for a community organisation that is a member of VSA&NT?
Are you a paid staff member?
Do you have a new role, are new to the organisation or would like some support with your professional development?
Would you like a skilled and experienced person outside the organisation, to act as a sounding board for ideas?
The opportunity is free for both the Golden Guru and the community organisation receiving the mentoring service.
Thank you to the members of the following organisations for their input into the program, their support and enthusiasm:
Zonta International,
Soroptomists International,
Kiwanis International, and
National Council of Women SA.
For more information on the national program visit – www.deewr.gov.au/goldengurus.
For more information on the VSA&NT program
and forms to register interest in the program, visit
www.volunteeringsa.org.au and follow the links through
Our Work/Programs.
“Golden Gurus in the making” – Wendy Bruce, Erica Majba, Lynette Bacon, and Naomi Arnold-Reschke
Page 14
VOLUNTEERING TERRITORY
Page 14
No matter how many times we hear the stories of individual volunteering, we never tire of the extraordinary outcomes these usually ordinary people achieve. In the Northern Territory we celebrated International Day for Volunteers by awarding to one of those extraordinary persons the 2009 NT Volunteer of the Year Award.
The 2009 NT Volunteer of the Year AwardA morning tea was held at Yeperenye Shopping Centre to celebrate Volunteers Day 2009 to recognise and acknowledge the great works achieved not just by our 2009 NT Volunteer Winner, but by all volunteers throughout the Territory during 2009.
The deserving winner was Josie Hodgins, who, with a strong sense of community spirit and endeavour, supports and does great works for several organisations in Alice Springs. Josie is a wonderful representative of the commitment and effort the community of Alice Springs receives from the whole of the volunteering sector.
Lauren Castle received a ‘Highly Commended’ Award for outstanding endeavour in volunteering in Alice Springs in 2009, and we’re really looking forward to 2010 for Lauren to show us again what a great spirit for volunteering she has.
The morning tea was a great celebration of volunteers and included guest speakers Ms Alison Anderson, MLA MacDonnell, Ms Liz Martin, Town Council Alderman and CEO National Road Transport Hall of Fame, Mr Michael Gunner, MLA Fannie Bay and Ms Di Deans, Founder and President of The Drovers, Alice Springs Hospital Auxiliary. All the guests spoke about volunteering importance in the community and the great value they set in recognising and rewarding volunteers.
Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, from all age groups, and from all cultures and fortunately they come with an enthusiasm and knowledge of the organisation they belong to. In this day and age we are also taking advantage of the electronic media, with VSA&NT volunteers Ryan and Nick working wonders in Alice Springs with the big screen and lap
The International Day for Territory Volunteersby Robyn Toi - Regional Development Officer, VSA&NT Alice Springs
top, then adding skype to have a simultaneous broadcast and announcement of the winner of the awards in both Alice and Darwin.
Congratulations to our winners for 2009 and to all the Volunteers this award represents. We are certainly looking forward to working with many of you again over the next 12 months.
This handbook provides a quick reference to those who manage or
coordinate volunteer programs and administrators of organisations
that involve volunteers in their activities.
Special Offer $6.50RRP $7.50. Offer valid until 31 May 2010. Price includes GST and delivery within Australia
To order:
phone 08 8221 7177
email [email protected]
Country callers phone 1300 135 545
Page 15
VOLUNTEERING TERRITORY
Volunteer involving organisations in the Northern Territory
can now find their volunteering solutions in a new location
- the Berrimah Gaol.
The Territory’s Correctional Services are now compelled to
provide volunteering opportunities for inmates approaching
release into the community and have teamed up with an
employment agency to make it happen. There are a dozen
or so inmates available to volunteer at any one time but
as well as serving in public while supervised, they can also
manufacture tailor made products for charities and not-for-
profit organisations while still in gaol.
