Volunteering in the Pilbara
BACKGROUND
A well supported and resourced volunteer sector is vital to the sustainability of Pilbara communities. Volunteering is fundamental to the ongoing provision of a number of critical health, safety, welfare, environmental and tourism services as well as being the force behind most sport and recreation activities and community events in the region.
Whilst the Pilbara is experiencing unprecedented economic growth, volunteering is in decline which is impacting the delivery of a number of services that are critical to the livability of the region. The Pilbara Development Commission has identified volunteering as a priority issue and is taking a lead role in the development of a range of strategies to support volunteering and volunteers.
In 2007, the Commission undertook a survey of Pilbara volunteer organisations and volunteers which identified an urgent need for sharing of information resources and expertise, opportunities for training and skills development and the establishment of mentoring and peer networks. As a result, the Commission is working in partnership with relevant stakeholders on four key projects as follows:
Pilbara VOIS – a Volunteer Online Information Service providing a focal point and link for the region’s volunteers and volunteer reliant groups and organisations. The VOIS website will include a database and matching service for organisations and volunteers, information on shared training opportunities and a calendar of regional events. It will include links to useful resources and websites and provide an opportunity for Pilbara volunteers to network and support each other irrespective of their physical location in the region.
The shell of the website has been designed and built by the Newman Senior High School 2008 Year 10 /11 Information Communication Technology students. More recently the Commission has sourced the expertise of web developer Eduka to finalise the website. Eduka is well known in the volunteer sector for their database and search engine “VIKTOR” which is used by Volunteering WA to list and match volunteering opportunities.
Pilbara Volunteer Alliance Group - a group comprising key stakeholders in the Pilbara that have agreed to work in partnership with the Commission to develop strategies and solutions to support the critical work of volunteers in the region. The Alliance is currently developing a program that will include training for people new to volunteering, governance and management skills development and the creation of a mentoring plan to provide peer support to volunteers. The Alliance is also investigating opportunities to engage the non-resident workforce in volunteering activities in the Pilbara. Obtain your expression of interest form here.
Volunteer Electronic Newsletter – an informative electronic magazine (e-zine) providing regular updates of the work of the Pilbara Volunteer Alliance and other relevant volunteer information.
Directory of Organisations - a directory of all groups and bodies across the region that utilise the services of volunteers. This will be an essential resource that will support networking opportunities, provide a “one stop” information service for volunteers and will be an important tool in enabling continuous input from the sector. The database will be available to download from the Commission’s website initially and on the new VIOS website once it is completed. The request for listing in the directory is available here.
LATEST UPDATE
The Commission has sourced website development expertise from Eduka to finalise the Volunteer Online Information Service (VOIS). Eduka are well known in the volunteer sector for their database (VIKTOR) which aids in listing opportunities for volunteering.
The official launch of VOIS is planned for International Volunteer Day, Saturday 5 December 2009.
CONTACT
Carolyn Biar
Principal Project Officer
Phone: (08) 9185 0600
carolyn.biar@pdc.wa.gov.au
RELATED ARTICLES
Pilbara Volunteer Alliance Group Expression of Interest Form
Pilbara Volunteer Directory of Organisations Request for Listsing