Volunteers are not hard to come by, according to Wheatbelt Volunteer Hub coordinator Tanya Richardson, despite events around Northam not going ahead due to low volunteer numbers.
The volunteer support service works to match volunteers and groups throughout the Wheatbelt, while training organisations on how to retain and reach their ideal volunteer.
In the quarter ending December 2018, the hub helped 128 individuals find volunteering work and up-skilled 21 volunteer managers through training.
Ms Richardson said there is not a shortage of volunteers wanting to help their local community.
At the end of 2018, the Shire of Northam was working with Telethon to launch a summer outdoor movie series, from December 2018 to March 2019, but the venture did not take place because of a low number of volunteers.
The Shire said they are in talks with Telethon to run the event in a different format.
“We often have volunteers looking for roles and we don’t always have suitable roles to offer them,” Ms Richardson said.
“I find it frustrating that some events and groups are struggling to find volunteers.”
She said the hub works with organisations free of charge to pair them up with eager workers.
“We need a not for profit organisation to sign up with us and become members, as long as they have public liability insurance and volunteers workers insurance it’s free to become an affiliate here in the Wheatbelt,” Ms Richardson said.
“We work with them to write a really good volunteering position, outlining all the duties and the benefits, what the hours are and then we start advertising it through our website and social media pages.
“ An expression of interest goes straight to the organisation and liaise straight with the volunteer.”
Ms Richardson said the demographics of those looking to volunteer are vastly different to the public’s perception.
“There is a perception that it is only little old ladies who volunteer but that is absolutely not the case,” she said.
“The 15-17 year old age group is the fastest growing demographic and 35-44 is the largest demographic.
“A pathway to employment can be through volunteering but that isn’t the only reason young people volunteer.
“It is for pure enjoyment, to have fun and make friends, especially for kids out here who can be isolated.
“I guess now younger people have a bit of a social conscious.
“They want to look at how they’ll make positive changes.”
Ms Richardson said another portion of volunteers comes from those receiving Centrelink payments.
“We get a lot of over 55s on the Centrelink mutual obligations, so they have to volunteer 15 hours a week if they want to receive their Newstart,” she said.
“Sometimes they come in here begrudgingly because they are over qualified.
“What they really want is paid work but no one will hire them because of their age.
“Usually, once they start they see how fun and rewarding it is.”
Ms Richardson said people wanting to volunteer can make an appointment with the Hub, based at the Northam Recreation Centre on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Alternatively they can search the Volunteering WA website for available positions.
Below are five current positions looking to be filled in Northam.
OLD RAILWAY MUSEUM TOUR GUIDE
for Northam Heritage Forum Inc
About this opportunity
Volunteers will not only assist visitors with interesting information but also in setting up and maintaining displays.
This is a great opportunity to gain some new skills, meet new people and promote the town/area in which you live.
You will be well supported and recognised in this fun and interesting role.
We welcome diverse expressions of interest from all types of people.
Locations
- Northam WA
Time Required
- We're open 7 days per week. We require you to do a minimum 2 hour shift on a day and time which suits you between 11am and 3pm
Good for
- Centrelink Volunteers
- People Learning English
- People with disability
- Travelling Volunteers
- Wheelchair Access
Interested In
- Tour Guides, Information, & Heritage
Training
- On the job training will be provided
Reimbursement
- Tea, coffee and bickies provided. Police and WWC check will be paid by us
FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR SAFE AVON VALLEY
for SAFE Inc (Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc)
About this opportunity
This role coordinates revenue-raising to fund SAFE Avon Valley’s rescue and rehoming services. The role is vital to helping meet the costs of desexing, animal veterinary care, transporting animals to new homes and animal care costs. The Fundraising Coordinator organises fundraising events and looks for partnership opportunities with local businesses and sponsors.
Locations
- Northam WA
Time Required
- 5 hours a week
Interested In
- Fundraising & Events
- Marketing, Media, & Communications
GYMNASTICS COACH
for Police and Community Youth Centres (PCYC)
About this opportunity
About us:
Established in Western Australia in 1941, The Federation of Western Australian Police and Community Youth Centres (WA PCYC) is a not-for-profit organisation that creates opportunities for young people through the delivery of two broad youth services: development (intervention) programs and recreational activities. We manage in excess of 50 PCYC Centres and Blue Light Units throughout metropolitan and regional Western Australia, as well as one camp facility.
Position Information:
As a volunteer will be assisting in the gymnastics program that is run for the Northam youths. You will be involved with setting up and packing up the equipment and also assisting the coaches with conducting their lessons. We are looking for people with a can-do attitude and a friendly and approachable nature. Your help will ensure that the lessons are run efficiently and that the clients have rewarding lessons to aid in developing their skills.
Additional requirements
- Experience facilitating group sports activities
- Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Police Clearance (or willingness to obtain)
- Physically fit to carry equipment
- Ability to take direction
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience in a gymnastics environment is desirable
Locations
- Northam WA
Interested In
- Sport & Physical Activity
BUS DRIVERS
for Share & Care Community Services Group Inc.
About this opportunity
Share and Care began in Northam in 1975 and now covers over 250,000 s/km’s and offers 23 services for disadvantaged community members including:
- Cuppa Club
- Emergency Relief and Accommodation
- Family Assist' Program
- Domestic Violence Support
- Financial Counseling
- Home & Community Care
- Mental Health Support
- Outreach Counseling
- Men's Social Support
- Women's Centres
- and more...
Share & Care offers exciting and rewarding opportunities to both employees and volunteers in a variety of roles to those people who are dedicated and value driven.
With us you will find a caring, compassionate team, a family friendly environment, excellent opportunities for upskilling, making new friends and an organisation who who really does care about both their staff and volunteers.
Flexibility is important to us all so we will assist you wherever we can to work around your needs.
Additional requirements
- A HR license and an F endorsement (or willing to obtain the endorsement- will be reimbursed)
Time Required
- 2-3 days per week depending on your availability and likely a shared role.
Good for
- People Learning English
- People with disability
Training
- On the job training provided by driver with 25+ years’ exp'. Inc manual handling and first aid.
Reimbursement
- Uniform provided
VOLUNTEER WITH GIRLS IN NORTHAM - GIRL GUIDES
for Girl Guides Western Australia (Inc.)
About this opportunity
What do we do? Girl Guides WA aims to empower girls and young women to become confident, self-respecting and responsible community members.
What do Leaders do? Our Unit Leaders meet (usually weekly) with a group of girls of a specific age group of their preference in a community centre or hall. Meetings run between 1.5 and 2 hours. During the meeting you will help girls develop skills, positive values and confidence through fun activities. You will be supported by a Region Manager (also a volunteer) and the team of other Leaders in the Region.
How do you become a Leader? Becoming a Leader involves becoming a member of Girl Guides WA and participating in training in emergency first aid and other leadership skills. We offer regular training by a qualified team.
Why should you get involved in Leadership at Girl Guides WA? Our Leaders report they have increased their all-round confidence and skills, experienced the joy of helping girls grow, made lifelong friendships, and had loads of fun! Women and girls have been part of this amazing organisation for over 100 years and we’re seeking fresh people to take us forward with our modern goals of empowerment, confidence, advocacy and making a difference.
Additional requirements
- WWC check required prior to joining. Training provided. Women only.
Locations
- Northam WA
Time Required
- 1.5 hour Unit meeting per week plus preparation and events. Approximately 5 hours per week in total.
Interested In
- Childcare
- Education & Training
- Tutoring & Coaching
Training
- Full training provided by a qualified team
Reimbursement
- Out of pocket costs covered by Unit funds.