Ironbark Employment and Training Incorporated can provide
funding for the manufacturing raw materials, Correctional
Services provide the labour and the inmates acquire or
Turn Key Projects in the Northern Territoryby James Sadler - Regional Development Officer, VSA&NT Darwin
consolidate skills.
At a recent meeting of senior volunteer involving organisations
and Correctional Services, the groups sparked a raft of ideas
and the enthusiasm from all sides was palpable.
Great ideas were discussed at the meeting table. The RSPCA
was talking about new kennels, Dragonsabreast a new boat
and the region’s hockey team thinking about new goals posts.
It was a truly inspiring time.
The first stage is for the organisations to contact Ironbark with
ideas and then apply for funding. Once the money is secured,
we’ll ask Berrimah gaol to arrange for the labourers. It certainly
looks like a win-win situation for so many people.
About Courtney Davidson: I’m 25 years old, an only child and lived with my parents until just recently. I attended Burnside Primary School and then Pembroke and I have two university certificates including a Bachelor of Media and a Graduate Diploma in Communication/Public Relations graduated 2009. I love dogs and have a pet goldfish called Dags. I think I am a pretty easy-going, fun person with a passion for people.
What was your first job? Christmas Casual at David Jones in gift wrapping and now my skills are utilized by my family every festive season.
How did you come to work at Volunteering SA&NT? After contacting VSA&NT, enquiring about work in media/marketing and communications, I offered my services as a volunteer and then was lucky to later be offered a part-time position as the Business Services Officer.
What does your job role at Volunteering SA&NT entail? My most important task is looking after membership. I am responsible for identifying potential new members and introducing these organisations to the benefits of VSA&NT membership. Meeting with organisations and establishing a strong relationship is a really enjoyable part of my job. I attend to members needs and queries, will be hosting member events and help support them in their Volunteering programs. Another of my roles at VSA&NT is within the communications and media department. Primarily, my responsibility is the V-News email communication which is distributed weekly to over
2000 contacts. I also assist with media releases, marketing and
communication strategies, promotional material and events to
support the Business Development and Communications Manager.
What are your impressions of VSA&NT? Friendly, enjoyable,
relaxed and a fun place to work. The staff and volunteers are
great group of people that made me feel welcome f or m the
moment I came through the door.
What do you want to achieve in your role as Business
Services Officer? A significant increase in membership
levels; More interaction with members and servicing their
needs; Greater membership benefits and contributing to help
VSA&NT staff members in their daily business as being the
peak body of Volunteering in SA and NT. I also aim to grow
as an individual and develop my skills in communications and
media by feeding off and learning from my mentor.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life? Definitely
my Mum, who has always been a strong supporter of me in my
endeavours. We are friends as well as mother and daughter.
What are you currently reading? Dan Brown the Lost Symbol.
I am an avid novel reader. I have just finished the Twilight
series, loved Harry Potter and any books that take my mind
into another fantasy world.
What do you do in your spare time? Anything that involves
food, wine and great conversation. If I have enough time
off, I try to visit my best friend’s beach house on the Yorke
Peninsula.
What is your weakness? I have a slight shoe fetish which is hard to ignore as my second job is at a shoe store in the Burnside Village.
VSA&NT Staff ProfileCourtney Davidson - Business Services Officer at Volunteering SA&NT
Page 16
MEMBER SHOWCASE
Your Role in Protecting our Environmentby Frances Lewis, Volunteer Engagement Officer, Conservation VolunteersWe all have a right to a healthy and productive environment and everybody has a role to play in shaping and protecting that environment. Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) helps people to connect to their environment, aiming to make it easy to get involved in a positive way - discovering interesting locations, learning valuable skills and knowledge and meeting like-minded people along the way.
Established in 1982, it’s a not-for-profit, non-political, independent, community based organisation. Today CVA is proud to be recognised as Australia’s leading practical conservation group, managing approximately 2,000 priority projects each year. CVA currently has 24 regional offices throughout all States and Territories of Australia plus 3 offices in New Zealand (CVNZ).
