27th ANNUAL REPORT

2012 – 2013

Thanks a million

Shop 21 Niagara Park Shopping Centre (Formerly Niagara Park Community Centre)

Washington Avenue, NIAGARA PARK

Phone 4329 7122

Email eo@volcc.org.au

ABN 65 840 211 837

Volunteering Central Coast. Inc. (VCC) is a not-for-profit organisation managed by a Board of Management and funded by government grants. It is run with a mixture of paid and unpaid staff. The service was developed to meet the needs of potential volunteers and not-for-profit organisations that involve volunteers within their service. VISION A Central Coast community that values volunteering as an integral part of community life. MISSION Volunteering Central Coast is a recruitment, referral and

resource service, that promotes volunteering and is responsive to the needs of both volunteers and the community.

OBJECTIVES

To be responsive to the needs of the volunteers and the community. To provide an effective resource to the Central Coast community on volunteering

practices and issues.

To develop a management and staffing structure that allows VCC to implement its programs effectively.

To develop a high and respected profile of the organisation.

2012 – 2013 BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

Chairperson Bob Ward

Secretary Jenny MacKellin

Treasurer Jenny Collins

Ordinary Board Members Andrew Tuck

Srini Bezwada

Rae Phillips Resigned 10/7/13

Public Officer Michelle Vanstone

Auditor Stuart Hayward

Honorary Solicitor Patrick McHugh Patrick McHugh & Co.

STAFF

Paid Staff

Executive Officer Michelle Vanstone

Recruitment Co-ordinator Liz McKay Resigned 30/5/13

Joanne Boccalatte 11/6/13 to date

CVS Co-ordinator Sharon Roberts

Administration / Finances / Training Donna Joseph

Timebanking Project Officer Colleen Cooper 31/8/12 to 2/4/13

Recruitment Volunteers

Angela Chaperon 23/5/13 to date

Jennifer Ahrens Administration (on extended leave)

Chris Cotter Administration / Interviewer

Marcia Dawkings Interviewer

Warren Dibley Database Maintenance

Don Maisey Administration / Interviewer

Susan Murphy Administration / Interviewer

Bill Rose Interviewer

Kerri Sproule Administration

Dennis Smith Administration / Interviewer / B2V Facilitator

Vicki Spain Administration

Resigned Recruitment Volunteers

Lynne Carter Interviewer

Angeline Galles-Sillince Administration

Patricia Mantle Administration

Sam Penna Administration / Interviewer

Stan Poblocki Administration

Gary Powell Interviewer

Donna Lee Stratford Administration

Carol Young Administration / Interviewer

COMMUNITY VISITORS SCHEME (CVS) VOLUNTEER VISITORS Allen Tainton Janelle Yusuf Helen Brill

Lisa Moore

Bev Zappia

Maree Clarke Chrissy Chou Therese Sim

Elizabeth O’Keefe Joanne Frazer John Beers

Suzy Rosewarne

Doris Yeung

Joy Caldwell Julie Stevens Francis McLeaod

Peter Lovelock Sandra Tuinman Melanie Archer

Sharna Haller

Fiona Mealing Phillip Astill Felice Del Vescovo Jason Vassallo Susan Edwards Renae Risby Kimberley Sawyer Peggy Crayge

Wendy Ambrose Janice Smith

Melissa Camilleri Lee Tipper

Bryley Williams

RETIRED/RESIGNED Robin Magnusson

Bruce Owers Linda Courtney

Mary Magee

George Boettiger Jenny Allen Christine Newell

Stephanie Scott

Marie Ryan Jamie Watman Michael Reid Tracey Scriven

Lyndal Daniels Anna Thompson

Annual General Meeting Thursday 26 September 2013 – 9.00 am

Niagara Park Community Centre

AGENDA

Welcome by Bob Ward - Chairperson

Acknowledgement of Country

Apologies

Adoption of minutes of 2012 Annual General Meeting

Chairperson’s Annual Report

Auditor’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

Executive Officer’s Annual Report

Election of Board

Appointment of :

Auditor

Honorary Solicitor

General Business

Signatories to the Annual Statement

Membership fees

Close of Meeting

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

26 September 2012

Meeting Opened 2.00 pm Present : Jenny Collins VCC Board Andrew Tuck VCC Board

Srini Bezwada VCC Board Narelle Wheeler TLKCC

Denis Wheeler TLKCC Gail Goodall Australian Red Cross

Val Stanford NPCC Sue Nicole WNC

Anne Dunn NPCC Helen Walker Wheeling & Able

Christine Kettleton Lifeline June Galea Kincumber N/C

Aroha Nisbett Cancer Council NSW Michelle Vanstone VCC Staff

Donna Joseph VCC Staff Sharon Roberts VCC Staff

Welcome by the Chairperson

Apologies : Kristy Gallagher

Samaritans Foundation

Kate O’Brien

Wyong Community Transport

Kate Cathers

Green Point Community Centre

Jill Grosche

Green Point Community Centre

David Murray

Coastwide Community Transport

Adele Johns

Community Compass

June Maidens

VCC Board

Jenny Mackellin

CCDN

Rae Phillips

VCC Board

Bob Ward

VCC Board

Adoption of Minutes of Previous AGM – 22 September 2011 Minutes adopted by

Anne Dunn

Seconded by

Jenny Collins

CARRIED

ANNUAL REPORTS

Chairperson’s Report Presented by Andrew Tuck

Auditor’s Report Presented by Andrew Tuck

Treasurer’s Report Presented by Jenny Collins

Executive Officer’s Report Presented by Michelle Vanstone

All Reports Adopted by Denis Wheeler

Seconded by

Anne Dunn

CARRIED

The Executive then stepped down and the Returning Officer, Val Stanford declared all positions

vacant pending election of a new Board, which proceeded as follows:

CHAIRPERSON

The incumbent Chairperson was willing to re-nominate for the position but was unable to, due to the terms of the Constitution : 11. j. Executive members of the Board may hold their position, if elected, for a maximum of three (3)

consecutive years, then must hold an ordinary position on the Board for two (2) years before being eligible for re-election to the Executive.

Nominee Nil

To be determined at October Board meeting SECRETARY

Nominee Nil

To be determined at October Board meeting

TREASURER

Nominee Nominated by Seconded by Jenny Collins Srini Bezwada Andrew Tuck

ELECTED

MOVED BY Anne Dunn

SECONDED BY Denis Wheeler

CARRIED ORDINARY MEMBERS

Nominee Nominated by Seconded by Andrew Tuck

Jenny Collins

Srini Bezwada

Bob Ward Andrew Tuck Jenny Collins Srini Bezwada Andrew Tuck Jenny Collins Rae Phillips Srini Bezwada Andrew Tuck Jenny MacKellin Andrew Tuck Jenny Collins

ELECTED

MOVED BY June Galea

SECONDED BY Christine Kettleton

CARRIED

Public Officer

Michelle Vanstone Moved by Anne Dunn Seconded by Denis Wheeler

Auditor

Stuart Hayward Moved by Anne Dunn Seconded by Denis Wheeler CARRIED

Honorary Solicitor

Patrick McHugh Moved by Helen Wheeler Seconded by Aroha Nisbett

CARRIED

The incumbent Chairperson chaired the remainder of the meeting.

Annual Fees

Motion

That the Annual fee remain at $66.00 (including GST ) for member organisations and $1.10 (including GST ) for individuals for the 2012 / 2013 financial year.

