Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre

After overcoming personal struggles and embarking on a path to recovery, Mark began volunteering with Wellways's Helpline to support others facing similar mental health challenges.

In this interview, Mark shares insights on the importance of inclusion in volunteer programs and what volunteering organisations can do to promote inclusivity.

https://rb.gy/uw0fjw

The BVRC team have been attending Welcome Back Week at Swinburne University of Technology, and the Hawthorn campus was buzzing with energy!

Joined by four Community Volunteering Ambassadors, we had many meaningful conversations with students.

Volunteering is a great way for students to gain professional experience, build their CVs, and secure references and we look forward to seeing more students get involved in volunteering!

Interested in learning more? Visit the BVRC’s volunteer portal and explore the range of volunteer opportunities available here: https://rb.gy/oiw4k1

🌟 Join our Aboriginal Cultural Awareness workshop 🌟

Local not-for-profit organisations and community groups in City of Boroondara are invited to attend the upcoming Aboriginal Cultural Awareness workshop.

📅 Tuesday 6 August 2024, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
💻 In person and online via Zoom
📍 The Blackwood Room, 8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell

At Boroondara, we’re committed to creating a welcoming community where the histories, cultures, knowledge, achievements and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are acknowledged, respected, considered and celebrated, as expressed through our Boroondara Reconciliation Strategy 2022-26.🤝

Join us for an insightful session with Karen Milward, an Aboriginal consultant and proud Yorta Yorta woman who grew up in Glen Iris.

In this workshop, Karen will:
🔹 share personal reflections
🔹 provide an overview of the diverse local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sector and communities in the Eastern Metropolitan Region
🔹 discuss meaningful and respectful engagement
🔹 emphasise the importance of organisational cultural safety.

Karen’s powerful storytelling invites you to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and create and strengthen reciprocal relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations. 🌿

Register 👇

Aboriginal Cultural Awareness workshop Join Karen Milward, a proud Yorta Yorta woman, to discuss meaningful and respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Volunteers, what’s most important to you in Boroondara?

✅ Help shape the new City of Boroondara’s Community Plan for 2025-35 by completing a short survey.

💡 Your volunteer experience provides unique insights into our community's needs. Share your thoughts to ensure the Plan reflects your ideas and priorities.

📲 Have your say and help shape our future 👇

community plan Have your say on what Council should focus on. Share your thoughts by 5 pm Friday 16 August.

The theme for our volunteer leader network meeting yesterday was 'Embracing diversity: engaging volunteers with mental health and neurodivergent perspectives'.🌈

During a Q&A session, Leanne Renfree, Volunteer Coordinator, Life in Community(LinC) with Wellways, and Wellways Helpline volunteer Mark, shared insights into the benefits of engaging volunteers with diverse perspectives.

In an interactive session led by Wellways colleagues Leanne Renfree and Rhiannon Matthews, attendees explored ways to support volunteers with lived experience. Key strategies included:

🤔Take an individual approach by asking, "Is there anything else you would like to share with us?" during recruitment.
🛡️Create a safe space – consider what this looks like for each volunteer.
💪Focus on the volunteer's strengths and what matters to them.
🤝Consult volunteers – avoid making assumptions about their needs or preferences.
✅Allow volunteers to opt-in and out of tasks as needed.
🎯Match volunteers appropriately with tasks or clients to ensure a good fit and positive experience.
🎨Explore creative and artistic ways for volunteers to engage and contribute, enhancing their sense of involvement and satisfaction.

It was wonderful to catchup with volunteer leaders from our BVRC members Camcare Inc. Access Health and Community Melbourne AMEP Uniting AgeWell Baptcare mecwacare Monash Health, Ashburton Community Centre and Oxfam

Volunteer Leader Workshop - Disability Confidence Training

Join us for this workshop designed to equip volunteer leaders with the skills and knowledge to create a more inclusive volunteering environment for people with disabilities.

Led by Brighdie O'Dwyer - Project Specialist, Community and Disability Services at VMCH, the training will include:

💡 Understanding different disability types and access requirements

📜 Key disability legislation

♿ Creating accessible and inclusive practices

🗣️ Using inclusive language and communication

✅ Best practices for inclusive recruitment and volunteering practices

🤝 Interactive exercises and morning tea!

When: Tuesday 27 August 2024, 9.30am - 11:30am
Where: Camberwell Community Centre | 33/35 Fairholm Grove, Camberwell VIC 3124

Register here: https://rb.gy/d62xg1

Not a BVRC member? You can easily sign up here: http://rb.gy/e9b9yj

Earlier this year the BVRC recruited nine passionate Community Volunteering Ambassadors who have been out and about in the community championing the benefits of volunteering to diverse groups including young people, seniors and newly arrived migrants.

