Aims

The aim of Volunteering Wingecarribee (Volwing) is to provide a Volunteer resource service that:

• Links volunteers and organisations together by providing recruitment and referral services.
• Promotes Best Practice and provides training in volunteer management.
• Develops partnerships and facilitates cooperation between organisations which depend on volunteers, encouraging the sharing of resources, skills and knowledge.
• Promotes the variety of volunteering opportunities available and the benefits of volunteering to all sectors of the community.
• Acts as a resource centre for volunteering, providing advice and information to support volunteer activities.
• Acts as an advocate for volunteering issues.

Volwing is a not-for-profit incorporated community organisation. It is headed by a Management Committee and coordinated by a part-time Manager assisted by a group of volunteers. Volwing is funded by a small allocation from Wingecarribee Shire Council, grants for projects, membership fees, fundraising and donations.

History

The Volunteering Wingecarribee project was originally funded by the NSW Area Assistance Scheme and auspiced by the Illawarra Forum Inc.

The first project office was provided by HarbisonCare at Burradoo. The project was initiated by a group of individuals from community volunteer organisations (the Wingecarribee Volunteer Consortium). The group fulfilled a need for a cooperative approach to volunteer recruitment and management. The organisation, Volunteering Wingecarribee Inc, was incorporated on 14th August 2003 and auspicing by the Illawarra Forum ceased on 3rd April 2004.

In mid 2005, a Council cottage in Moss Vale became available and was offered to Volunteering Wingecarribee at a peppercorn rent. In September 2005, Volwing commenced operating at this new location - Volwing Cottage 556 Argyle Street Moss Vale - and the Volunteer Referral Service (VRS) also commenced.

Volwing Cottage

Operations

The VRS is staffed by a team of volunteers. The service operates Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 1.00pm at Volwing Cottage. New Volunteer interviews are usually held on Mondays and Wednesdays. Volwing currently provides the following services:

• Volunteer recruitment and referral
• Training in the ethics of volunteering and volunteer management
• Promotion of volunteering
• Volunteering opportunities booklet
• Resources to assist volunteer management