Moved by Jenny Collins

Seconded by Srini Bezwada

CARRIED

Meeting Closed 2.27 pm

Minutes certified as true and accurate record

Signed _____________________________ Name _________________________________________

Position ____________________________ Date _________________________________________

Volunteering Central Coast

Chairperson’s Annual Report:

2012-2013

Bob Ward

It is with great pleasure that I report on another successful year for Volunteering Central Coast, with Michelle Vanstone at the helm. Projects offered to the community across the Central Coast include: Wii Connect, where young people bring healthy Wii activities into residential aged care, Community Visitors Scheme, Youth Inspired through the Department of Sport and Recreation, and Coast Connect Day. This year, in partnership with Hunter Volunteer Centre, we have participated in the Timebanking Trial program, which is managed by a very enthusiastic staff member Angela Chaperon. We have seen another wonderful CC Volunteer Expo, where many organisations showcased opportunities for volunteering across the Central Coast. The Expo was officially opened by The Hon Victor Dominello MP, NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities, who was accompanied by our local member, Chris Spence MP, Member for the Entrance. The Expo represented a resounding success for Michelle and her team. We thank the project officers and staff from NSW Department of Human Services: Community Services, the NSW Department of Citizenship and Communities, the Commonwealth Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet, and the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing for their support and encouragement through the year. Without doubt, none of this would be possible without Michelle and her staff, including Donna Joseph, and Sharon Roberts. On behalf of the Board, thank you for your dedication, support and commitment to volunteering. During the year, we bade farewell to our Recruitment Co-ordinator, Liz McKay and pay tribute to the great work she performed while with VCC. We also welcomed Jo Boccalatte to the team as Liz’s replacement.

Many thanks go to all the people from the various organisations who have supported Volunteering Central Coast throughout the year. We appreciate your loyalty and support and look forward to working with you in the 2013 - 2014 year.

A very special thank you and acknowledgement to all the Board members who volunteer their time to support Volunteering Central Coast: Andrew Tuck, Jenny Collins, Srini Bezwada, Jenny MacKellin and Rae Phillips This year we have said goodbye to June Maidens, Colleen Cooper and Rae Phillips and thank them all for their efforts as Board Members.

Together, using everybody’s contribution, we look forward to another exciting year supporting volunteering on the Central Coast. Thank you.

Bob Ward Chairperson

TREASURERS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th JUNE 2013

The end of year resulted in an overall operating surplus of $5166. Total income for the year was $346,868 Total expenses were $341,702 The individual projects were represented as: CCVRA – Referral Income: $120,589 Expenses: $120,659 Net ($70) Community Visitors Income and expenses $51,974 Administration Income $20,165 Expenses $14,930 Net $5,235 Vol. Managers Project Income and expenses $67,251 Wii Income and expenses $366 Time Banking Income and expenses $86,523 Once again the organization has finished the year in a sound financial position and the annual audit has been completed successfully. Adequate provisions have been set aside for employee entitlement provisions. Conclude that both the Statement of Income and Expenditure and Statement of Financial Position give a true and fair view of the centre’s financial position and performance as at the end of year 30th June 2013. Yours faithfully VOLUNTEERING CENTRAL COAST INC. Jennifer Collins Treasurer

CURRENT PROGRAMS

1. Volunteer Recruitment and Resource Service, funded by the NSW Department of Human Services, Community Services and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Commonwealth Government). The core service of Volunteering Central Coast Inc, the Recruitment and Resource Service refers those people wishing to volunteer their time and skill to positions within not-for-profit organisations on the Central Coast. The outreach part of this program caters for potential volunteers living in areas of the Central Coast Local Government Areas at a distance from our offices at Niagara Park. This program also involves supporting and resourcing community organisations in regards to volunteer management issues as well as training volunteers or potential volunteers in areas required within the community sector.

2. Community Visitors Scheme, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. This is an initiative to help establish links between residents in aged care facilities and their local community. The scheme aims to improve the quality of life of socially isolated residents by providing them with a friendly visitor at least once a fortnight.

3. Timebanking Trial Project, funded by the NSW Office of Communities. Timebanking involves the creation of a social network of members who exchange services online at www.timebanking.com.au. It allows members to secure a time credit for providing a service to someone else. They may then receive a service from someone else using their accrued time credits. Credits are earned when volunteering your time to provide a service, and then spent when receiving a service from another volunteer. Timebanking helps build support networks in communities by increasing connections through the sharing of time, care, skills and knowledge.

Executive Officer’s Annual Report Well, another year has rolled around in the blink of an eye! And what a big year it has been, with changes to staff and the Board and new, exciting concepts on volunteering to wrap our heads around.

Now in our 27th year, VCC continues to grow and develop, in order to meet the ever expanding and changing needs of the Central Coast. Our ability to deal with these developments is only possible through the dedication and professionalism of our staff, both paid and unpaid, who continue to offer their best, to ensure that we can continue to offer a quality service to our clients, both volunteers and community organisations.

FUNDING

As previously reported, both our Community Builders funding through the Department of Human Services: Community Services and the Volunteer Management Program (VMP) funded by the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet were funded for three year periods, with the Community Builders funding due to expire on 30 June 2014 and the VMP funding set to continue until 31 October 2015. This makes our jobs much easier, by not only ensuring continuity for staff, but also by ensuring continuity for programs and allowing us to make long term plans in relation to the projects.

However, funding through the Department of Health and Ageing for the Community Visitors Scheme expired on 30 June 2013 and we are still waiting for the new contract to be finalised and sent to us. This also results in funding being withheld until all of the paperwork is in place. VCC is fortunate that we are able to continue the project until the funding comes through, otherwise having to place the project on hold would be very disruptive for staff, the volunteers and the project itself.

ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY

Individuals

In the period 1 July 2012 - 30 June 2013, VCC provided assistance and information to individuals through :

674 interviews with prospective volunteers

664 of those interviewed were referred to volunteer roles this represents a conversion rate of 98.5% of interviews to referrals

5055 walk-ins, telephone or email requests for information on volunteering or follow-up contacts (additional to the interviews)

Providing support to individuals on volunteering and related issues affecting them.

Participating in orientation sessions for new volunteers of member organisations.

Advocating for community groups and/or individuals in relevant situations.

VCC also hosted the 2013 Central Coast Volunteer Expo with : 31 member organisations exhibiting The Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea 13 VCC volunteers involved on the day

40 volunteers of other organisations involved on the day and Over 400 prospective volunteers in attendance.

Community Organisations

In the period July 2012 to June 2013, VCC provided assistance to community organisations through :

120 member organisations registered with VCC at the end of the period. 117 member organisations were registered at the beginning of the period.

Providing support to community organisations on volunteering and related issues affecting them.

Providing support to new and existing community organisations in implementing volunteer programs.

Providing 4 x quarterly Managers’ of Volunteers Forums with an overall attendance rate of 54 Managers’ of Volunteers

Providing resources on Volunteer Management to assist community organisations

Serving as Committee Members or members of the Board of Directors for community organisations and providing our expertise to same

Advocating for community groups and/or individuals in relevant situations

Participating in network meetings, interagency meetings, LGA community planning and other regional initiatives.

Participation in NSW Volunteer Centre Network meetings, which enables information gathering for dissemination to local community organisations.

Being on the Planning Committee for the 2012 and 2013 Central Coast (Homeless) Connect Days.

Participating in the 2012 Central Coast (Homeless) Connect Day at Lakehaven.

PROMOTION

VCC co-hosted with The Centre for Volunteering, the 2012 Central Coast Regional Ceremony for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Staff participated in local Interagency / network meetings, including : Multicultural Training Youth Disabilities Wyong District

VCC regularly provides information to local print media and radio to promote VCC, our services and/or upcoming training / events.

I have a regular ”spot” on a local community radio station fortnightly to promote VCC, our services and/or upcoming training/events, discuss volunteering, issues and urgent volunteer needs.

VCC is a member of the Volunteer Centre Network (VCN) NSW and as such, is involved in a number of projects designed to lift the profile of both the group and the individual centres.

VCC hosts quarterly Managers’ of Volunteers Forums.

VCC advertises through various media, Volunteer Specific celebrations, including National Volunteers Week, International Volunteers Day & International Managers’ of Volunteers Day.

Visited a number of Central Coast Job Services Australia Providers and Centrelink Offices

Staff have been guest speakers/or attended the following as a means of promotion :-

TAFE Welfare students TAFE Outreach TAFE CALD students Local high schools

Local high schools P&C meetings Local primary schools P&C meetings Disability Interagency Meetings Wyong Interagency Meetings CC Multicultural Interagency Meetings CC Community Cluster CC Community Forums

TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS AND MANAGERS OF VOLUNTEERS

VCC offers a training program to both Managers of Volunteers and to Volunteers, covering a variety of topics, determined by identified needs within our community.

