Community Invited to National Volunteer Week Workshops

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is recognising National Volunteer Week, being held from 17-23 May 2021, by providing workshops for local volunteers and community groups, and those who are curious about volunteering but don’t know how to get started.

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest celebration of volunteers and recognises the significant contribution that is made by almost six million volunteers across the country with the theme Recognise – Reconnect – Reimagine.

With over 230 active local volunteer organisations, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River is using the occasion to provide the following workshops with ConnectGroups, thanks to funding from Volunteering WA and Lotterywest:

- Introduction to Volunteering on Tuesday 18 May from 10am to 12pm.

- Strategic Planning for Community Groups on Tuesday 18 May from 1pm to 3.30pm.

- Sundowner and Networking Event for Community Groups on Tuesday 18 May from 4pm to 6pm.

- Social Media Basics for Community Groups on Wednesday 19 May from 9am to 12pm.

All sessions are free and will be held at Margaret River HEART. Daytime workshops include morning or afternoon tea and those who attend the sundowner can enjoy drinks and canapes while they mingle with likeminded volunteers.

Community members who would like to attend the Introduction to Volunteering session or groups who would like to promote volunteering opportunities at this session are encouraged to RSVP to Community Development Officer Kim Rosenfeld on 08 9780 5233 or [email protected]. Community Groups who would like to attend the other workshops can RSVP to ConnectGroups on 08 9364 6909 or [email protected].

ConnectGroups are also offering one-to-one support for community groups, providing them with a chance to chat in more depth about their group’s specific needs.

Shire President Ian Earl encouraged those interested in volunteering to attend the introductory session and urged community groups to use workshops as a fabulous and free way to upskill.

“The past twelve months has brought challenges to many in our community and volunteering can be a great way to reconnect, gain work experience and extend your skills,” he said.

“National Volunteer Week workshops provide a great way for both new and long-standing volunteer organisations to improve their strategic planning and sharpen their social media skills, while also providing the chance to network - which can lead to all sorts of new ideas and opportunities.”

“We love our volunteers in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, thank you for all that you do, and please put your hands up for these free workshops, to further the impact of volunteering in our community,” he said.

Ends

Image: Free workshops for volunteers and community groups will be held at the Margaret River HEART on 18 and 19 May in recognition of National Volunteer Week. High res image here. Credit Russell Ord.