Congratulations to the Volunteer Resource Centres that received funding for projects to further develop inclusive and diverse volunteering in the regions. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, the projects aim to help volunteer involving organisations break down barriers to volunteering within one or more of the six identified priority groups.
VOLUNTEER RESOURCE CENTRE PROJECT RECIPIENTS
Organisation |
Project |
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Albany & Regional Volunteer Service |
Ability in Action Inclusive Volunteering Program Albany & Regional Volunteer Service is seeking to expand the Ability in Action Inclusive Volunteering Program in 2025–2026, building on the foundations established during the previous year. The program is designed to support Volunteer Involving Organisations across the Great Southern region to create inclusive environments where people with disability and mental health challenges can meaningfully engage in volunteering. Building upon the resources created last year, Albany & Regional Volunteer Service will develop additional accessible templates and tools to support inclusive volunteer recruitment and engagement. An updated awareness campaign will further challenge assumptions and reinforce the message that inclusion strengthens communities. Their next phase aims to increase the number of participating volunteer involving organisations, expand inclusive volunteer placements, and embed sustainable, community-led pathways that value and support all abilities. |
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Esperance Volunteer Resource Centre |
The Regional Collective: Next Generation This project will support volunteer-involving organisations across the Esperance region to build the knowledge, confidence, and internal processes needed to engage young people aged 12–18 in meaningful and age-appropriate volunteer roles. Working closely with four or more local organisations, the project will provide one-on-one support to co-design and implement youth-friendly volunteering opportunities. Young people will be engaged early in the project to provide input into the design of volunteer roles, supervision approaches, and communication strategies, ensuring the work remains youth-informed and locally relevant. Rather than creating another generic reading-heavy toolkit, Esperance Volunteer Resource Centre's project will focus on capturing and sharing real-world insights from these pilot activities. A series of videos will be created showcasing the experiences of participating organisations and young volunteers. |
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Peel Volunteer Resource Centre |
Socialability Socialability is inclusive of all priority groups, with a core emphasis on disability and mental health. A key part of its mission is to challenge misconceptions surrounding individuals labelled by disability, mental health challenges, vulnerability, First Nations identity, migration status, youth, or unemployment. It also supports those outside these groups who face barriers to volunteering, such as limited access, low confidence, or lack of support networks. By celebrating individual strengths and dismantling outdated stereotypes, Socialability fosters a more inclusive and empowering environment where people are recognised for their capabilities rather than perceived deficits. In its next phase, Socialability will build on insights gained from previous group-based volunteering initiatives by shifting its focus to one-on-one support. This initiative supports each participant in engaging with community life, building meaningful relationships, discovering valued roles, and pursuing lifelong learning. This approach ensures every participant receives the dedicated support they need to thrive, grow, and contribute in ways that are meaningful to them. |
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Volunteer South West |
Out of the Box Volunteering – Regional This project supports volunteer involving organisations to break down barriers to recruiting volunteers from the identified priority groups. This support will be offered to interested volunteer involving organisations outside of the Greater Bunbury area, and within the five Local Government Associations that make up the rest of the Bunbury Geographe region (within the Shires of Capel, Collie, Dardanup, Donnybrook-Balingup and Harvey). In addition, Volunteer South West will undertake activities in these Local Government Associations to target and inform volunteers, from the priority areas, who may otherwise miss out on meaningful volunteer opportunities. |
