WAAC's strong leadership and skilled volunteers empower the organisation to respond swiftly to evolving community needs and emerging health challenges.
Western Australian AIDS Council (WAAC) is a non-profit organisation with a vision for a world of positive healthy people in inclusive, connected communities. WAAC's mission is to optimise the health and wellbeing of all, through reducing the impact of stigma and discrimination, improving access to health services and information and reducing transmission of HIV, sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Carolyn Spivak, Health Services and Volunteer Coordinator at WAAC, about their volunteer program.
What roles do volunteers typically do at WAAC?
Volunteers support WAAC with Health Promotion Outreach, Safe Sex Pack Assembly, Special Event Support, Freedom Centre Youth Support, Leavers Project Crew Members, Needle and Syringe Exchange Volunteers, WAAC Office Support, Client Transportation, Professional Services, WestPride Archive Project and Students on Placement.
What types of programs and services at WAAC rely most heavily on volunteer support?
The 3 programs that rely on volunteer support the most are the Freedom Centre, our Needle and Syringe Exchange program and our Leavers Project.
Volunteers support our LGBTQIA+ youth centre – the Freedom Centre where young people have the ability to make new friends, and feel supported as they navigate school, relationships, work and other life challenges. Our volunteers support staff at every NSEP session – at our sites in West Perth and Fremantle as well as our van sites where we go to multiple locations throughout Perth to hand out kits and help to reduce the spread of blood borne viruses in our local community. WAAC sends a crew of volunteers to the Leavers event in Dunsborough each year to support the young people who are there to celebrate the end of high school. Our volunteers run outreach activities during the day and night with a focus on harm reduction messaging and education around healthy relationships, sexual health, blood-borne viruses and drug and alcohol use.
How has WAAC's work evolved over the years to address changing community needs?
WAAC has continued to develop programs in response to community need. One recent example of this is the addition of PrEP consultations and M Pox vaccinations being offered at outreach testing events.
Can you share a story of how WAAC has made a difference in someone's life?
WAAC's work directly and indirectly impacts the lives of people in our community in so many ways…too many to describe here in a short paragraph. In one of the most direct ways, our Case Managers and Peer Support Workers support people living with HIV who face complex challenges in their lives in addition to managing their HIV. Our staff help them navigate the health, legal and social services support system in Perth, and provide ongoing emotional and practical support.
One of our clients has faced years of challenges maintaining an undetectable viral load since their HIV diagnosis due to multiple barriers, including unstable housing, mental health challenges, and drug dependency. Their past experiences with the healthcare system left them feeling judged and dismissed, leading to years of avoidance and disengagement. Through consistent support from both the case management and peer support team at WAAC, we were able to build a strong, trusting relationship that helped bridge the gap with the medical team. With that trust in place, their treatment was adjusted, and they've now remained undetectable for nearly two years. This has opened the door for us to begin addressing other health concerns, opening the door to even broader support and recovery.
What's one recent success you're most proud of?
In July 2024 we saw a spike in M Pox cases on the east coast of Australia with a small number being diagnosed here in Perth. Without delay we were able to utilize the support from a local enrolled nurse to volunteer with us and provide M Pox vaccines at our outreach testing sessions. Since starting their volunteer service with us this volunteer has provided over 200 vaccinations to at-risk individuals, helping to reduce the numbers of M Pox cases locally.
How has being a Volunteering WA membership helped WAAC succeed?
Volunteering WA's assistance with corporate group volunteers for large projects has been very helpful, as well as our ability to post our opportunities and reach a broad segment of the community.
WAAC recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and during National Volunteer Week too! How did you celebrate, and did you do anything special for volunteers?
During National Volunteer Week in May the WA AIDS Council (WAAC) held a very special Volunteer Recognition Event to recognize their volunteers and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism that is core to the organization's success. It was a beautiful day of community and connection. Twelve individuals received awards in 3 categories: Years of Service Award, Shining Star Award (folks nominated by staff) and Above and Beyond Award (volunteers who went above and beyond in their service to the organization within the past year).
WAAC staff and management were excited to celebrate, thank and honour long-time serving volunteer, Diane Lloyd (pictured below) who received her 40 Years of Service Award at the event. The attendees were moved to their feet during the program after Diane spoke about her 40 years of dedication and unwavering support for WAAC and the community they serve.
All the guests left with a small gift and a big smile on their face, re-energised and motivated to continue their meaningful and much appreciated volunteer work on the community.
What's one thing you'd like everyone to know about WAAC's work and the importance of volunteering?
WAAC provides a broad range of sexual health and support services, including counselling and support for people living with HIV, testing and sexual health services for LGBTQIA+ people, peer mentoring, education and training, social support for LGBTQIA+ young people, harm reduction services for people who inject drugs, resources and much more. Our volunteers form the foundation of all that we do – supporting staff in most areas of our work. Volunteer support makes it possible for us to be so multi-faceted and responsive to community need.
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WAAC volunteers play a vital role in supporting LGBTQIA+ communities, people living with HIV, and others accessing essential health and support services. You too could help create a healthier, more inclusive WA by volunteering. To volunteer with WAAC, visit www.waac.com.au/get-involved/volunteering/ or www.volunteeringwa.org.au/volunteer.