A total of 23 training sessions were held, with an aggregate of 374 attendees :

2 x 2012 Coast Connect Day Volunteers

2013 Coast Connect Day Volunteers

2 x Central Coast Volunteer Expo Volunteers

Youth Inspired Volunteer Management

1 x Senior First Aid

Knowing Your Boundaries

4 x Snapshots at Managers’ of Volunteers Forums

Volunteer Treasurers and the End of Year Process

Volunteer Treasurers Roles and Responsibilities

2 x Way2Go

2 x WHS and Volunteers

2 x Working With Children Checks

Volunteers in Schools

239 Volunteers attended the sessions 135 Managers’ of Volunteers attended the sessions

3 trainees identified as ATSI

4 trainees identified as CALD

2 trainees identified as having a disability

Part of our ongoing commitment to volunteers and prospective volunteers is the provision of Bridge to Volunteering – General Information Sessions (B to V).

In the period July 2012 to June 2013, VCC delivered a total of : 42 B to V sessions 19 standard sessions at 5 locations, accessible to the North, South or middle of the Central Coast 2 at the CC Volunteer Expo 1 for Post School Options clients (with special needs) 1 at Tarragal Glen for residents

A total of 542 volunteers or prospective volunteers attended the sessions.

32 Managers or others attended the B to V sessions 5 attendees identified as ATSI 30 attendees identified as CALD 35 attendees identified as having a disability

We also offered “Snapshot” Training at 4 of our quarterly Managers’ of Volunteers Forums, where a total of 54 Managers’ of volunteers participated in the training.

NETWORKING

VCC participates in the Volunteer Centre Network (NSW) which is the network of VRC’s in NSW.

We have attended all 3 meetings this reporting period.

VCC also participates in regional interagency meetings, including : Multicultural; Training; Youth; Disabilities and Wyong District.

VCC has participated in regional forums facilitated by other community groups, including : Central Coast Cluster and Centrelink Local Connections to Work.

VCC participated in the Services Network Expo – Mingaletta Aboriginal & Torres Strait islanders Co-operation.

VCC participated in the Vacation and Volunteer Expo at Newcastle University

VCC is a member of the planning committee for the Coast Connect Day (for homeless and other marginalised groups on the Central Coast).

VCC hosts a quarterly Managers’ of Volunteers Forum which allows us to facilitate a regional meeting whereby we often have a guest speaker, current trends/issues/dilemmas are discussed, a “snapshot” training session is usually offered and we then have an open forum for information exchange.

WORKING WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

VCC Co-hosted with the Office for Communities, Volunteer Unit (State), the regional Consultation on Recognition of Volunteers’ Rights.

VCC Co-hosted with the Office for Communities, Volunteer Unit (State), launches and Forums on the new Timebanking Trial Project.

VCC partnered with Workcover NSW to deliver a training session on Work, Health & Safety for Volunteers.

VCC partnered with the Office of Communities, Commission for Children & Young People to deliver 2 New Working With Children Check Workshops.

As part of the VCN, VCC has worked with the Executive of the VCN and the Office of Communities to develop new paths for Volunteering in the region.

VCC partnered with the Department of Sport & Recreation and other community organisations on the Youth Inspired Project.

TIMEBANKING

In National Volunteer Week 2012, the Minister for Citizenship, Communities and Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon. Minister Dominello MP launched the inaugural NSW Volunteering Strategy. One of the key focuses of the strategy is to make it easier to volunteer. To achieve that outcome, in July 2013, VCC and the Hunter Volunteer Centre were announced as the successful tenderers to run the Timebanking Trial in NSW.

The Timebanking Trial which is offered across the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter regions is operating until the end of December 2013. Upon commencement of the Trial, former VCC Board member Colleen Cooper was employed as the Timebanking Project Officer, initially setting up the Trial Project and preparing the foundation documents. As well as the Office of Communities (who funded the project), VCC have worked closely with Hunter Volunteer Centre as the other trial region, the Universities of Newcastle and Wollongong (who were funded to evaluate the entire process of the Trial), PricewaterhouseCoopers (who were employed to assist with the planning and commencement of the project), a Timebanking Advisory Committee and Timebanking Steering Committee, both of which were utilised to assess the progress and validity of the project and its processes.

Colleen stayed with the project until April 2013, at which time she left to take up a new position which offered longevity of employment. In May, Angela Chaperon was employed in the position and brought with her a renewed enthusiasm and a strong background in sales, which proved to be the perfect combination to “sell” the concept to the community, thereby dramatically increasing the number of registered members and escalating the number of hours traded between the participants.

As at the time of preparing this report, the Timebanking Trial on the Central Coast seems set to finish at the conclusion of the Trial period, 31 December 2013. However, it may yet continue, if the Office of Communities offers more funding to participate in the Timebanking Pilot which was announced recently. HIGHLIGHTS

Once again, VCC’s participation in both the planning and delivery of the 2012 Coast Connect Day and the planning for the 2013 Coast Connect Day (for the homeless, the disadvantaged and those at risk in our region) have been highlights, with over 700 people attending the 2012 event. VCC participated in the Planning Committee for the 2012 event, as well as co-ordinating, recruiting, training and supervising volunteers and students on the day. Although on the Planning Committee for the 2013 event, VCC was able to take a step back this year as TAFE Welfare students have done a lot of the administrative work, as an assessment project.

The Wii Connect Project, funded by a Gosford City Council grant, was another highlight. As reported last year, the project involved boys from Hopetown School at Wyong going out to the Gosford RSL Leisure Living aged care facility (now known as Evergreen Life Care) and teaching the residents how to operate a Wii Console and play games with it.

Four students started out in the project, and due to various factors, only three were able to complete the project. The boys undertook 10 visits to the facility and worked with residents from both the medium care and high care sections, which was a challenge in itself. The greatest outcome of the project I believe was seeing the boys transform throughout the life of the project from being very introverted, to being able to have conversations with the facility staff and residents. The boys combined the visits with written tasks back at school, resulting in them being awarded with Certificate I in Active Volunteering (a recognised qualification) and one of the boys was also able to combine his involvement with the project with his required activities to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Also, this year we were able to finally get our new website up and running. It was quite some time in the making, but the results were well worth the wait.

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Corporate Volunteering is still a very difficult process for the Central Coast, but we are continuing to push the concepts. During the course of the year, we were contacted by three businesses who were interested in undertaking some Corporate Volunteering. However, after meeting with them and lining up a number of activities for them to choose from, they all pulled out at the last minute.

This is not only very time consuming, but also frustrating for VCC and the organisations who offered activities and put time and effort into identifying and/or preparing activities for the corporates to undertake.

We were advised on 12 June 2013 that Gosford City Council was relinquishing the NPCC to the owners, Commercial HQ, as at the end of June, as they couldn’t afford to pay the rent. After looking at a number of options, the best option appears to be for VCC to move into available space at the Central Coast Youth Club, which is also situated in the Niagara Park Community Precinct. In the meantime, we have negotiated with the owners to stay put for now, but they are actively seeking buyers for the building. We are working with GCC towards an arrangement to move, but at present are waiting while they consider their plans, which will affect where and when we move and whether it will be a permanent or temporary move.

