From the CEO

March has been an exciting month for volunteering! We met with our patron, Dame Quentin Bryce, the Commonwealth Games Volunteer Program Manager, Alan Noble and have had discussions with the Department of Social Services around volunteering programs into the future. On a sad note, our Marketing Manager, Peter Swaddle has moved to Spain for 12 months. We have a great deal to thank him for, Peter and his team have done terrific work promoting volunteering.

I am delighted to note that Dame Quentin Bryce, has been following the volunteering journey closely and she is keen to come to the Gold Coast during the year to increase excitement in our sector and to recognise the hard work of volunteer-involving organisations.

We are looking forward to seeing more volunteers engaging in event volunteering throughout 2016 as the city begins to ready itself for the national and international attention coming our way. We are excited to be working with the Australian Tourism Exchange. This event prepares to support 2500 international and national visitors to the Convention Centre. Volunteering Gold Coast will be working with 150 volunteers from the community and local universities to guarantee an excellent volunteer program.

Finally, if you have not been preparing for National Volunteer Week, held in the second week of May (9-15^th ), you should start to think of ways to thank and recognise your volunteers. If you would like ideas on how to do this or wish to promote your volunteering program please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Richard Patterson

CEO Volunteering Gold Coast

Volunteering Gold Coast presents a Musical Variety Show!

Come along and enjoy our talented entertainers who will captivate you with their musical skills and warm audience rapport. The program includes well known music you can sing along to, plus a little magic.

A delicious morning tea will be served during the interval and lucky door prizes will be announced.

Date: Friday 15^th April 2015

Time: 9:30am to 11:30am

Venue: Albert Waterways Community Centre, Sunshine Boulevard, Mermaid Waters 4218

Tickets: $10 per person includes morning tea and entry into Lucky Door Prize. Pre-paid group booking – pay for 5 tickets get 1 free!

Events

We have some exciting events coming our way that need volunteers!

RSPCA Million Paws Walk

Gold Coast Airport Marathon

To volunteer, click here and follow the links.

Upcoming trainings & workshops – Get in Quick

Multicultural Awareness (Wednesday, 13^th April)

This session focuses on cultural awareness, recognising the strengths in working within a culturally diverse team, and developing strategies to be able to interact effectively with someone from a culturally diverse background.

To secure your spot for upcoming workshops click here or alternatively email commedteam@volunteeringgc.org.au.

Elder Abuse & Creating a Dementia Friendly Community (Thursday, 28 ^th April)

Join the fight against dementia and become Dementia Friendly today!

This workshop will;

• provide participants with a better understanding of dementia
• participants will be able to identify a customer who has dementia
• communicate with someone with dementia
• support customers in their service experience
• improve customer service and customer experience
• promote the rights of older people to live free from abuse
• to provide information about support to service providers who have concerns of abuse of their clients
• Workshop presenters

*Please note, depending on your level of membership a $25 attendance fee may be applicable.

To secure your spot for upcoming workshops click here or alternatively email commedteam@volunteeringgc.org.au.

For more information on training and education workshops click here.

Thank you!

Volunteering Gold Coast would like to thank and recognise the following local businesses for their generous donations to our Volunteer of the Month recognition program!