Recently, Ambassadors have been attending City of Boroondara Citizenship Ceremonies sharing their personal experiences and inspiring new citizens to get involved in volunteering. Wearing their traditional dress to reflect their cultural backgrounds and create a welcoming atmosphere, it was wonderful to see Haley in her Vietnamese Ao Dai and Shanta in an Indian Sari.

Thank you to all of our Community Volunteering Ambassadors for making Boroondara a more inclusive place for everyone!

At our July volunteer leader network meeting, we are delighted to have Cailin Thompson, Senior Coordinator, Peer Volunteer Programs and Community Practice Advisor at Wellways, share her experiences of mental health challenges and an invisible disability in a Q & A session.💬

Cailin is deeply committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for volunteers, participants, and peers. Wellways' work emphasises the profound value that lived experience brings to mental health support and the broader community.

Join us as we explore how Wellways is making a significant impact through its dedication to diversity, inclusivity, and the power of lived experience in volunteering.🤝

📅 Thursday 18 July, 8.30am - 10.15am
📍In-person, Boroondara Room, Council offices, 8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell
🧍BVRC members

RSVP here: https://rb.gy/i2hpb7

If you are not a BVRC member, you can easily sign up here: http://rb.gy/e9b9yj

Volunteer Leaders!

Need help with a short term project or filling a board/committee position? A skilled volunteer may be just what you need.

The Boroondara Volunteer Skills Banks connects community organisations with skilled professionals eager to volunteer their time.

Every month, over 40 new skilled volunteers join the Skills Bank, bringing a diverse range of expertise to assist with:

🔹 mentoring/tutoring
🔹 board/committee roles
🔹 photography and video
🔹 event organisation
🔹 design work

and much more.

🔑 BVRC members can log in to the BVRC Member Portal to browse the Skills Bank and connect with skilled professionals here: 🔍 https://rb.gy/fprbbu

Not yet a BVRC member? Register here: https://rb.gy/e9b9yj

How can you engage and retain volunteers from CALD communities❓

Koonie Karinsen, Volunteer Recruitment and Training Coordinator and Reshma Manandhar, Community Engagement Officer at AMES Australia have a wealth of knowledge and expertise stemming from both lived experiences and professional backgrounds in supporting individuals from CALD backgrounds.

They have valuable tips for engaging volunteers from CALD communities including:

💡Assess English proficiency in volunteer tasks
💡Foster cultural understanding among staff
💡Assign a multilingual buddy to new volunteers
💡Celebrate different cultural holidays and traditions

Check out their comprehensive checklist on tips here: https://rb.gy/rrvkgh

Boroondara Neighbourhood Watch are always on the lookout for volunteers so consider becoming part of this vital community service.

👮 Fed up with scam calls? Concerned about the safety of you and your loved ones?

Join Boroondara Police and Neighbourhood Watch at their upcoming safety event for older adults to learn about:
🔹 Home safety
🔹 Scam prevention
🔹 Recognising signs of elder abuse
🔹 Common crimes

📍 Tuesday June 25 9.30am-11.30am at Kew Seniors Centre.

Morning tea will be provided! Register for free at https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/events/staying-safe-boroondara-older-adults .

NSVW 2024 – Student Advocate Application – Volunteering Queensland Want to know more about volunteering? Learn the definition, view facts, statistics, rights, responsibilities benefits and more.

🍽️ Know someone who would enjoy a free home-cooked meal delivered by a friendly face?

🍝 Our Boroondara Cooks program is free to join and has openings for diners over 60.

🙋‍♀️ By joining as a diner, you’ll be paired with a volunteer cook who can prepare a nutritious meal for you, shared with a smile and a friendly chat.

ℹ️ If you or someone you know would like to become a diner, please call us on 9278 4777 or visit https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/community/over-55s/services-seniors/help-accessing-meals -boroondara-cooks-meal-delivery-program .

Join us for our July volunteer leader network meeting on embracing diversity - engaging volunteers with mental health and neurodivergent perspectives.

🌟 We’ll start with a Q & A featuring Mark, a volunteer at Wellways, and Cailin Thompson, Senior Coordinator, Peer Volunteer Programs at Wellways, sharing their mental health experiences and the benefits of engaging volunteers with diverse perspectives.

💡In an interactive session led by Wellways, attendees will gain concrete tools and skills for engaging volunteers with disabilities or lived experience of mental health.