All projects are suitable for unskilled participants because on the job training is provided by CVA Team Leaders. Approximately 12,500 volunteers per year take part, contributing over 100,000 volunteer-days each year. About 2,500 of these enthusiastic individuals come from overseas to volunteer, embracing the challenges of language, culture and climate, they gain valuable life-skills and forge international friendships.
CVA works in metropolitan, rural and remote regions,
providing all aspects of project management to make the
experience as accessible, safe and fun as possible. Volunteer
teams undertake daily and residential projects which could
include: planting seedlings; removing weeds; fauna and flora
surveys; track and boardwalk construction and maintenance;
native seed collection; nursery work; installing signage;
erosion control; and fencing to protect vulnerable areas.
CVA has long-standing and very successful relationships
with Government and with a wide range of corporate
partners including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Toyota, Shell,
National Australia Bank, Vodafone and the Commonwealth
Bank. Typically corporate partnerships include financial
and in-kind support for projects, plus often corporate staff
involvement in volunteering on those projects. CVA seeks to
help the corporate sector to meet social and environmental
responsibility objectives, in ways that can actively involve
their staff and the wider community, while addressing priority
conservation issues.
CVA programs include: -
Better Earth – the award winning program CVA has managed
since 1982, assisting land managers to undertake practical
conservation activities and increase community involvement
in conservation projects.
Naturewise – providing eco-tours that combine bushwalking
and sightseeing visits to almost-pristine areas with conservation
activities, primarily involving research, monitoring and easy
‘hands on’ projects. Naturewise has won State and National
ecotourism awards for the last 3 years (bringing CVA into the
Tourism Hall of Fame). In Victoria Naturewise recently won the
Qantas award for sustainable tourism.
World Conservation Programs – the opportunity to volunteer
with international conservation organisations on projects
in environments quite unlike anything in Australia. Eg South
Africa, Gallipoli, Costa Rica, Italy, France, Japan and California.
Wild Futures – by analysing official Recovery Plans for various
endangered species, CVA has identified expert-approved
conservation actions for which we can provide significant
support, to give specific endangered native species a brighter,
wilder future.
We invite you to join us, together we can meet the challenge
and demonstrate real commitment to community involvement
and to the environment.
Frances Lewis, Volunteer Engagement Officer CVA, phone
(08) 8212 0777
www.conservationvolunteers.com.au
A great day revegetating Adelaide City Parklands with local native plants to preserve regional biodiversity
Survey of Macroinvertebrates - Patawalonga Creek
Page 17
As part of International Volunteer Day celebrations volunteer Carrie Gu was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Terry Peacock at Conservation Volunteers Australia’s (CVA) Adelaide Office.
Carrie had spent many hours in recent months developing a database and then patiently collating and entering details of contacts onto the database. CVA staff can now easily access information and effectively manage editing details as contacts change over time.
Carrie had offered her computer skills to help CVA while she was still studying at university, she has now successfully graduated with a Masters in Accounting.
MEMBER SHOWCASE
Page 17
Carrie Gu presented with her certificate by Terry Peacock
Celebrating International Volunteer Managers Dayby Trish Williams - Manager, Volunteer Services - Southern Adelaide Palliative Services
Those who provide leadership to volunteers at Southern
Adelaide Palliative Services (SAPS) celebrated IMVD and
acknowledged their roles in coordinating and leading
volunteers within our organisation on Thursday 5th
November.
Volunteer Team Leaders joined with paid Coordinators for a
breakfast at Edge Café at Brighton, followed by a walk along
the beach for those who were able.
Volunteers are the cornerstone of our community, with over 5
million people volunteering their time for many organisations
and causes. SAPS Volunteers contributed over 12,000 hours
to a range of areas in our organisation in the last financial year
and this significant contribution equates to over seven full
time workers. Yet, it is our Volunteer Coordinators and Team
Leaders who have the skills and knowledge to lead
and support the work that volunteers carry out
within SAPS.
