Volunteering WA has been awarded a substantial grant from the Woodside COVID-19 Community Fund to fully overhaul their volunteering IT platforms.
Volunteering WA will revamp their current system, used by thousands of organisations across Australia, to create a one-stop-shop for both the recruitment and management of volunteers.
As community organisations begin to reactivate their volunteering programs after the initial impact of COVID-19, there is a growing demand for volunteers to fill long-term positions to help deliver essential services.
The need to manage volunteers efficiently is vital to the sustainability of stretched community organisations because of the enormous value they bring. Another feature of the new platform will allow individuals to capture their volunteer record for use in CVs, crucial for so many experiencing unemployment as a result of the impacts of COVID-19.
Volunteering WA CEO Tina Williams said the generous support from Woodside has come at the perfect time. "Now more than ever we have seen the important role volunteers play in our communities and this project will ensure their vital support continues.
"Through Woodside's significant investment we can deliver the best innovative IT solutions that support and advance the volunteer sector across Australia," Ms Williams said.
The Minister for Volunteering, Mick Murray MLA said as we move into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers will play an integral role assisting organisations to deliver essential services.
"Volunteering WA's new volunteer IT platform will provide much needed support to communities across WA during the next stage of recovery," Minister Murray said.
Woodside's COVID-19 Community Fund has helped over 65 Western Australian not-for-profit organisations respond to the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Woodside CEO Peter Coleman said it was important to build stronger communities in these difficult times by supporting those who support others.
"Volunteering is part of Woodside's culture and we are pleased to be investing in a sector that assists so many people and organisations in need," Mr Coleman said
This announcement comes as Volunteering WA celebrates 10 years of partnership with Woodside Energy with employees contributing over 70,000 hours of volunteering.