Coincidentally, on the last weekend in June, the NPCC was broken into and burgled. As the thief/thieves broke into the front office and stole the keys to the internal doors, they didn’t need to break into the offices. As a result, the owners have changed the external locks and we are being much more vigilant about who is in the building, which is easy considering all the casual and permanent hires ceased when GCC relinquished the building. Through the burglary, VCC lost IT and audio equipment, had all of the filing cabinets destroyed and lost petty cash. At least we didn’t have as big a mess to clean up as in the previous burglary. ACTIVITIES OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Boards and Committees

Coast Connect Day 2012 Committee

Coast Connect Day 2013 Committee

CC Cluster

CC Volunteer Expo Committee

Volunteer Centre Network (NSW)

Guest Speaking / Training delivered

TAFE Welfare Students – Agency visit

2012 Coast Connect Day Volunteer training – Ourimbah

2013 Coast Connect Day Volunteer training – Ourimbah

CC Volunteer Expo student training -Ourimbah

Seminars, Forums and Training

Facilitated Bridge to Volunteering sessions

Facilitated Managers’ of Volunteers Forums

Other Attendances

Meeting with Youth Connections – NPCC

VCC Board meetings

VCC AGM

Gosford Leisure and Living – Wii Connect Project supervision

Timebanking EOI Briefing – Newcastle

Meeting with Australian Red Cross

Meeting with Wyong Shire Council re joint funding application

Timebanking Tender Announcement – Newcastle

Meetings with Newcastle University re Timebanking – Newcastle

Erina Learning Community Expo

PricewaterhouseCoopers meeting re Timebanking – Sydney

PricewaterhouseCoopers Timebanking workshop - NPCC

PricewaterhouseCoopers Timebanking workshop – Newcastle

Timebanking Advisory Group meetings - Newcastle

Meetings with Jobs Services Australia Providers

Meeting with Wyong Shire Council re Volunteer Programs

Interviewing clients with special needs

Youth Inspired Project meetings - Ourimbah

VCC Volunteers’ Christmas Luncheon

Hopetown School Presentation – Wyong

NBN News taping – Umina

Marketing meeting – Tuggerah

Gravity Youth Centre providers meeting

VCN meeting – Sydney

CC Volunteer Expo meetings – NPCC

Wii Connect wrap meeting and debrief – NPCC

Corporate Volunteering meeting – Sanitarium

Corporate Volunteering meeting –Belkin

Timebanking Forum - Mingara

TAFE site inspection and event meetings

2012 Coast Connect Day meetings

2013 Coast Connect Day meetings

TAFE Events Students – Hazard Assessment

Meetings with LETS database re Timebanking – Newcastle and NPCC

CC Domestic Violence AGM - NPCC

Wyong Shire Council – Grants briefing – Wyong

Web site development meetings

Meeting re National Volunteer Rights & Advocacy Working Group Project – NPCC

Community Builders Performance Monitoring meetings - NPCC

2012 CC Regional (NSW) Volunteer of the Year Awards – Mingara

Consultation on Recognition of Volunteers’ Rights - Mingara

Meetings with the Office of Communities

National Volunteer Week stalls at Erina Fair

Interview on ABC radio – Erina Fair

CVS 20th Anniversary lunch – Long Jetty

Buy Local Festival – Erina

Meeting re community consultancy

Meetings with GCC staff re NPCC

Meeting with GBid - Gosford

Donna Acting EO in Michelle’s absence, attended the following :

Focus on the Coast Forum

NSW Community Cabinet Visit – Mingara

Gosford City Council Cultural Grants Information Session

Writing Winning Grants Workshop

Meeting with CC Cancer Council

GoVolunteer website information session

Opening of Beryl’s Place - Community Care Services

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I was told in August 2012 that I required open heart surgery and was given the impression that the surgery would be imminent. However, it didn’t actually occur until February 2013, which meant that I was basically on hold. Due to both my condition and the uncertainty of timing, I had to pull back on some of the things that I would normally do, including attending some meetings and hosting both a TAFE and a university student.

Unfortunately, in the end it all happened suddenly, with only 2 days notice, I had to wrap up what I could and finish briefing Donna to prepare her for acting in the role in my absence. I am extremely grateful to Donna as she not only supported me in my absence, but also for supporting me when I eventually returned to work nearly 9 weeks later.

I feel privileged to work with the VCC team. Donna, who aside from supporting me, has done a stellar job in keeping our finances, administration and training functioning so efficiently. Sharon has done a wonderful job in recruiting and keeping such a high volume of CVS volunteers. Liz has now left us but not before pulling together a great team of Recruitment Volunteers. Jo recently joined us as Liz’s replacement and is doing a great job. Colleen expertly kicked off the Timebanking Trial Project and more recently Angela, who has driven the project with a real passion.

We have an extremely cohesive and efficient team of volunteers, who work across various projects. Their combined efforts, skills and experience allow us to operate as well as we do and we really appreciate the extra mile they go to, including things right outside of their job descriptions, such as IT assistance. Whether they work with us closely here at NPCC, at our Recruitment Outreach sites or at aged care facilities with CVS, it’s refreshing to see the pride they all show in their work and the camaraderie they have built with all the team.

Thanks also go to our Board of Management, for the trust they have shown in both myself and the entire team and their support in ensuring VCC continues to be a respected and influential organisation within our community. We have gained some new faces on the Board and have said goodbye to some others, but they always manage to pull together and provide the leadership required to operate efficiently and effectively. A special thanks goes to Bob Ward, who after such a short time on the Board, put his hand up to be Chairperson for this last year, not knowing at the time that he would soon also be elected Deputy Mayor and who has done an outstanding job, while juggling some huge responsibilities.

Thank you

Michelle Vanstone Executive Officer

REFERRAL SERVICE AND OUTREACH PROJECT

RECRUITMENT CO-ORDINATOR’S REPORT

2012 - 2013

Liz McKay was the Recruitment Co-ordinator from July 2012 to 30 May 2013. I commenced on 11 June 2013 and this report covers activities of both the Recruitment Co-ordinators.

INTERVIEWS

In the 2012 - 2013 financial year 775 volunteer interviews were booked, compared with 771 in 2011 - 2012. The number of interviews booked were similar to last year. Of the 775 interviews booked 60 (7.7%) cancelled. The cancellations were down by 1.2% on the previous year which was 8.9%. 6 people re-scheduled and 35 people did not show. A total of 669 face to face interviews took place and an additional 5 Interviews took place via telephone or email making a total of 674 interviews which was 86.9% of interviews booked. Of the interviews that took place, 453 (67.3%) were job seekers (on Centrelink benefits and not over 65 years). 38% of those interviewed were under the age of 55, compared with 40% of those interviewed 2011 - 2012.

Additionally, there were 5055 walk-ins, telephone or email requests for information on volunteering or follow-up contacts (additional to the interviews). There were 3749 in 2011 - 2012.

Interviews are still being co-ordinated through our offices at Niagara Park Office, with outreach centres being utilised weekly at: Woy Woy, Erina, Niagara Park and Tuggerah and fortnightly at Kanwal and The Entrance . The top three interview locations by bookings were Niagara Park, Tuggerah and Erina.

RECRUITMENT TEAM

We have a fantastic team of 9 Volunteers who volunteer in Administration, Interviewing, Recruitment, Organisational Support, presenting “Bridge to Volunteering” and Database Development.

We have five interviewers, three of these also spend a day in the office each week. This day doing follow up procedures in the office is very effective, with the interviewers gaining further knowledge of processing of interview forms, volunteer roles and making connections and contacts with organisations. Susan has assisted me with training the new volunteers and all volunteers are involved in reviewing processes or procedures at the team meetings.

Our monthly team meetings also provide the volunteers with an open forum for communication on any relevant issues affecting VCC. These meetings are used for education, team building and problem solving across all areas.

The volunteer database has assisted our processes immensely:

We have all information and follow up data on the client available at the click of a button and we have set follow up procedures which are computer generated and statistical reports can be obtained easily for a variety of uses.

Member “Organisational Contact Sheets” are filled in by all volunteers and myself and these statistics are tallied and entered into the data base for statistical reports. Any organisations who have not been contacted in a certain period can then be followed up.

The Data base has streamlined our ability to service organisational requests and manage organisations more effectively by providing us with information ahead of time, such as insurances falling due in the next month, so we can be efficient in follow up.

Training offered to the Recruitment Volunteers in this period:

Work Health and Safety update, which was delivered by one of our Volunteers, as part of the course she was studying.

In November we had a Bus Field Trip to visit six of our organisations on the Southern end of the Coast. This Team Building Day familiarises the volunteers with the people they speak to regularly and provides an understanding of the venues and Volunteer Roles which enables a better “match” potential for volunteers and the volunteer roles.

