28th ANNUAL REPORT

2013 – 2014

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

16 Washington Avenue, NIAGARA PARK

Phone 4329 7122

www.volunteeringcentralcoast.org.au

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. Now in our 28th year, VCC continues to grow and develop, in order to meet the ever expanding and changing needs of the Central Coast.

VISION Growth through Volunteering

MISSION We will grow volunteering by connecting people and organisations through mutually beneficial opportunities.

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.

2013 – 2014 BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

Chairperson Bob Ward (Acting)

Secretary Jenny MacKellin

Treasurer Jenny Collins

Ordinary Board Members Andrew Tuck Resigned 26/6/14

Srini Bezwada

Tim O’Brien Joined 26/9/13

Melanie Law Joined 24/10/13

Public Officer Michelle Vanstone

Auditor Stuart Hayward

PAID STAFF

Executive Officer Michelle Vanstone

Recruitment Co-ordinator Jo Boccalatte

CVS Co-ordinator Sharon Roberts (resigned 26/9/13)

Toni Trent (commenced 19/11/13)

Timebanking Project Officer

Angela Chaperon (resigned 20/11/13)

Jane Tenney (25/11/13 – 31/12/13)

Timebanking Project Assistant

Ruth Ross (ceased 17/7/13)

Susan Murphy (1/10/13 – 31/10/13)

Administration Officer/ Training Brokerage

Donna Joseph

RECRUITMENT VOLUNTEERS

RESIGNED RECRUITMENT VOLUNTEERS

Administration/ Interviewer Marcia Dawkins

Administration Kerri Sproule-Genge

Administration Barbara McDougal

Administration Jennifer Ahrens

TIMEBANKING VOLUNTEERS

Project Assistant Peter Campbell

Project Assistant Susan Murphy

Project Assistant Stephanie Power (27/8/13 – 16/12/13)

Project Assistant Debra Cunningham (9/9/13 – 4/11/13)

Project Assistant Rowena Hordern (19/9/13 – 1/10/13)

Administration/ Interviewer Chris Cotter

Administration/ Interviewer Julie Madden

Database Maintenance Warren Dibley

Administration/ Interviewer Don Maisey

Administration/ Timebanking Susan Murphy

Interviewer Bill Rose

Administration Tracey Peterson

Administration/ Presenter Dennis Smith

Administration Vicki Spain

Trainee Interviewer Robert Marten

Administration Elaine Nash

ADMINISTRATION VOLUNTEERS

Reception / Administration Grace Shelley

Reception / Administration Wendy Fleming

COMMUNITY VISITORS SCHEME (CVS) VOLUNTEER VISITORS

Wendy Ambrose Melanie Archer Wayne Ballard

Christine Blackmore Helen Brill Wendy Burgess

Joy Caldwell Katie Camilleri Melissa Camilleri

Kate Chappell Maree Clarke Chrissy Chou

Peggy Crayge Anita Cronshaw Sarah Davis

Felice Del Vescovo Alan Edwards Susan Edwards

Joanne Frazer Maria Galea Debbie Lebbos

Barbara Lutton Francis McLeod Fiona Mealing

Jeremy Nigro Elizabeth O'Keefe Carol Patterson

Keena Phillips Renae Risby Suzy Rosewarne

Janet Rourke Janice Smith Julie Stevens

Allen Tainton Lee Tipper Jason Vassallo

Doris Yeung Janelle Yusuf Bev Zappia

RETIRED FROM THE CVS

Phillip Astill John Beer Sharna Haller

Peter Lovelock Lisa Moore Kimberley Sawyer

Therese Sim Sandra Tuinman Adam Westwood

Bryley Williams

Annual General Meeting Thursday 23 October 2014 – 7.30 am Old Niagara Park Community Centre

AGENDA

Welcome

Acknowledgement of Country

Apologies

Adoption of minutes of 2013 Annual General Meeting

Chairperson’s Annual Report

Auditor’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

Executive Officer’s Annual Report

Election of Board

Appointment of Auditor

General Business

Acceptance of new Constitution

Signatories to the Annual Statement

Membership fees

Close of Meeting

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

26 September 2013

Meeting Opened 9.09 am

Acknowledgement of Country

Present :

