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INC. A Guide for Incorporated Associations in Western Australia has been developed by the Department of Commerce as a comprehensive operational document to assist associations in performing their role effectively. The guide aims to provide information on some of the key legal obligations and rights that apply to associations once they are incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1987 (the Act). It also provides a basic introduction to various aspects of managing an association, for example, conducting meetings, record-keeping, employing staff and engaging volunteers.

The Economic Value of Volunteering in Western Australia report by Dr Duncan Ironmonger of the University of Melbourne was commissioned by the Department for Communities to demonstrate the significant contribution Western Australia’s army of volunteers makes to the Western Australian economy and community. Click here for a copy of the full report. Click here for a fact sheet showing key findings from the report.

Thank a Volunteer Day funds awarded

Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney today announced 42 community organisations and local governments would benefit from $30,000 funding for State-wide Thank a Volunteer Day activities.

Mrs McSweeney said the funding was provided to local communities to organise events that recognised the incredible contributions of Western Australia’s 540,000 volunteers

 

“WA volunteers are the backbone of many local organisations and community events,” she said.

 

“Volunteers donate their time and energy to all kinds of services and projects, in all facets of community life to make WA a better place to live in.”

 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2006 estimated the value of volunteer activity in WA was worth $1.7billion.

 

Volunteers are involved in a range of activities including:

·         caring for the sick and frail aged

·         supporting people with disabilities

·         keeping tourist attractions vibrant and interesting

·         looking after wildlife and the environment

·         providing vital support and services to those in need.

 

Thank a Volunteer Day is celebrated each year on December 5, which is the United Nations’ International Volunteer Day.

 

Many communities will use the funding to hold a celebratory function to thank their local volunteers.  
Click here for further information


Lotterywest Capacity Building Grants
Each year, Lotterywest makes over 1000 grants to WA's community organisations. Many of these grants are to help organisations invest in their own development with initiatives like training, planning, conferences and professional development.

Police Checks for Aged Care Workers and Volunteers
Aged care workers will need police checks from 1 March 2007.

Police Checks for Volunteers in private sector and state government organisations
The Department for Communities is now able to offer private sector and state government organisations involving volunteers National Police Checks at a reduced fee of $10.00 per person.

Volunteering Australia Resource: Involving Volunteers with a DisAbility
Volunteering Australia has released a series of informative and useful online resources for volunteer managers and not-for-profit organisations on how to involve volunteers with a DisAbility in your organisation.


Working with Children Checks
Are you involved in child related work? The new Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 introduces compulsory criminal record checking to ensure a consistent and high standard of checking for certain people who work with children, including volunteers.

The Working With Children Check phasing-in process requires existing volunteers who commenced work prior to 1 January 2007 to apply for a Working With Children Check by 31 December 2007.

 

It is highly recommended that existing volunteers apply as soon as possible to avoid last minute delays. 

 

For further information click here

 

Want to Volunteer?
Contact your local Volunteer Resource Centre to find out how.