BRIDGE TO VOLUNTEERING

“Bridge to Volunteering” (B to V) is a general information session, designed to give prospective volunteers relevant information, to enable them to make informed choices about volunteering. These sessions are not compulsory, however we encourage everybody to attend a session, before interview, as we have found the information provided better equips people to make more informed choices at interview and also determines for some that it may not be the right time or circumstance for them to volunteer. The session increases their knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of being a volunteer. This means that interview appointments are primarily utilised by those who wish to continue on the volunteering pathway.

We increased the amount of B to Vs on offer in the latter part of 2012, due to the positive feedback from organisations and participants. B to V runs at Niagara Park every 2 weeks and is run in Woy Woy, Lake Haven, Wyong and The Entrance on a rotation which means these locations are offered every two months. This orientation to volunteering now is offered three to four times a month between January and the end of November. Currently the majority of these are presented by one of our Volunteers. It is much easier now to book clients into B to V in an appropriate time frame before an interview date.

We held 19 standard Bridge to Volunteering sessions at the Niagara Park venue between July 2012 and June 2013. Between July and June we also ran 6 Bridge to Volunteering at Lakehaven, 7 at Woy Woy, 5 at Wyong. This year we brought on The Entrance as another location, where three Bridge to Volunteering Sessions were also held. There were 2 B to Vs run during the Central Coast Volunteer Expo and two special ones run for Post School Options and Tarragal Glen. This means that there were 42 B to Vs in total. There was an average of 12.9 people at each session, across all locations, with the highest attendance being at Niagara Park, which had an individual average of 12.77 people in attendance per session.

A total of 675 people registered to attend the B to V sessions, with the actual number of attendees totalling 542. Of the 542 attendees, we received 486 returned evaluations of the session, in which 99% of people indicated that their needs were met.

Of the 674 interviews conducted between July 2012 and June 2013, 398 people advised that they had attended a B to V session. This is 59% of interviewed clients. This compares to 36% of clients interviewed for the 2011-2012 financial year. We have increased this percentage by 23% through running additional B to V’s and by encouraging people to attend a B to V when they contact us to book an interview.

REFERRAL SERVICE TRENDS

During the course of the 2012 - 2013 financial year, 674 interviews were carried out across the Central Coast. This represented an increase of 6.08% (41 interviews) on 2011 - 2012 when 633 interviews were carried out.

Of the 674 interviews carried out, 664 (98.5%), of the clients were successfully referred to volunteer positions, this is an increase of 3.1% over the previous year which was 95.4%. As with previous years, the highest numbers of volunteers were referred to community/health/welfare organisations (90.5%).

The following graphs and tables break down the statistics of volunteers by various characteristics Results are shown to the nearest %

INTERVIEWS BY GENDER:

2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012

Number % Interviews by Gender

Number %

259 38.4 Male 211 33.3

415 61.6 Female 422 66.7

INTERVIEWS BY SPECIAL NEEDS:

2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012

Number % Other Number %

96 14.2 Had a disability, 119 18.8

15 2.2 Were from a CALD (Culturally & Linguistically Different) background

5 0.8

1 0.1 Were Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander 2 0.3

INTERVIEWS BY AGE:

2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012

Number % Interviews by Age Number %

5 0.7 U18 8 1.3

60 8.9 18 – 24 39 6.2

51 7.6 25 – 34 55 8.7

65 9.6 35 – 44 65 10.3

75 11.1 45 - 54 85 13.4

344 51.0 55 -64 309 48.8

74 11 65+ 72 11.4

Once again, the greatest source of referrals for the year, as noted by the client, was Centrelink/Job Network, who referred 47.7% of all interviewees. The next greatest source of referral is the internet (17.65%) followed by word of mouth (12.75%).

Referral Source Volume % Referral Source Volume %

Centrelink 200 29.6 Print Media 32 4.74

Job Network 122 18.1 Brochure / Flyer / Pamphlet 17 2.52

Internet 119 17.65 Telephone Book 2 0.29

Other 63 9.34 Health Professional 9 1.33

Word of Mouth 86 12.75 Radio / TV 10 1.48

School/ College / TAFE/ Uni 10 1.48 Special Promotion 3 0.44

CC VOLUNTEER EXPO 2013:

We had our fifth Volunteer Expo this year, in May, to coincide with National Volunteer Week. It was the fourth time we have held it at the Niagara Park Community Centre. The planning committee was small compared to previous years, as it only consisted of VCC staff this year. This year’s event attracted 31 stalls and the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. Over 400 participants attended the day.

The Central Coast Volunteer Expo was an opportunity for potential volunteers to find a volunteering position and speak with organisations, while organisations also got to understand the volunteer market at this time, by meeting volunteers directly and discussing what the market was wanting, networking with other community organisations and discussing their experiences. The feedback from the day was very positive.

TRAINING DELIVERED

Way2Go Training

2 Special sessions of Bridge to Volunteering at Tarragal Glen and Post School Options.

MEETINGS/ACTIVITIES ATTENDED

The Recruitment Co-ordinator is often asked to address meetings, information and/or orientation sessions, including the following: Guest Speak at Youth Inspired at Ourimbah Uni

4 on site presentations to the staff of Job Services Providers, informing them of how volunteering can be a pathway to employment, as well as educating them in regards to VCC services, the steps clients need to take and how clients can be “volunteer ready”.

EXPOS ATTENDED:

Central Coast Volunteer Expo

Services Network Expo - Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders Co-operation in Umina

Central Coast Connect Day

TRAINING / CONFERENCES / SEMINARS

“Working with Children Check” Information session on 17/12/2012

“Accidental Counsellor” training at Woodbury Park

Ignite Volunteering Conference in Sydney

Other meetings attended include:

Managers’ of Volunteers Forums held quarterly

Team meetings for VCC Volunteers held monthly

Bus trip with Recruitment Team.

Staff meetings

Multicultural Interagency meetings held bi-monthly

AGM for Volunteering Central Coast

Volunteer Centre Network meeting

NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Presentation

Disability Interagency Meeting

Wyong Interagency Meetings held bi-monthly

Meetings with potential volunteers for VCC

Interviews with special needs clients

Central Coast Volunteer Expo meetings

Interviewer assessments and volunteer assessments

Meetings with community organisations’ representatives

Centrelink community partnership meetings at The Entrance

Appointments with Job Services Providers

CC Multicultural Meeting

Newcastle Interagency

Time Banking event at Mingara

GENERAL COMMENTS

This financial year began with Liz McKay in the Recruitment Co-ordinator’s chair and I began on the 11th June 2013. I have been at VCC for two months now and am enjoying the position. I have enjoyed working along side VCC staff and the Volunteer Recruitment Team, seeing the positive outcomes created for both volunteers and member organisations. I received a very good orientation process and have been assisted by all in transitioning into the role. There is a great team spirit as we work towards achieving positive outcomes. It is great to see how VCC supports the not for profit organisations on the Central Coast and how generous our community members are. I often receive very positive feedback on the volunteers we have been able to refer to community organisations. Jo Boccalatte

Recruitment Co-ordinator

COMMUNITY VISITORS SCHEME “FRIENDS FOR OLDER PEOPLE”

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

CO-ORDINATORS ANNUAL REPORT

Annual reporting statistics

1. We were funded for 40 CVS Volunteer Visitors during the 2012 - 2013 reporting period.

2. We had 47 volunteer visitors during the period.

3. A total of 967 visits were undertaken by CVS volunteers during the period. This is an increase of 212 visits on the previous year of 755 visits.

RECRUITMENT

I continue to contact people who have expressed an interest, or have made enquiries into becoming a community visitor. This might be generated from the web, phone or ‘face to face’.

Other methods of recruitment have included: referrals by Volunteering Central Coast Inc., marketing at community events, free advertisement placements in Coffee News editions, free advertisement placements in Ducks Crossing Publications, on local community radio and free mentions on Central Coast ABC radio. I also add requests for volunteers to the CVS newsletters, my email sign off and employ ‘word of mouth’. Recruitment is also achieved through regular communication and sharing with my Central Coast CVS Co-ordinator colleagues.

Active visitor numbers fluctuate again throughout this reporting period. Unfortunately, there have been resignations, a loss of new recruits and residents passing.