Bob Ward

VCC Board - Chairperson

Annette Evans

CC Connections

Jenny Collins

VCC Board - Treasurer

Anne Dunn

CC RAISE Network

Jenny MacKellin

VCC Board - Secretary

Michelle Vanstone

VCC Staff

Tim O’Brien

VCC Board member

Donna Joseph

VCC Staff

Srini Bezwada

VCC Board member

Angela Chaperon

VCC Staff

Andrew Tuck

VCC Board member

Joanne Boccalatte

VCC Staff

Welcome by the Chairperson

Apologies :

Kerrie Forest

Wyong Shire Council

Susan Edwards

VCC CVS Volunteer Visitor

Shauna Walliker

CPO, Family and Community Services

Alan Edwards

VCC CVS Volunteer Visitor

John Rose

TAD

Adoption of Minutes of Previous AGM – 26 September 2012

Minutes adopted by

Andrew Tuck

Seconded by

Srini Bezwada

CARRIED

Chairperson’s Annual Report presented by Bob Ward

Adopted by

Srini Bezwada

Seconded by

Jenny Collins

CARRIED

Auditor’s Report presented by Bob Ward

Adopted by

Jenny Collins

Seconded by

Andrew Tuck

CARRIED

Treasurer’s Report presented by Jenny Collins

Adopted by

Jenny Collins

Seconded by

Srini Bezwada

CARRIED

Executive Officer’s Report presented by Michelle Vanstone

Adopted by

Jenny MacKellin

Seconded by

Andrew Tuck

CARRIED

The Executive then stepped down and the Returning Officer, Anne Dunn, declared all positions vacant pending election of a new Executive, which proceeded as follows: CHAIRPERSON Nominee Nominated by Seconded by As there were no nominations for the position, Bob ward agreed to stand as Relieving Chairperson until the position was filled.

SECRETARY Nominee Nominated by Seconded by Jenny MacKellin

Andrew Tuck

Jenny Collins

ELECTED

MOVED BY Andrew Tuck

SECONDED BY Jenny Collins

CARRIED TREASURER Nominee Nominated by Seconded by Jenny Collins

Jenny MacKellin

Srini Bezwada

ELECTED

MOVED BY Jenny MacKellin

SECONDED BY Srini Bezwada

CARRIED ORDINARY MEMBERS Nominee Nominated by Seconded by Tim O’Brien

Jenny Collins

Bob Ward

Andrew Tuck

Jenny Collins

Bob Ward

Bob Ward

Andrew Tuck

Srini Bezwada

Srini Bezwada

Jenny Collins

Bob Ward

ELECTED

MOVED BY

SECONDED BY

Tim O’Brien

Jenny Collins

Bob Ward

Andrew Tuck

Jenny Collins

Bob Ward

Bob Ward

Andrew Tuck

Srini Bezwada

Srini Bezwada

Jenny Collins

Bob Ward

CARRIED

Public Officer

Michelle Vanstone

Moved by Bob Ward

Seconded by Jenny Collins

CARRIED Auditor Stuart Hayward

Moved by Bob Ward

Seconded by Jenny Collins

CARRIED Honorary Solicitor Patrick McHugh

Moved by Jenny Collins

Seconded by Bob Ward

CARRIED

The Relieving Chairperson, Bob Ward, was then invited to take the chair for the remainder of the meeting. GENERAL BUSINESS Annual Fees Motion That the Annual fee remain at $66.00 (including GST ) for member organisations and $1.10 (incl. GST ) for individuals for the 2013 / 2014 financial year. Moved by Andrew Tuck

Seconded by Tim O’Brien

CARRIED

Meeting Closed 9.32 am

Minutes certified as true and accurate record

Signed _____________________________ Name _________________________________________

Position ____________________________ Date _________________________________________

Acting Chairperson’s Annual Report: 2013-2014

It gives me great pleasure to report on another successful year for Volunteering Central Coast, which is capably led by Michelle Vanstone. Projects offered to the community across the Central Coast include: Volunteer Recruitment, the Community Visitors Scheme and Timebanking. This year we have witnessed another terrific Volunteering Expo where many organisations showcased opportunities for volunteering across the Central Coast. The Expo represented a huge success for Michelle and her team. We thank the project officers and staff from the NSW Department of Human Services: Community Services, the NSW Department of Citizenship and Communities, the Commonwealth Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet, the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing and the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, for their support and encouragement through the year. Without doubt none of this would be possible without Michelle and her staff - Donna Joseph, Joanne Boccalatte and Toni Trent, also Angela Chaperone and Jane Tenney, who were both employed as Project Co-ordinators with Timebanking. On behalf of the Board, thank you for your dedication, support and commitment to volunteering.