🤝 Plus, enjoy networking and morning tea with peers ☕️

📅 Thursday 18 July, 8.30am - 10.15am
📍In-person, Boroondara Room, Council offices, 8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell
🧍BVRC members

Register via Eventbrite: https://rb.gy/tje8sl

If you are not a BVRC member, you can easily sign up here: https://volunteer.boroondara.vic.gov.au/register-step1

Volunteer Leader Network Meeting - July 2024 Join us in person to connect, collaborate, and explore exciting opportunities together.

🚀 Join a Board or Committee

Do you want to support the direction and impact of a local community organisation? Three neighbourhood houses are seeking passionate individuals to join their Board or Committee:

🔹Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning - Committee Member and Treasurer
🔹Ashburton Community Centre - Committee Member
🔹Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre - Treasurer

These are fantastic opportunities to expand your network, build confidence working in a team, and gain valuable experience in a new context.

📧 Learn more about these roles and other skilled volunteering opportunities here: https://rb.gy/y8s6py

Feel free to share with your networks!

🌟 Volunteer Leader Workshop - Understanding your Leadership Style 🌟

Join us for a 3-hour in-person workshop by Non Profit Training focused on the 'everyday' leader. Discover your preferred leadership style, how personal values shape your leadership behaviours, and ways to build unity and stronger relationships.

Key Topics:

🔹 The concept of the ‘everyday’ leader
🔹 Impact of personal styles on leadership
🔹 Validating different styles and differences
🔹 Developing effective leadership styles
🔹 Leading habits and behaviours

When: Thursday 27 June 2024, 9am - 12pm
Where: City of Boroondara Council Offices, 8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell

Register: https://rb.gy/zjllmh

This meeting is for members of the BVRC. Not a member? Sign up your organisation for free today! https://rb.gy/kfef0k

Volunteer Manager Workshop Series - Understanding your Leadership Style Understand how you can harness your personal leadership style to be an effective leader

🤝 Gender equity and inclusion workshop for community groups

Enhance your understanding and awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion and gender inequality in this workshop run by Women's Health East.

📅 Monday 24 June 2024, 11am - 2pm, light lunch provided
📍 City of Boroondara council offices, 8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell
👥 Community groups and volunteer-involving organisations in Boroondara

What you’ll learn:

🔹 principles of diversity, equity and inclusion

🔹 gender inequality and other forms of equality in workplaces, programs and services

🔹 the role that everyone has to play in promoting gender equality and challenging discrimination; and

🔹 actions to create more gender inclusive, equal and respectful programs and services.

Register 👇

Gender Equity and Inclusion Training for Community Groups Gender equity and inclusion workshop delivered by Women's Health East.

🌟 Spotlight on the 2024 Volunteer Program Innovation award special commendation recipients 🌟

We are thrilled to recognise the following 2 community groups for their incredible impact to the City of Boroondara community:

Boroondara Stroke Support Group Inc. for ‘A loved one has had a stroke’ booklet📖💙

The Boroondara Stroke Support Group developed a guide for family and friends to help support both stroke survivors and their carers. This booklet included contributions and input from more than 100 volunteers. Since its publication, the guide has received widespread acclaim from stroke survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, rehabilitation centres and hospitals.

Electrify Boroondara for the 2023 Electrify Boroondara Expo ⚡🌍

The group hosted the inaugural expo in 2023 providing an opportunity for residents to learn about electrification and energy efficiency. This event involved a significant commitment from 21 volunteers to plan and coordinate the event, and the support of additional volunteers on the day of the Expo. More than 1,200 people attended the event.

Thank you Boroondara Stroke Support Group and Electrify Boroondara for your innovative initiatives which have led to significant outcomes for the community👏

To find out how to get involved with volunteering in Boroondara, visit: https://rb.gy/23g2b5

🌟 Spotlight on the 2024 Boroondara Volunteer of the Year award special commendation recipients 🌟
We are thrilled to recognise the following volunteers who received a special commendation for their outstanding contributions to the Boroondara community:

🏆 Kelsey Smith, You Matter
Kelsey has been You Matter's Volunteer Coordinator for over 4 years. Kelsey was nominated for her significant contributions, including building up a base of volunteers, assisting with events and working bees and volunteering at her children’s primary schools.

🏆 Peter Cooney, VMCH Balwyn Op Shop
Peter supports many aspects of the VMCH Balwyn Op Shop as well as contributing to fundraising efforts and delivering great customer service. Peter was also nominated and recognised for his volunteer role with the Canterbury Friends program.

