COVID-19 SUPPORT SERVICES DIRECTORY

Posted on 16 Sep, 2021

Wollongong City Council has put together a list of local and national organisations who offer support to people dealing with the many effects of COVID-19.

From practical help with food, housing and money, to mental health and relationships, we encourage anyone struggling to check this list and reach out for help.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for below, you’re welcome to call Council’s Community Development team for advice between 9:00am and 5:00pm weekdays on (02) 4227 7500.

You can also download a copy of the directory here.

NSW STATE OF VOLUNTEERING REPORT

Posted on 16 Sep, 2021

The Centre for Volunteering, in partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice, is pleased to launch the inaugural New South Wales State of Volunteering report.

This in-depth analysis showcases the characteristics of volunteers, volunteering and volunteer-involving organisations. It produces a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the social, cultural and economic impacts of volunteering on communities in NSW.

The report was undertaken by the Institute of Project Management which surveyed more than 1,100 volunteers and received more than 1,000 responses from volunteer-involving organisations.

Discover the value of the nearly 4.9 million residents across NSW who gave more than 1.5 billion hours of volunteering in 2020; the benefit of which is approximately $127 billion.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ILLAWARRA WINNERS AT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!

Posted on 13 Sep, 2021

Lock downs are continuing but that hasn’t stopped celebrations for the 2021 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards at our special virtual ceremonies. We applaud the amazing tales of volunteers in the Illawarra who have been at the heart of their local community during these challenging times.

Thank you to all our nominees!

Congratulations to our award winners; lifesaver, Lifeline volunteer and student representative Benjamin Hamill; aged care volunteer Lynette Phoenix; Phillipa Drewett from Burrawang RFS and the whole team at Kind Hearts Illawarra.

We can’t wait to see all the finalists again at our Gala State Ceremony at the end of the year!

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards have grown to become one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across the country. It creates an opportunity to hear the stories firsthand from our volunteers and most importantly to say thank you.

R U OK DAY

Posted on 09 Sep, 2021

Today is Australia’s National Day of action where we remind fellow Aussies that every day is a day to ask “Are you OK?” if someone in our world is struggling with life’s ups and downs.

Here is some helpful information – an R U OK guide and How to Ask R U OK.

COVID 19 : CHANGE IN OFFICE HOURS

Posted on 20 Jul, 2021

From Tuesday 13 July 2021 office hours for Volunteering Illawarra will change to 9:00am to 4:30pm Tuesdays to Thursdays. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

VOLUNTEERING ILLAWARRA OFFICE DURING LOCKDOWN

Posted on 20 Jul, 2021

Due to the current lockdown restrictions, VI is unable to conduct face to face referral interviews. However, telephone interviews will still take place. Please contact VI on 4227 7163 to book a timeslot. Updates will be advised as they occur.

REMINDER : NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2021 NSW VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Posted on 28 Jun, 2021

Help acknowledge volunteers’ hard work by nominating those who enrich your local community. Nominations close Friday 9 July 2021.

A link to The Centre for Volunteering website is here.

For any enquiries and bulk nominations (more than 20), please contact the Centre’s Awards team for assistance.

GREAT NEWS – VOLUNTEERING EXPO IS BACK ON THURSDAY 20 MAY!

Posted on 28 Apr, 2021

After its cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19 we’re excited to announce that the Volunteering Expo back from 9:30am to 3:30pm on Thursday 20 May at the Wollongong Town Hall.

For those who have not attended this event in the past, the Volunteering Expo gives not-for-profit organisations the chance to feature their services and volunteering opportunities.

If you’ve never thought of volunteering in the past, drop into the Expo at Wollongong Town Hall from 9:30am on 20 May and see what you’ve been missing.

A flyer is attached so hope to see you at Wollongong Town Hall on 20 May.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 17-23 MAY 2021

Posted on 20 Apr, 2021

The theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week is Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine. This is time to especially celebrate all volunteers and the huge difference they make to your organisation and the community.