I wish to acknowledge and thank our Volunteer
Team Leaders and our paid Coordinators for
their efforts and contribution which enhances
the services that volunteers provide and enables
volunteers to carry out their roles in a competent
and confident manner. We are truly blessed with
our Volunteer Leadership within SAPS.
Anthea Rice presented those present with a gift
of hand lotion from the Daw House Hospice
Foundation.
Area Coordinators and Volunteer Team Leaders at Southern Adelaide Palliative Services L to R: Sharenne Codrington, Kate Vialls, Lyn Hammond, Lyn Collins, Judy Wagner, Trish Williams, Jill Price, Shirley Richardson, Val Hepworth, Sue Hakof, Anthea Rice and Katherine Healey. (Beth Chandler was unable to attend due to prior commitments).
Page 18
MEMBER SHOWCASE
Currently In Australia 135,000 people die of an illness and there are over 500,000 caregivers working to provide a better quality of life for people with a terminal illness. Every one of these people will require help from a volunteer, either directly or indirectly and the assistance and care offered by volunteers is vital.
We are, in Australia a most giving society and palliative care volunteers are an extraordinary group of men and women who give comfort and care across the entire community, in homes, hospitals and aged care facilities. The palliative care volunteer is unique in health care as they are integrated into the caring team, providing respite from the rigours of terminal illness and professionals can deliver better care when volunteers are present.
Palliative Care volunteers - their dedication and skill is truly life affirming.
The Palliative Care Council of SA is very pleased to invite
volunteers for a conference titled ‘Searching for Balance’ 20-21st May 2010 at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide.
Volunteers attending this conference will enjoy two days of professional development, from using creative writing by Jeff Guess and Valerie Volk, to how to prepare food for the patient with a faded appetite, with Saskia Beer and international chef Vivki Rezonja.
Searching for Balanceby Elizabeth Keam AM
Palliative Care Council of South Australia
PALLIATIVE CARE VOLUNTEERS CONFERENCE 2010
Thursday 20 & Friday 21 May 2010
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Featuring the following guest speakers
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION $135 closes 20/3/1015% discount for organisations registering 20 or more delegates
Palliative Care Council of South Australiawww.pallcare.org.au
T (08) 8291 4137 F (08) 8291 4268 E [email protected]
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER CONTACT
For more information phone Palliative Care Council of South Australia (Inc) on 8291 4137 -
Toll Free: 1800 660 055 or email [email protected]
Page 19
MEMBER SHOWCASE
West Coast Youth Services is a non-government agency in Port Lincoln that provides youth services to 12 – 25 year olds in the lower Eyre Peninsula region.
In July 2009, an opportunity arose to lease the local cinema and establish Youthoria as a Café and Movie Cinema. This created a venue to offer drug and alcohol free events, a meeting place and entertainment complex for local youth. Any profits made will go back into the business making it more sustainable and providing youth programs and projects for young people. It also has the added benefit of enabling
local youth to take advantage of the services offered by West Coast Youth Services.
All work carried out in the first 4 months of operation was on a voluntary basis - from staffing the cinema, training, repairs and refurbishment. A huge Thank You must go to the local youth, local trades people and businesses who supplied goods, services or labour and the staff from West Coast Youth Services who instigated the project and made it happen.
Youthoria Project in Port Lincoln
by Julie Davis – Manager, West Coast Youth
Services
West Coast Youth Services staff and volunteers brainstorming ideas for Youthoria
Volunteer trades people painting Youthoria.
V-BadgeSpecial Offer
$2.20RRP $3.20. Special offer valid until
31 May 2010. Price includes GST
and delivery within Australia.
LanyardSpecial Offer
$2.50RRP $3.50. Special offer valid until
31 May 2010. Price includes GST
and delivery within Australia.