The total number of visits undertaken by volunteers during the reporting period has increased significantly. I believe this is in part due to volunteers establishing themselves and increasing the number of visits to their residents. I have reiterated the requirement for consistent visiting during CVS interviews, Orientations and Support Meetings. Another reason is that not as many Aged Care Facilities were in continual and lengthy ‘lock-down’ periods because of Gastro & Influenza outbreaks as in the previous year.

CVS VOLUNTEER VISITORS

Induction is conducted as a one-to-one individual session or as group sessions within the primary interview process. However a secondary orientation phase is conducted at the Aged Care Facility between the Activity Officer, the CVS Coordinator and the CVS volunteer, during interviews with the DON, which also includes a Facility tour. We also visit with the resident we have matched them with during this session.

I have held two Group Orientation sessions to cover more in-depth information and the complete CVS Volunteer Visitor Manual during this report period. This has been a great way for the new recruits to meet others and realise they are not on their own.

I have also conducted a number of ‘one on one’ sessions for those not able to attend the group sessions. I give out a CVS Orientation kit to each person attending these Orientation sessions, which includes various items e.g., Information on Dementia issues, a stress ball, pen and various Fact Sheets. CVS 'Starting Out Manuals' and badges were also given out. I was very pleased with the overall participation and with the evaluations I received back.

Our CVS Support Team meetings are usually held bi-monthly. The volunteers are given the opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have in relation to their visiting or with the program in general. This discussion often provides the volunteers with answers to their issues and insight into new approaches. The CVS team members are a good support to each other, giving lots of encouragement and ideas, especially to the newcomers.

Aged Care Facilities often hold their own information talks, with Guest speakers, on topics that are beneficial to our volunteers. I have developed a good relationship with some Aged Care Facilities whereby our CVS volunteer visitors are invited to participate/attend, if possible, to provide some extra training and information to assist them. I encourage this attendance and participation during the CVS Orientation. They are warmly greeted and appreciated for their contribution by the staff.

Throughout the year, our volunteers are invited to attend events that give recognition for their dedication to the residents they visit in the aged care facilities. Guest speakers are invited to come along to the CVS team meetings, to provide training and/or information to assist the volunteers in their role as a community visitor. ‘Birthdays’, ‘Congratulations’, ‘Get Well’ and Thank You’ cards, Newsletters, email greetings/updates, and relevant information through pamphlets, written articles and Fact Sheets are also circulated to volunteers as other ways of recognising and valuing our volunteers.

Acknowledgements were sent to CVS volunteers for their 1st year anniversaries through this reporting period. Commemorative CVS badges from the Dept. of Health and Ageing were also sent.

AGED CARE FACILITIES

I have approached previously un-allocated or new facilities, to encourage participation with the Community Visitors Scheme, in order to identify isolated residents in need, and for facility choice for CVS volunteer visitors. I successfully approached Evergreen Life Care, West Gosford. This facility did not participate in the Community Visitors Scheme and falls under my region. I also successfully approached Killarney Court, Killarney Vale. This facility did not participate in the Community Visitors Scheme and falls under my region.

I do have some difficulty with some of the more recent facilities VCC has taken on, Magnolia Manor and William Cape Gardens both of Kanwal and Brisbane Waters Legacy at Wyoming. All have on-going concerns with their accreditation processes and frequent changes of staff, resulting in me continuing to spend time chasing up for referrals and possible matches.

VCC refers CVS volunteers to the following Aged Care Facilities:

Aubrey Downer - Point Clair Magnolia Manor - Kanwal

Boronia Court - Woy Woy Nareen Gardens - Bateau Bay

Brisbane Waters Legacy - Wyoming William Cape Gardens - Kanwal

Chamberlain Gardens - Wyoming Wyee Aged Care - Wyee

Evergreen Life Care - West Gosford Wyong Aged Care - Wyong

Killarney Court – Killarney Vale Uniting Care - Warnervale

Killarney Vale - Killarney Vale

CVS PROMOTIONAL & MARKETING ACTIVITIES

CVS ‘Friends for Older people’ advertisements have continued to be placed in the Coffee News: Gosford, Peninsula and Tuggerah area editions. I have managed to have these ads placed regularly and for Free.

CVS ‘Friends for Older people’ advertisements have continued to be placed throughout Duck’s Crossing Publications. I have managed to have these ads placed regularly and for Free.

I organised an editorial on CVS ‘Friends for Older People’, to be placed in a Duck’s Crossing Publication for the Central Coast Volunteering Expo, Wed 15th May 2013.

Ongoing - where possible - mention for the CVS ‘Friends for Older People’ on ABC radio Central Coast. I have managed to have these ads placed regularly and for Free.

I continue to promote CVS – and VCC services – where ever I am able to, using posters, brochures etc. at events that I attend, or posting to Community Centres, Medical and doctor’s rooms, Gosford & Ourimbah TAFE, Erina Fair information booth, and asking them to display in foyers, reception or waiting rooms.

I also use ‘word of mouth’ and use my work email sign off as promotion of CVS and for recruitment purposes.

NETWORKING

CVS Regional Co-ordinator Meetings are a much needed networking tool, where ideas and experiences are shared among the co-ordinators.

The rapport I have established with the Aged Care Facility contacts has also been a great way to network. This provides me with support in my role as Community Visitors Scheme Co-ordinator through ideas, advice and experiences shared. Other meetings of groups involved with aged care, assist in keeping me up to date in the aged care field.

Another good networking tool is Volunteering Central Coast’s quarterly Managers’ of Volunteers Forum. At these meetings, managers of volunteers from member organisations come together to discuss issues regarding volunteering.

As part of the VCC advertising and marketing team for the 2013 Central Coast Volunteer Expo with former Recruitment Co-ordinator, Liz McKay, I gained invaluable networking experience with many Gosford and Wyong Shire community groups, NFP groups, advertising agencies, VCC member organisations and personal contacts.

SPECIAL EVENTS, HIGHLIGHTS & GOOD NEWS STORIES

The annual combined Christmas lunch was held in December 2012 with Volunteering Central Coast’s Recruitment volunteers, CVS volunteers and staff in attendance. A huge buffet lunch was offered once again. Those in attendance had fun playing the games that were organised by the staff, they received prizes for activities and lucky door prizes were given away. During the luncheon we also individually recognise our volunteers for their efforts as part of International Volunteers Day. I received positive feedback from the volunteers that the VCC Board of Management also joined us for the luncheon. No paid advertising has been required for CVS this period, due to the effort that I have given to networking and marketing for the CVS. I haven’t required paid advertisements since my first year in the CVS role. I am proud of this achievement.

As noted previously, being part of the VCC advertising and marketing team for the 2013 Central Coast Volunteer Expo with former Recruitment Co-ordinator, Liz McKay provided invaluable

experience from the many people that I contacted and liaised with. The information gained has increased my knowledge of the Central Coast, particularly within the community sector and the support received was fantastic. A particular highlight was the planning and organisation of the interviews for our member organisations on ABC radio, at Erina Fair through 6th -10th May, to advertise National Volunteer Week and the Expo. Another highlight was organising most of the Honourable guest speakers to attend the Expo.

Another good news story was gaining an editorial, after quite considerable negotiations, in the Duck’s Crossing Publication’s Out &About, during 6th - 10th May 2013 and I have since received extensive free advertisement placements.

For the second year, I was again asked to be the CVS Regional Program Co-ordinator by my CVS colleagues, which I accepted in January 2013. I believe this was due in part to the immediate rapport established with my colleagues when I commenced in this role in 2011. I am proud of the feedback I receive from each one and from some of their Auspice organisations.

The Anniversaries of our volunteer visitors is a good news story in itself. We had five volunteers who celebrated their 5th Anniversaries and one who celebrated her 10th year Anniversary. Whilst most of these occurred during the previous reporting period, it was only during this reporting period that we were finally able to celebrate these milestones. As the CVS budget is limited for special purchases, I organised a special official ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ available for community volunteers from the office of the Member for Robertson NSW, Ms Deborah O’Neill MP. These took a long period of time to receive and a CVS Team Meeting was organised, at which the Certificates were handed out. The VCC EO, Michelle Vanstone and the Chairman of the VCC Board, Bob Ward kindly handed them to the attending recipients.

