Volunteer Training Workshops 2013

Bookkeeping Basics June 20

Shire Grants available and Grant Writing August 7 (more info coming soon)

All About Volunteering
Volunteering is a way for people to become involved in their communities. People choose to volunteer for a wide variety of reasons. Some may have traditional altruistic reasons; some may wish to meet people in the area; some join because they are asked or a friend is involved; some wish to contribute their skills and experience; others may want to try something new or learn a new skill. Often people have a number of reasons for volunteering. Many volunteers join an organisation or program for one reason but remain with it for a different reason.

Volunteering is a reciprocal relationship – the community and individuals benefit from the efforts of volunteers, whilst volunteers themselves experience the satisfaction of giving, enjoy increased community involvement, learn new skills, build confidence and gain experience.

In the Shire of Mundaring volunteers work in sport and recreation, health and welfare, education, community services, emergency services, religion, the arts, the environment and heritage.

Volunteer jobs include fundraising, committee work, supporting older people and people with disabilities, office work, research, sales, teaching, coaching, umpiring, working with animals, entertaining, advocating for rights, conservation, community arts, handyperson, driving, youth work, counselling, library work, gardening and child minding.

Why Volunteer?
The reasons people volunteer are as varied as the people themselves. However, we know that volunteering can:

• Build your confidence.
• Help you learn new skills that can support you in other areas of your life.
• Help you to meet other like minded individuals.
• Give you opportunities to work with others to help bring about change in a cause that you are committed to.
• Improve your health.
• Boost your career opportunities.
• Bring more fun into your life.

Shire of Mundaring volunteer support programs
Shire of Mundaring acknowledges the efforts of volunteers as an integral part of our community wellbeing. Their invaluable contribution of work skills, life experience and continued support make a significant difference in many sectors of the community. Without their commitment, many local organisations, events and services would simply cease to function. Our volunteers help to hold the fabric of our community together.

1. Thank a Volunteer Day:
Shire of Mundaring holds an annual “Thank a Volunteer Day” celebration to recognise the enormous value our volunteers add to the health and wellbeing of our community, and to acknowledge the support of their family members. The day usually includes a light lunch and entertainment for volunteers and their families. Nominations now open.

2. Inspiration Zone:
This is the area where groups, organisations or individuals can submit stories about volunteers who have done something special. These stories are published in the “inspiration zone” section of the volunteer web site, an area specifically designed to celebrate the achievements of our volunteers.

3. Volunteer Training and Workshops:
Shire of Mundaring regularly runs free and subsidised training and workshops for organisations and volunteers. Courses such as bookkeeping, first aid and grant writing have been held this year. Provide your volunteers with the skills they require to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

4. Volunteer Vacancies:
Volunteer Vacancies is a free service helping volunteers find the community organisation most suited to their skills and interests, and community organisations find the volunteers most suited to their needs. Shire of Mundaring’s ‘Volunteer Vacancies’ provides information about local volunteer positions.

5. Regular Updates – Information Sharing:
Ask to be placed on our regular update email list and find out about what is happening in the Shire of Mundaring. Grants, workshops, support, events and other information is passed on. cda1@mundaring.wa.gov.au

6. Giving Back Grants:
The Council can contribute $200 to volunteer, sporting or other not-for-profit organisations to assist in holding an event that recognises the contribution they and their members have made to the local community. Five organisations
receive financial support each year.

Council will receive applications for the funding of a Recognition Event at any time; however only one application per calendar year can be submitted.

For further information about volunteering in the Shire of Mundaring contact:

Cathryn Hewitt
Volunteer Program Coordinator
T: 08 9290 6706
shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au