A collective forum is enhancing the growth and sustainability of the Gold Coast volunteering sector
The City of Gold Coast’s biannual Volunteering Collective Forum has taken out the Volunteering Queensland Government Impact Award, showcasing the initiative’s success in empowering volunteers to network, share information and improve all facets of their important collective undertaking.
Back in May, the Queensland Volunteering Awards Ceremony shone a light on the inspiring volunteers and volunteer programs that have made meaningful contributions to their local communities throughout Queensland.
The City of Gold Coast’s Volunteering Collective Forum earned the Volunteering Queensland Government Impact Award, which highlighted the important role the forum has played in providing valuable services and benefits to a range of groups.
The biannual forum provides an important platform for the city’s volunteers to network, share information and get access to – and engage with – coordinators, leaders and volunteering sector experts on a regular basis. Thus far, the Volunteering Collective Forum has made significant contributions to positive social change, promoting diversity, equality and inclusion within the greater Queensland volunteering community.
You might like
In addition to this, the initiative has assisted in enhancing the capacity of local volunteer organisations by sharing information on best practices, offering practical resources and inviting relevant speakers. Each forum focuses on a particular theme, with previous events touching on topics like attracting young volunteers, creating inclusive volunteer programs and building a stronger culture.
One of the outcomes of the Collective forum initiative has been the establishment of the Gold Coast Volunteering Action Group last year. Supported by the City of Gold Coast, a few local organisations and volunteers meet regularly to spearhead community-driven and collective actions, inform on the planning of various initiatives and share progress at the two Volunteering Collective Forums, which are typically held in March and October.
As part of the Collective Forum Initiative, the City of Gold Coast has collaborated with Volunteering Australia on the National Strategy, the Queensland Government on the Queensland Volunteering Strategy and the Queensland Parliamentary Enquiry, and the Brisbane 2032 City Unit to ensure that local Gold Coast groups and organisations have a voice moving forward.
Click here to check out the Community Group Hub, a one-stop-shop that offers information on volunteering opportunities, offers a range of information on programs and services, and connects the Gold Coast community groups with skills, opportunities and resources.
