Volunteering Australia has launched an online Volunteering Resource Hub to help anyone who helps manage, lead or coordinate Australia’s almost six million volunteers.
The Volunteering Resource Hub is an initiative of Volunteering Australia, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. It brings together useful, evidence-based and current best practice resources to support effective volunteer management across Australia.
This Resource Hub is coming at a critical time, as the volunteering sector is still struggling with the impact of COVID-19.
The Resource Hub includes over 350 relevant, useful and accessible resources including policies, procedures, tools, videos, templates, guides, research and factsheets. These resources will help volunteer managers, experienced or new, embrace the National Standards of Volunteer Involvement in their everyday practice.
A working group of representatives from across the volunteering sector in Australia helped guide the Resource Hub’s design, and over 20 volunteer management professionals reviewed, checked and tested its design, functionality and usability. This Resource Hub has been designed for the sector by the sector.
The resources cover topics such as volunteer support, development and recognition. Resources on topics relevant to the current environment volunteering is facing are also included – topics such as re-engaging volunteers during COVID-19, managing the mental health and wellbeing of volunteers and recruiting younger volunteers.
What the volunteer managers who tested the Resource Hub say?
‘A fantastic initiative. I love how clear and easy it is to use. It will be great for people even with a very limited understanding of volunteer management. I look forward to using it.’
Kerry Burns, Manager Volunteer Services, RSL Victoria
‘This Hub will build confidence in the management of volunteer teams for so many volunteer involving organisations! It will really help those struggling to come back to life.’
Tarryn Firman, Volunteer Development Coordinator, City of Wodonga
‘I think this looks great! There’s lots of information and resources that seem to be easy to find and collated well.’
Barbara Mifsud, Regional Membership Officer, Rotary International
‘Being new to the management side of volunteering, I have found a range of resources which have perfectly addressed my concerns or areas I was not confident.’
William Edmonds, Support Worker, Casey North Community Information and Support Service
’A fantastic tool to assist community organisations with legal requirements, volunteer management and resources.’
Marisel Lassalle, Community Development Project Officer, Mornington Peninsula Shire
‘It’s brilliant to have this on the way and that it is national.’
Mel White, Executive Officer, Southern Volunteering SA Inc
‘It’s looking good. It’s modern, ‘clean’, eye-catching and well laid out for clarity − really value having it available.’
Samantha Ellison, Community Volunteer Coordinator, City of Casey