The Aged Care Facilities, Nareen Gardens - Bateau Bay, Chamberlain Gardens - Wyoming and Killarney Vale – Killarney Vale are the primary supporters of our Community Visitors Scheme. A great relationship exists with their staff and volunteers, making it a continued success and good news story.

Also, the many good news stories that have come from the visits are fabulous and inspiring. It’s a wonderful experience when new recruits join us and are surprised at how well the matched they are with residents and the friendship that develops so quickly.

I sourced and accepted numerous large print books from our Central Coast council Libraries, which have been organised and allocated to our CVS serviced Aged Care Facilities. The support from the Libraries was really good to see. This has been a great relationship builder between the CVS volunteers and residents.

IDENTIFIED DIFFICULTIES, ISSUES AND COMPLAINTS

People in receipt of Centrelink benefits are quite often referred to CVS and are not always suitable as CVS volunteers, from a consistency point of view. Similarly, as a CVS visitor is only required to visit for 1 hour per fortnight, this doesn’t meet the Centrelink requirements of 15 hours of volunteering per week.

Most Aged Care Facilities have their own Volunteer Programs running and these may include a similar social visiting aspect as our Community Visitors Scheme. This sometimes puts CVS in a secondary position.

A number of Aged Care Facilities conduct their own Police Checks on our CVS volunteer visitors, even though this is not required, as they must undergo a police check to become a CVS volunteer. This slows down the whole matching process, is time consuming and quite off-putting for the potential CVS volunteer visitor.

Most Aged Care Facilities are reluctant to inform our volunteer visitors or myself on the passing of a resident. This has been discussed with the staff and the reasons given are similar; not their immediate priority, staff not aware of the procedure, they forget etc.

Staff turnover at some facilities often means the staff is not aware of our Scheme. I keep a CVS information package on hand, for when new staff do commence at the aged care facility and communicate regularly with them.

Some Aged Care Facilities are still reluctant to send information on the profile form for our keeping and this is sometimes overcome by getting the residents information directly from them at the initial meeting.

Another issue that continually arises surrounds residents who require high care support, or have high-level dementia, and the ability to match CVS volunteers to these people. There is reluctance by new recruits to undertake this, particularly as they are usually not trained, or have knowledge in this area. This could be resolved by giving training skills to the volunteers but would be costly.

The repair of my computer, applications and set-up problems that I had been experiencing over many months of pre/post new computer, has been of enormous help.

FEEDBACK

As the CVS co-ordinator I have continued to develop and maintain an excellent rapport with the Aged Care Facilities’ staff and activity officers. This provides the opportunity to discuss and review any processes relating to productivity enhancements, regular communications and update any new developments as they arise. Any facility alterations, management structure and the status of residents on the waiting list are all examples of a new development.

POLICE CHECKS & MOU RECORDS

The Criminal History Record Checks are being carried out on all new recruits, these need to be repeated at 3 yearly intervals, for existing CVS Volunteer Visitors.

A Memorandum of Understanding is signed by each new recruit when commencing as a community visitor volunteer.

Meetings/Activities attended

1st June ACF Aubrey Downer, volunteer visitor match - Pt Clare

4th June CVS x 2 Interviews – Niagara Park 6th June ACF volunteer visitor match - Woy Woy 6th June ACF volunteer visitor match - Wyoming 7th June CVS x 3 Interviews – Niagara Park 12thJune CVS Interview – Niagara Park 13th June CVS Interview – Niagara Park 14th June CVS x 2 Interviews – Niagara Park 19th June CVS x 2 Interviews – Niagara Park 20th June ACF Aubrey Downer, volunteer visitor match - Pt Clare 20th June ACF Wyoming, match and ‘one on one’ CVS Orientation - Wyoming 21st June ACF Wyoming, match and ‘one on one’ CVS Orientation - Wyoming 22nd June ACF Wyoming, match and ‘one on one’ CVS Orientation - Wyoming 25th June ACF Aubrey Downer, match and ‘one on one’ CVS Orientation – PT Clare 26th June Ministerial Visit - Niagara Park

27thJune ACF Killarney Vale, 3 matches - Killarney Vale 4th July CVS x 3 Interviews – Niagara Park 10th July CVS Interview – Niagara Park 11th July CVS x 2 Interviews – Niagara Park 16th July CVS Interview – Niagara Park 17th July CVS Interview – Niagara Park 20th July ACF Nareen Gardens, match and ‘one on one’ CVS Orientation – Bateau Bay 26th July ACF Aubrey Downer, match and ‘one on one’ CVS Orientation – Bateau Bay 31st July Meeting with new Peninsular (Community Care) CVS Coordinator – Niagara Park 1 Aug ACF Magnolia Manor, volunteer visitor introduction – Kanwal 1 Aug VCC Staff Meeting – Niagara Park 2 Aug ACF Wyong Aged Care, volunteer visitor match – Wyong 7 Aug Managers’ Of Volunteers Breakfast Forum – Niagara Park 8 Aug CVS Group Orientation – Niagara Park

9 Aug CVS Group Orientation – Niagara Park 22 Aug ACF Boronia Court, volunteer visitor match – Woy Woy 22 Aug ACF Aubrey Downer – Pt Clare 23 Aug ACF Starrett Lodge, match and ‘one on one’ CVS Orientation – Warnervale 24 Aug CVS Interview – Niagara Park 29 Aug Senior First Aid Training – Gosford 30 Aug Senior First Aid Training – Gosford 11 Sept ACF Nareen Gardens, volunteer visitor match – Bateau Bay 12 Sept CVS Interview – Niagara Park 19 Sept VCC AGM – Niagara Park 26 Sept CVS Team Support Meeting – Niagara Park 26 Sept VCC AGM – Niagara Park 31 Oct ACF Aubrey Downer – Pt Clare 7 Nov VCC Staff Meeting – Niagara Park 7 Nov Time Banking Luncheon – Niagara Park 8 Nov Progress Meeting and Work-plan update with Michelle Vanstone – Niagara Park 20 Nov CVS volunteer visitor, pop in – Niagara Park 20 Nov One on One with Michelle Vanstone – Niagara Park 21 Nov CVS Team Support Meeting – Niagara Park 27 Nov VCC Expo Meeting – Niagara Park 28 Nov One on One with Michelle Vanstone - Niagara Park 4 Dec ACF Killarney Court – Killarney Vale 6 Dec CVS Interview – Niagara Park 11 Dec VCC Expo Brief with Liz McKay - Niagara Park 11 Dec VCC Staff Christmas work group – Niagara Park 12 Dec Timebanking – Mingara 13 Dec VCC Volunteer Christmas Luncheon – CCLC, Gosford 18 Dec ACF Nareen Gardens – Bateau Bay

8 Jan VCC Expo Brief with Liz McKay - Niagara Park 10 Jan Meeting with HACC Training Co-ordinator – Niagara Park 15 Jan Meeting with Express Advocate, Expo Marketing – West Gosford 16 Jan CVS Interview – Niagara Park 17 Jan CVS Interview – Niagara Park 22 Jan VCC Expo Staff Update Meeting – Niagara Park 22 Jan Progress Meeting and work-plan update with Michelle Vanstone – Niagara Park 23 Jan VCC Expo Brief with Liz McKay- Niagara Park 30 Jan VCC Staff Meeting – Niagara Park 1 Feb CVS Interview – Niagara Park

A FINAL NOTE A highlight for my personal development was being accepted into the University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Educations Associate Degree in Dementia. This was the first time it has been offered and it has now become a world first success story. It has developed into a BA in Dementia to be offered internationally by UTA. I would like to thank my work colleagues, past and current Donna, Joanne, Angela, Liz, Colleen, and Michelle, the Board of Management, CVS Co-ordinator colleagues and in particular all the dedicated VCC and CVS volunteers. Sharon Roberts CVS Co-ordinator 3 September 2013