We appreciate the loyalty and support of all those organisations, which have worked with us during the year and look forward to working with you next year.

A very special thank you and acknowledgement to all the Board members who volunteer their time to support Volunteering Central Coast: Jenny Collins, Jenny MacKellin, Srini Bezwada, Tim O’Brien, Andrew Tuck and Mel Law.

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

Bob Ward

TREASURER’S REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th

JUNE 2014

The end of year resulted in an overall operating surplus of $3,363.00. Total income for the year was $331,673 Total expenses were $328,310 The individual projects were represented as: Volunteer outreach program Income and expenses: $124,597 Community Visitors scheme Income and expenses $57,006 Administration Income $30,187 expenses $26,824 Vol. Managers Program Income and expenses $67,871 Time Banking Income and expenses $65,008 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 2014. Yours faithfully VOLUNTEERING CENTRAL COAST INC. Jennifer Collins ASA JP Bcomm Treasurer

CURRENT PROGRAMS

1. Volunteer Recruitment and Resource Service, funded by Family & Community Services, Community Services (State Government) and the Department of Social Services (formerly funded by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet) (both 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 Social Services. 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

This latest year has seen many changes for VCC. We have seen not only changes within the staffing structure, but also changes to those representing us on the Board of Management. Our funding bodies have seen the administration of the project funding transferred to new departments, with both the CVS funding and the Volunteer Management Project funding now being administered through the Department of Social Services. As a result of the changes, the department has decided to overhaul their funding systems and have rolled a number of funding streams into just a couple, with Volunteer Management being one of them.

In March we held a Strategic Planning Day, where a new Vision Statement and Mission Statement were developed. This was followed by a change to the Objectives to more closely align with the new definition of direction for VCC.

The Timebanking Project expired on 31/12/13, meaning that we moved from the Trial phase of the project, to the Pilot phase, which is unfunded, unstaffed and offered to communities NSW wide. As a result, we have had two volunteers overseeing the project for part of the time, but as Susan injured herself earlier this year, Peter has been doing a great job looking after it on his own. Now that the project is in the Pilot stage, it is now divided into much smaller areas, with VCC only facilitating Timebanking in the Gosford LGA, whereas previously we administered the entire Central Coast. Now in our 28th year, VCC continues to grow and advance, developing our services to align with the needs of the Central Coast. We continue to strive for new and innovative ways to deliver support to our many clients – member organisations, their staff and both prospective volunteers and current volunteers. As with any community organisation, we have to keep devising ways to ensure that both the quality and quantity of the services provided remains relevant and meets the needs of our clients, as although the demand for services increases, funding does not increase proportionately, so we are effectively delivering more services for less money.

FUNDING

The future of the CVS project was uncertain at the start of the financial year, with the funding body changing the administrative department to the Department of Social Services, who then put all approvals (not previously renewed) on hold until after the Federal election and then also delayed the approvals as they wanted to re-evaluate the project itself. Unfortunately, VCC was one of the organisations who had fallen into this group and the funding renewal was not advised until late November. Thankfully, the approval finally went through and the CVS is now funded until 30/6/16.

The Volunteer Recruitment and Outreach project funded by the Community Builders funding through the Department of Human Services: Community Services (DSH:CS) was affected by the decision to change the entire process for funding through DSH:CS. Organisations worked with their CPO to develop new Funding Deeds and Program Level Agreements (PLA). This 5 year Funding Agreement would mean that VCC has funding approved for a five year period, provided that compliance is achieved with the PLA each year and that agreement could be reached on the PLA for the coming year. The Volunteer Management Program (VMP), now funded by the Department of Social Services, is currently funded to 30/6/15. In July 2014, a submission was made for future funding as per the new requirements of the department, with the outcome expected to be known by late October 2014.

ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY Individuals

Interviews and referrals of prospective volunteers and follow-up contacts (additional to the interviews).

Supporting additional walk-ins, telephone, email or web requests for information on volunteering.

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 2014 Central Coast Volunteer Expo with :

28 member organisations exhibiting 45 volunteers involved on the day Over 200 prospective volunteers in attendance 166 of these were identified by stall holders as being positive leads as potential

volunteers 31 interviews of prospective volunteers 40 people attending Bridge to Volunteering general information sessions

Community Organisations

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 Breakfast Forums with 48 attending overall.

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 2013 and 2014 Central Coast (Homeless) Connect Days.