To order phone 08 8221 7177
country callers 1300 135 545email
Page 20
MEMBER SHOWCASE
Being diagnosed with a chronic disease is a realisation that life will never be the same again.
Many people in this situation sink to the depths of emotional despair as they confront pain and the personal challenge of realigning their hopes and plans.
Some emerge from this very personal journey with stories of amazing resolve and resilience – stories that can inspire and motivate others.
The Arthritis Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation of staff and volunteers dedicated to supporting and advocating for people with debilitating musculo-skeletal conditions – is a gold mine of these stories, such as the following two:
Jenny Bennett was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1992. She was a single mother with three young boys. With swollen joints, pain and fatigue she had gone to her GP believing she may be suffering the effects of stress, but a blood test confirmed the cause.
“I was referred to a rheumatologist and prescribed medication that had me petrified about possible side-effects, such as hair loss, liver damage and higher levels of fatigue,” Jenny recalled.
“I refused to take the medication for a while, until my rheumatologist squared me up and said unless I complied I would become a virtual cripple. It was an anguishing time of my life and I recall thinking there must be an organisation that could help people in my situation.”
However, a single telephone to the Arthritis Foundation changed her life in ways she could not have imagined.
“The lady who answered seemed to have a total understanding of my feelings,” she said. “That lady was former Olympian, Di Burge, who at that time was the Foundation’s Education Services Coordinator.
“Di suggested I enter one of the Foundation’s self-management courses run specifically for people with chronic conditions such as arthritis. I had to wait until my youngest son started kindergarten before I had the spare time to participate in the course, but the outcome was just amazing.
“The course made me realise that I could take control my life, rather than rheumatoid arthritis having control of me. I discovered it was normal for people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis to feel fatigued, depressed and angry. “The course empowered me to get on with my life. It gave me the skills to balance exercise and rest and to deal with the emotional effects of the condition.”
Having gained so much from her experience with the Foundation and the self-management course, Jenny decided to join the organisation as a volunteer in 1997. She trained
as a leader of the self-management program and became a telephone advisor.
In 2000, when Di Burge retired, Jenny was offered a part-time position as Education Services Coordinator.
“It was a dream come true,” she said. “I was to be paid for my passion to help others with arthritis.”
In 2005, Jenny was appointed Education Services Manager, later becoming Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Acting CEO until the recent appointment of Julie Black.
From anguishing about her future as a young mother in pain, the telephone call to the Foundation set Jenny on a new path paved with optimism as she progressed from volunteer to an important career role with the organisation.
“It has allowed me to work with some remarkable people who are dedicated to others. We have developed some excellent education programs and support mechanisms, and watched incredible new developments in the medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
“I can reflect on an amazing journey and honestly do not know where I would be today without the Arthritis Foundation.”Jenny’s influence was central to the second part of this story.
For a number of years, David Jones worked long and irregular
hours in the food industry. He was on a good wage, and the
future looked very bright.
However, in 2003 he was beset with fatigue and growing pain
in his knees, hips and wrists.
“I did the blokey thing and put up with it as best I could, but
when it got to the stage of crying with pain at night my wife
told me it was time to see a doctor,” David said.
“My GP suspected it was rheumatoid arthritis, and this was
confirmed by a blood test.
“It led to enormous confusion and concern for me. I did not
know anything about rheumatoid arthritis, and thought it was
a condition that could only affect older people.
“At that time, I was only 37. I had used up all of my sick days at
work and I eventually lost my job because I could not do the
work required. My wage plummeted, I lost my home, had to
sell my car, and I had two little kids I could not pick up because
of the pain.”
Great Volunteer Outcomes at the Arthritis Foundationby Trevor Gill, The Lighthouse Public Relations
Page 21
in any way I could. I trained in public speaking to help share my message in the community, and I studied for community service qualifications at TAFE.