5 Feb VCC Managers’ of Volunteers Breakfast Forum – Niagara Park 6 Feb VCC Meeting with 2GO, Expo Marketing – Niagara Park 13 Feb VCC Expo Brief with Liz McKay – Niagara Park 14 Feb VCC Staff Expo Meeting – Niagara Park 21 Feb ACF Chamberlain Gardens - Wyoming 26 Feb CVS Interview – Niagara Park 27 Feb CVS Team Support Meeting – Niagara Park 5 March ACF William Cape Gardens - Kanwal 6 March ACF Chamberlain Gardens - Wyoming 7 March ACF William Cape Gardens - Kanwal 7 March ACF Magnolia Manor – Kanwal 12 March CVS Interview – Niagara Park 13 March Training Workshop Excel – Tuggerah Park 20 March CVS Regional Co-ordinators Meeting – Wallarah Bay 21 March VCC Expo Brief with Liz McKay – Niagara Park 26 March VCC Expo Meeting with Central Coast ABC radio - Erina 27 March CVS Trial Pop in Day - Niagara Park 30 April VCC Expo Brief with Liz McKay - Niagara Park 1 May CVS Interview – Niagara Park 2 May VCC Staff Expo Meeting – Niagara Park 9 May VCC Peninsula Links Expo – Woy Woy 4 June 4 June

CVS Interview – Niagara Park Appraisal Meeting with Michelle Vanstone – Niagara Park

5 June CVS Interview – Niagara Park 7 June CVS volunteer lunch meeting – The Entrance 18 June 18 June

CVS Interviews x 2 – Niagara Park Work Plan Meeting with Michelle Vanstone – Niagara Park

19 June ACF Nareen Gardens volunteer & resident match – Bateau Bay 20 June CVS Interview – Niagara Park 25 June VCC Staff Meeting – Niagara Park 27 June 27 June

CVS Interview – Niagara Park Central Coast Disability Network meeting – Niagara Park

TIMEBANKING

“GROWING LOCAL COMMUNITIES”

PROJECT OFFICER’S ANNUAL REPORT

BACKGROUND In 2012 the NSW Government released the first NSW Volunteering Strategy. In this strategy Timebanking was presented as a key initiative to achieve the strategic direction ‘valuing volunteers and celebrating their contributions’. On 31 July 2012, the Hunter Volunteer Centre (HVC) and Volunteering Central Coast (VCC) were announced as the successful providers of Timebanking in the Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast regions. Objectives

Create and maintain awareness and understanding of Timebanking, the volunteering opportunities it provides, and benefits of this project to individuals and the community.

Provide a clear call to action for the community to become members of Timebanking.

Increase volunteering and community participation through mobilising new volunteers and improving the diversity of volunteering.

Redefine volunteering to include informal volunteering and community giving.

Build on HVC and VCC current community profiles and further strengthen their community standing.

Establish and maintain supporting relationships with international Timebanking organisations.

POSITIONAL OVERVIEW Colleen Cooper commenced as the Project Officer in September 2012 and was employed until April 2013. I started in the role 23 May 2013. Colleen worked in conjunction with the Hunter Volunteer Centre and the Office of Communities to complete the following:

Advisory Committee Terms of Reference, Risk register, Project Charter and Communications and Engagement Strategy and Plan documents.

Develop a trial organisation structure, Project Plan and Timebanking progress report templates.

Develop roles/responsibilities for Project Officer positions.

Set up social media and newsletter templates.

Work with the database providers to develop a suitable tool to reflect Timebanking terminology/processes.

Produce marketing material.

From May - June 2013, the Office of Communities seconded Lisa Pierce to Volunteering Central Coast for 2 days per week to assist the new Project Officer to:

Increase Timebanking registrations.

Recruit two volunteers as part of the Central Coast brokerage team.

Participate in P&C school meetings.

Broker affiliation space at Neighbourhood/Community Centres.

Increase registered Central Coast organisations.

Increase awareness via Social media.

Produce media stories for dissemination and increase Timebanking profile.

COMMUNITY PROFILE Timebanking is new to Australia and the trial has had the support of the University of Newcastle and the University of Wollongong, to assist in its evaluation. In an international context, the NSW Timebanking trial is already one of the biggest timebanks in the world. Literature states that “linking Timebanking to specific communities suggests that it has a good chance of success” This has been evident within the methods employed, where it has been important to “create and maintain awareness and understanding of Timebanking, the volunteering opportunities it provides, and benefits of this project to individuals and the community”. Implementing Timebanking within organisations has been a point of difference, compared to international examples. This has provided many partner opportunities within the community and with schools, other not for profit and for local government organisations. Being active and visible with Timebanking in the community has further raised the awareness and community profile of VCC. It has provided volunteers on the Central Coast with the option to explore informal volunteering like no other opportunity before. Setting up and maintaining those relationships has ensured the projects continual growth and has required a very hands on approach, where each Project Officer has spent the majority of time out in the field with users of the Timebank, be they individuals or organisations.

Meeting/Activities Attended In alignment with the Communication objectives of Timebanking, the Project Officer is required to address meetings, present information or facilitate information sessions regarding Timebanking. This is summarised below. 40 Presentations delivered including: Kariong Neighbourhood Centre

Central Coast Youth Interagency

Central Coast Disability Network

Lions Club Narara Valley

Henry Kendall High - School Leavers Committee meeting – attended by 25

Peninsula Women’s Health Centre

Coast Shelter – attended by 35

Kariong Neighbourhood Centre – attended by 15

Wyong Public School – Principal Mr Graham Holmes plus team

Community Visitor’s Scheme Regional meeting

Youth Inspired – Ourimbah University

Wyong Shire Council – Managers’ of Volunteer programs

Gwandalan CWA, Arts and Craft Association and Library Services

Bateau Bay Men’s Shed

Kariong Neighbourhood Centre

Eco Village Narara

ARMS Central Coast

The Entrance Men’s Shed

Men of League Central Coast

Wadalba Public School (PS) P&C

Warnervale PS P&C

Woy Woy Sth PS P&C

Ettalong PS P&C

Woy Woy Football Club Committee.

28 Meetings attended including:

Gwandalan Public School (PS)

Toukley PS

Wadalba PS and P&C

Wyong Grove PS

Gorokan PS

Tuggerawong PS

Bateau Bay Men’s Shed/Neighbourhood Centre

Alison Rd Homestead

Blue Haven Community Centre

St John the Baptist Catholic School

Woy Woy PS

Ettalong PS

Kariong Neighbourhood Centre – Fiona Simpson

Warnervale PS

Bateau Bay PS

Killarney Vale PS

Carer Support Unit Gosford

Ability Links CC

Youth Connections.

Expos/stalls attended

Kariong Fun Festival

Peninsula Village Seniors Positive Living

Peninsula Links Day

Central Coast Volunteer Expo MEDIA EXPOSURE

Channel 7 News story and subsequent YouTube download https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL97t2pwgrA – December 2012

ABC Radio Erina – December 2012

Mingara Recreation Club – Community presentation December 2013.

ABC Radio Canberra – February 2013.

NBN Television – February 2013.

Lions Club of Narara Valley Inc – Newsletter – March 2013 edition.

Wyong Chronicle (Wyong PS Timebanking member) article – May 2013

Wyong Chronicle (Transition to Work Timebanking trade) article – June 2013

STATISTICAL INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 2012 – JUNE 30 2013 All figures commenced at zero.

735 individuals registered with the Timebanking website

293 organisations registered

259 trades totalling 1455.50 hours traded

435 followers on our Facebook page

112 on our twitter account

GENERAL COMMENTS The information for this report has been gathered by revisiting past reports, correspondence and statistical information readily available via the Timebanking database. I personally, being new to the project and VCC, thoroughly enjoy the challenge of maintaining and growing the Timebanking Project’s success and have found the support of the VCC EO, staff and volunteers to be of great value. It’s been a great learning curve discovering what the VCC does for the community in which I live. As part of my Timebanking duties, I work with and mentor a small group of volunteers and have grown to appreciate the value and spirit they add to our everyday lives. Angela Chaperon Timebanking Project Officer