Participating in the 2013 Central Coast (Homeless) Connect Day at Niagara Park. PROMOTION

VCC co-hosted with The Centre for Volunteering, the 2013 Central Coast Regional Ceremony for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

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

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

Visited a number of Central Coast Job Services Providers and Centrelink Offices TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS AND MANAGERS OF VOLUNTEERS VCC offers training to both Managers of Volunteers and Volunteers, covering a variety of topics, determined by identified needs within our community. A total of 14 training sessions were held, with an aggregate of 188 attendees :

2 x 2014 Coast Connect Day Volunteers

2 x Central Coast Volunteer Expo Volunteers

1 x Apply First Aid

2 x Knowing Your Boundaries

4 x Snapshots at Managers’ of Volunteers Forums

2 x CALD

Introduction to Workplace Communications

What is your Financial Story?

Way2Go 91 Volunteers attended the sessions 97 Managers’ of Volunteers attended the sessions

◊ 9 trainees identified as ATSI ◊ 5 trainees identified as CALD ◊ 13 trainees identified as having a disability

NETWORKING

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

o The EO attended the February meeting and AGM in Canberra.

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 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

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.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

VCC hosted an afternoon tea for our volunteers.

A night time session of BtoV was offered.

We held stalls at Erina Fair and Tuggerah Westfield.

We held a stall at the Over 55’s Leisure, Wellbeing and Volunteer Expo - Mingara. ACTIVITIES OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Boards and Committees

Coast Connect Day 2013 Committee

Coast Connect Day 2014 Committee

CC Volunteer Expo Committee

Volunteer Centre Network (NSW)

Guest Speaking / Training delivered

Social Science students – Ourimbah Uni Campus

Vision Australia – Gosford

2014 Coast Connect Day Volunteer training – Niagara Park

2014 Coast Connect Day Volunteer training – Ourimbah

CC Volunteer Expo student training -Ourimbah

Seminars, Forums and Training

Facilitated Managers’ of Volunteers Forums

Viktor data base

Central Coast Positive Ageing Strategy Community Forum

Know Your Boundaries training

Supervising and Leading Difficult People Training – Sydney

Boards, Governance and Leadership Training - Spencer

Ministerial Forum and Evaluation of NSW Volunteering Strategy – Sydney

Central Coast Regional Activation Workshop – Gosford

Understanding Financial Reports Training – Sydney.