“I had regained purpose in life and had confidence in the future. I was prescribed medication that worked and I could carry out volunteer duties without pain or discomfort, apart from fatigue setting in at the end of the day.”
Last year, having just led a Moving Towards Wellness course at Modbury, David was offered a part-time position as Education Support Officer.
“I could not believe my luck, and now I’m working four days a week with the Foundation learning all the time and doing things I love. My passion is community service and it would not have been possible without the Arthritis Foundation.
“If there is a take home message from my story, it is that people needing support or information should pick up the phone and call the Foundation. There are many people who can make a positive difference in the lives of others. I know because it happened to me!”
MEMBER SHOWCASE
Confronted with the enormity of this life-changing experience,
David fell into depression and suffered anxiety attacks.
“I can’t remember how I heard about the Arthritis Foundation,
but one day I just decided to walk in the door. The first two
people I saw were Jenny Bennett and Education Services
Coordinator, Vivienne Tomlinson.”
There is a date and time that will stick in David’s memory forever.
At 1.00pm on May 11, 2004 he started a six-week Moving
Towards Wellness self-management course at Modbury.
“By the end of week four, I felt I could accept the fact that I
had a chronic condition and that I could find ways to live with
it,” he said. “My road to recovery had begun. I made friends
through the course and quickly realised that I wanted to share
the things I had discovered, so I undertook a Moving Towards
Wellness leaders’ training course.
“This led me into volunteering with the Foundation, and I
was keen to learn more about the organisation and to assist
David Jones and Jenny Bennett
Page 22
MEMBER SHOWCASE
For more than 80 years, Cancer Council SA has been actively engaged in reducing the impact of cancer for all South Australians and as a consequence of this work, have developed one of the largest and most dedicated volunteer communities in the state. Their recent charity partnership with the Santos Tour Down Under offered volunteers an opportunity to take their ‘Unite in the Fight’ to beat cancer message, (and complimentary sunscreen) to the estimated 760,000 people who lined the streets to watch the world’s best cyclist’s race.
Working on such an exciting international event is just one highlight of being a Cancer Council SA volunteer, according to 18-year-old Kate Wilkinson.
Kate was an Ambassador (a lead volunteer) on Stage 6 the Santos Tour Down Under, which she says was both challenging and fun. “I was responsible for managing our team of volunteers and our site. This involved arranging people to work on different sections of the course, as well as monitoring sunscreen supplies and tracking donations.
“I also worked on the Goolwa and Willunga stages of the event handing out Cancer Council sunscreen and collecting donations from the public,” she said.
Kate was inspired to become a Cancer Council SA volunteer by her mum, Jane, a cancer survivor who has had breast cancer twice.
“Mum is a Relay For Life volunteer, so she suggested that I get involved and help her on that event. We also worked together at the Tour Down Under. Mum sees her volunteer role as a way of giving back to Cancer Council SA for the amazing support they gave her and I really enjoy being able to show my support as well.”
“Volunteering is a great way to meet people, hear about and learn from other people’s experiences and give something back to the community,” Kate Wilkinson.
Kate begins a Bachelor of International Studies at the Flinders University of South Australiathis year but says she will definitely continue volunteering. “I hope to be a Volunteer Coordinator at a Relay For Life event and I recently joined the new Cancer Council SA Ambassador Project,” she said.
The Ambassador Project aims to create a network of 1000 ‘Ambassadors’ who will use their skills, experience and passion to partner with Cancer Council SA in their mission to beat cancer in SA. To become an Ambassador, or find out about other volunteering opportunities with Cancer Council SA, call Matt Sarre on 08 8291 4118.
Unite in the Fight! - Santos Tour Down Underby Cancer Council SA
Page 23
MEMBER SHOWCASE
What a difference a morning can make. When Westfield State
Manager, Malcolm Creswell noticed one Monday morning that
colleague Marko Krndija had an extra spring in his step he was
curious to find out why.