🏆 Mary Biviano, Friends of Greythorn Park
Mary is a long-standing volunteer as Secretary of the Friends of Greythorn Park’s committee of management. Mary has been instrumental in researching and creating a digital history of the park.

Congratulations Kelsey, Peter and Mary and thank you for making a difference in our community.

To find out how to get involved with volunteering in the City of Boroondara, visit: https://rb.gy/bsnrs9

🤝 Do you run a business or community organisation in Boroondara?

You're invited to the Boroondara Equation free networking event!

🎤 Our keynote speaker is Tenille Gilbert, Co-founder and Managing Director, For Change Co. - a Melbourne-based social enterprise. For Change Co. empowers young people at risk of homelessness by providing employment opportunities.

💡 A panel of local businesses and community organisations will share successful partnership stories, experiences and advice.

This is a fantastic opportunity to network with people from like-minded organisations and explore opportunities for collaboration.

📅 18 June, 6pm - 8.30pm
📍Kew Golf Club

Register at https://rb.gy/0ag67g

Do you lead a team of volunteers? 🙋 Tell us about your experience!

Our Volunteer Sector Survey closes this week, so this is your last chance to share your insights. 📢 It only takes a few moments, and your responses will help us better understand how we can best support you as managers and leaders.

🔗 Complete survey: https://bit.ly/3WkYY5E

Closing: Friday 31 May 2024.

Hey community organisations in Boroondara - this free event is a fantastic opportunity to connect and collaborate with other community organisations and local businesses.

At our volunteer leader network meeting yesterday, we had an insightful presentation on survey design by Tanya Styles, Social Research Analyst Team Leader at City of Boroondara. Tanya highlighted the importance of well-designed surveys and shared valuable tips:

🌟 Clear objectives: What decisions will my survey inform?
🔄 Use open questions sparingly (Tanya’s rule - one per survey!)
🎯 Craft clear, unbiased questions to avoid confusion.
⏳ Keep it brief: to maximise completion rates and quality of data.
🔄 Test to identify ambiguities, confusing questions, or technical issues
🌐 Design an inclusive survey: include demographic questions with explanations, avoid mandatory questions, use simple language, and offer multiple formats.

Do you have any tips for a well-designed volunteer survey? We would love you to share them!

Volunteer Leader Workshop: Attracting Skilled Volunteers🌟
Discover how you can level-up your volunteer workforce with skilled volunteers.

This workshop delivered by NNon Profit Trainingwill support you to define the skills your organisation needs, influence key stakeholders in your organisation to create skilled volunteer roles, and connect with and recruit skilled volunteers.

🗓️ Tuesday 4th June 2024, 12pm-3pm
👨‍💻 Online via Zoom

Register 👇

This meeting is for members of the BVRC. Not a member? Sign up your organisation for free today! 🚀 https://rb.gy/biqcqh

Volunteer Manager Workshop Series - Understanding your Leadership Style Understand how you can harness your personal leadership style to be an effective leader

🙌 Congratulations to our 2024 Boroondara Volunteer Award winners!

🚗 Volunteer of the Year: Barry Scott (pictured top) is a Boroondara TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor and has contributed over 200 hours to support young drivers build up skills and experience in preparation for their driving tests.

🛋️ Volunteer Program Innovation Award: Boroondara Hard Rubbish Rehome was recognised for their significant innovation in their use of social media as a digital hub to support community members to list items for rehoming and to collaborate. The group promotes sustainability and fosters community bonds through the re-use, repair and repurposing of pre-loved items. Co-founders Catherine Krestyn and Jennie Irving (pictured bottom left to right) have personally rescued over 15,000kg of hard rubbish in Boroondara last year!

ℹ️ Read more about this year's winners and special commendations at https://brnw.ch/21wK5nu

Happy National Volunteer Week from the BVRC team - Georgia, Eliza, Sue, Jill and Taylor.

This year's theme, "Something for Everyone," truly captures the spirit of our amazing volunteer community. We are so fortunate to have such a diverse group of volunteers who generously share their time, skills, and passion to make a positive impact in our community.

Whether you're mentoring, organising events, providing companionship, or volunteering in our local parks and gardens, your efforts are invaluable.

Tomorrow we celebrate our community of volunteers through a special event where we will be announcing the 2024 Boroondara Volunteer award recipients - stay tuned!!

🌟 Thank you @‌Alex Harkness for sharing your multimedia skills and passion for making a difference in our local community 🌟

Alexander- Share Your Story Series Meet Alexander, a versatile volunteer who dedicates his time wherever needed, sharing his journey as part of our ‘Share Your Story’ series.