Timebanking data base training - Ourimbah Other Attendances

VCC Board meetings

VCC AGM

VCC Strategic Planning Day - Ourimbah

VCC staff meetings

VCN webinar re training proposal

Volunteer Services Australia (VSA) meetings

CVS volunteer introduction at Wyong

Timebanking Meet and Greet – Green Point

Timebanking Meet and Greet – Niagara Park

Timebanking meetings with the Office of Communities

Meetings with Family and Communities Services CPO

2013 City and Country Volunteer Conference – Albury

Meetings with TAFE representative and student re placement

Meetings with Uni representative and student re placement

Meetings with Uni External Field Supervisor re student placement

Meeting with ARAFMI

Over 55’s Leisure, Wellbeing and Volunteer Expo – Mingara

Department of Social Services Funding Information Session – Sydney

Volunteer Coffee Networking Morning – Niagara Park

Meetings with Jobs Services Australia Providers

Youth Inspired Project meetings – Ourimbah

Interview client with special needs

VCC Volunteers’ Christmas Luncheon

VCN meeting – Canberra

CC Volunteer Expo meetings – NPCC

Corporate Volunteering meeting – Wyoming

Corporate Volunteering meeting – Erina

Meeting with the new CEO for The Centre for Volunteering

Bluetongue Brewery Careers Expo - Warnervale

2013 CC Regional (NSW) Volunteer of the Year Awards – Mingara

National Volunteer Week stall at Erina Fair ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We said goodbye to Sharon Roberts (CVS Co-ordinator) and welcomed Toni Trent into the role. Toni has extensive experience in the Community Sector and has been a valuable asset to the team and has managed to build the number of CVS volunteers back up in a relatively short time. Jo Boccalatte has had a very busy year, introducing a new data base for the Recruitment Project as well as ably managing her large team of volunteers. Jo’s unique outlook on life and ever cheerful character has provided us all with a bit of levity when we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Angela was a motivated and result seeking ambassador for the Timebanking Project. Her cheery personality and great selling skills meant that the number of Timebanking members increased dramatically and the trade of hours really picked up and achieved great results. Angela was successful in gaining a position within the Office of Communities and so left us after just a few short, but very positive months. Angela was replaced for the last five weeks of the Timebanking Trial, by Jane Tenney who was familiar with the project, having volunteered with Angela on the project and then being employed for approximately a month as a Timebanking Project Assistant. Jane worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was in place for a relatively smooth transition for the project into the unstaffed Pilot phase. Donna Joseph wears many hats for VCC. Donna is the Administrations Officer and Training Officer, as well as Office Manager and my right hand. Her many years of service with VCC means that she has a vast knowledge and experience with all aspects of our operations. Donna is a great support to myself and the other staff and always manages to keep us on track. Yet again, I have had the privilege to meet and work with many wonderful, dedicated volunteers who give themselves tirelessly to the various projects and operations of VCC. I have gotten to

know many of you over the years, particularly those who work out of our offices at Niagara Park. Some of our volunteers work more remotely, particularly the CVS volunteers, and may not come into the office so we may not be familiar, but your contributions are just as valuable to VCC. Thank you to all of our volunteers for helping us to deliver the services that we provide to the Central Coast community. I would also like to acknowledge our Board of Management, for the trust they have shown in both myself and the entire team and the direction they have provided to ensure VCC continues to grow and develop alongside the needs of the community. Your combined knowledge and enthusiasm adds to the positive achievements that we reach and I value the time that you put into supporting VCC. Thank you to all of you, for the hours, skills and experience that you put into VCC and for the dedication, enthusiasm and creativity that you bring with you. Without your assistance, VCC would not be able to operate and I personally, value everything that you do to help either myself, or VCC as a whole.

Michelle Vanstone Executive Officer

REFERRAL SERVICE & OUTREACH PROJECT RECRUITMENT CO-ORDINATOR’S REPORT

INTERVIEWS In the 2013 - 2014 financial year, 802 volunteer interviews were booked, compared with 775 in 2012 - 2013. The number of interviews booked was a slight increase on last year. Of the 802 interviews booked 73 (9.1%) cancelled. The cancellations were up by 1.4% on the previous year, which was 7.7%. 5 people re-scheduled and 46 people did not show. A total of 673 face to face interviews took place and an additional 5 Interviews took place via telephone or email, making a total of 678 interviews, which was 83.9% of interviews booked. Of the interviews that took place, 451 (67%) were job seekers (on Centrelink benefits and not over 65 years). 36.8% of those interviewed were under the age of 55, compared with 38% of those interviewed in 2012 - 2013. Additionally, there were 5046 walk-ins, telephone or email requests for information on volunteering or follow-up contacts (additional to the interviews). There were 5055 in 2012 - 2013. Interviews are still being co-ordinated through our offices at Niagara Park, 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, Woy Woy and Erina.

RECRUITMENT TEAM

We have a fantastic team of 11 Volunteers who volunteer in Administration, Interviewing, Recruitment, Organisational Support, presenting “Bridge to Volunteering” and Database Development. We have four interviewers; three of these also spend a day in the office each week. The Trainee Interviewer will be trained in Administration also. 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. Dennis 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 current volunteer database has assisted our processes immensely. We have all information and follow up data on the client available, and it has streamlined our ability to manage the memberships’ of organisations effectively, by providing us with information ahead of time, so we can be efficient in follow up. An online data base, Viktor, is being implemented, due to the flexibility of it being accessible to Interviewers out of office, as well as to the office administration. We have started to transfer our data across to the Viktor Data Base. Viktor is an online ‘Volunteer’ platform and will enable the

Interviewers to directly enter their client’s information whilst out on location. They can also access an organisation’s updated information and refer directly by phone or email at the time of the interview. The current data base will continue to run alongside Viktor for the time being, to ensure that all the data required for reporting and assisting with administrative / follow-up procedures is available. Training offered to the Recruitment Volunteers in this period:

Viktor Data Base Training was run for both paid staff and volunteer interviewers by Data Base Trainer from Western Australia.