Marko and his wife Marcelle have four children and like many
other parents they often found themselves exhausted by the
daily responsibilities of a big family, let alone a family with two
children that have a disability.
Over the weekend Marko’s two children had utilised Cara’s
(Community Accommodation and Respite Agency) respite
service in Oaklands Park, providing Marko and Marcelle with
a well earned break and the opportunity to spend some time
away together.
The change in Marko encouraged Malcolm to learn more
about Cara. What followed was an amazing example of how
corporate, community group and individual volunteering can
really make a difference.
Eager to better engage staff, suppliers and contractors
Westfield South Australia agreed to the renovation and refit
of a new children’s respite house at Park Holme, close to its
Marion shopping centre.
A joint initiative the project also involved Housing SA, Cara
and the assistance of local community groups. Westfield staff,
suppliers and contractors volunteered their time, skills and
expertise to manage the renovations, converting two existing
Housing SA properties into one six bedroom respite house,
servicing over 20 children with a disability and their families.
A huge task, Westfield and Housing SA staff volunteered
for a day at a time to get the project finished. Suppliers and
contractors associated with Westfield donated their skills and
expertise providing goods and labour in-kind. Businesses
involved included Southern Star Windows who fitted
and donated all the windows, Hindmarsh Plumbing who
completed the plumbing requirements, including a solar hot
water service and Hastie Services who generously supplied
and fitted the ducted air conditioning.
The Rotary Club of Kidman Park and the Lions Club of
Richmond worked tirelessly on the interior, volunteering to fit
the kitchen, tile and even build the pergola. Marion Council
volunteered to design and completed the landscaping. Iconic
retailers Harris Scarfe and Radio Rentals supplied electrical,
white goods and soft furnishings.
Opened officially by Jennifer Rankine, Minister for Disability
and Housing on 3 December 2009 International Day of People
with Disability, the respite house, now operational, truly is
testament to the power of volunteering and the importance
of involving the whole community.
Cara provides accommodation and respite support services
focusing on individuals with severe and multiple disabilities
and their families that promote choice and participation. Cara
supports hundreds of children and adults across 39 sites in
metropolitan and regional South Australia. We have lots of
opportunities for volunteers to engage with people with a
disability and their families and contribute to our disability
support services. For information on how you can get involved
contact Kylie Maher, Community Partnerships Coordinator on
8347 4588 or email [email protected].
Corporates & Community Making a Real Differenceby Kylie Maher, Community Partnerships Co-ordinator, CARA.
Page 24
OUT AND ABOUT
Médecins Sans Frontières Australia re-created a refugee camp and facilities in Victoria Square. VSA&NT staff took the opportunity to visit and gain a better understanding of the vulnerability of life for displaced people and refugees who have fled their homes.
Forty-two million people throughout the world are either refugees or internally displaced persons and have had to flee in search of safety. Experiences of everyday life were interpreted in free, guided tours led by field workers who have witnessed life in a refugee camp first-hand. Last year, the event was held in Adelaide in September and Melbourne in October.
This was a great learning experience and assisted us in developing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees throughout the world.
For more information we invite you to browse their website at www. refugeecamp.msf.org.au.
Refugee Camp In Your Cityby Kaye Mahomet - Manager, Sector Support and Development VSA&NT
Page 25
Volunteering SA&NT welcomes our new Members
MEMBERS & PARTNERS
Through theDepartment for Families and
CommunitiesOffice for Volunteers
Attorney-General’s Department
Volunteering SA&NT would like to acknowledge the support of the following partners:
St. Vincent de Paul Society NT Inc.
South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability Inc.
Christabel Parham
YWCA of Darwin
MOSH Australia
Inside Line
Delta Ministries Inc.
Southern Youth Theatre Ensemble Inc
Blind Sporting Council
Adelaide Festival of Arts
The Women’s Housing Association Inc
Girl Guides NT