In February we had a Bus Field Trip to visit three of our organisations on the Northern end of the Coast. At one of the venues another organisation also came along to give us input. 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 between 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. B to V runs at Niagara Park every two 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. We held 25 standard Bridge to Volunteering sessions at the Niagara Park venue between July 2013 and June 2014. Between July and June we also ran three Bridge to Volunteering sessions at Lakehaven and then another two sessions were transferred from that venue to Kanwal (where our interviews are held), seven sessions were offered at Woy Woy, five sessions at Wyong and five sessions at The Entrance. There were 45 B to Vs in total. There was an average of 10 people at each session, across all locations, with the highest attendance being at Niagara Park, which had an individual average of 11.72 people in attendance per session. A total of 652 people registered to attend the B to V sessions, with the actual number of attendees totalling 489. Of the 489 attendees, we received 377 returned evaluations of the session, in which 99.71% of people indicated that their needs were met. Of the 678 interviews conducted between July 2013 and June 2014, 372 people advised that they had attended a B to V session. This is 55% of interviewed clients. This is consistent with the 2012-2013 financial year (59%) as a result of encouraging people to attend a B to V when they contact us to book an interview.

REFERRAL SERVICE TRENDS

During the course of the 2013 - 2014 financial year, 678 interviews were carried out across the Central Coast. This is fairly equivalent to 2012 - 2013 when 674 interviews were carried out.

Of the 678 interviews carried out, 654 (96.5%), of the clients were successfully referred to volunteer positions, this is a decrease of 2% over the previous year which was 98.5%. As with previous years, the highest numbers of volunteers were referred to community/health/welfare organisations (83%).

The following graphs and tables break down the statistics of volunteers by various characteristics

INTERVIEWS BY GENDER:

2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013

Number % Interviews by Gender

Number %

261 38.5 Male 259 38.4

416 61.5 Female 415 61.6

INTERVIEWS BY SPECIAL NEEDS:

2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013

Number % Other Number %

97 14.3 Had a disability, 96 14.2

52 7.7 Were from a CALD (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse) background 15 2.2

7 1 Were Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander 1 0.1

INTERVIEWS BY AGE:

2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013

Number % Interviews by Age Number %

7 1 U18 5 0.7

44 6.5 18 – 24 60 8.9

47 7 25 – 34 51 7.6

62 9 35 – 44 65 9.6

88 13 45 - 54 75 11.1

362 53.5 55 -64 344 51.0

67 10 65+ 74 11

The above tables show results to the nearest %

Referral Source Volume % Referral Source Volume %

Centrelink 210 31 Print Media 11 1.6

Job Network 135 20 Brochure / Flyer / Pamphlet 11 1.6

Internet 102 15 Telephone Book 3 0.5

Other 63 9 Health Professional 9 1

Word of Mouth 86 13 Radio / TV 8 1

Once again, the greatest source of referrals for the year, as noted by the client, was Centrelink/Job Network, who referred 51% of all interviewees. The next greatest source of referral is the internet (15%) followed by word of mouth (13%).

TRAINING DELIVERED

Way2Go Training

MEETINGS/ACTIVITIES ATTENDED

The Recruitment Co-ordinator is often asked to address meetings, information and/or orientation sessions, including the following:

Guest Speak at : o 2 TAFE ESL Classes o 1 Community Services Cert II class o 1 Return to Work class

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 PARTICIPATED IN:

Central Coast Volunteer Expo

Central Coast Multicultural Expo

Peninsula Links Day

Youth Expo at Ourimbah University

Volunteer Expo at Ourimbah University

TRAINING / CONFERENCES / SEMINARS

Viktor Data Base Training

Boundaries Training

CALD Training

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

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

CC VOLUNTEER EXPO 2014: We had our sixth Volunteer Expo this year, in May, following National Volunteer Week. It was the first time we have held it at the Niagara Park Stadium. The planning committee only consisted of VCC staff and a university student on placement this year.

This year’s event attracted 28 stalls. Over 200 participants attended the day, which was a smaller number then last year however the feedback was that 80% of those attending made useful volunteer contacts. 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. GENERAL COMMENTS I began in the Recruitment Co-ordinator’s chair in June 2013. I have enjoyed working alongside VCC staff and the Volunteer Recruitment Team, seeing the positive outcomes created for both volunteers and member organisations. There is a great team spirit as we work towards transferring our data information across to the Viktor Data System whilst still achieving positive outcomes for our volunteers generally. Jo Boccalatte

Recruitment Co-ordinator

Community Visitors Scheme Friends of Older People

Co-ordinator’s Annual Report Sharon Roberts held the position of CVS Co-ordinator from July 2013 to September 2013. I commenced in that role in November 2013. The aim of the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is to alleviate social and cultural isolation experienced by residents of aged care facilities. As the co-ordinator of this program, I recruit volunteers and match them with residents in one of 15 aged care facilities. Responsibility for aged care has recently moved from The Department of Health and Ageing to the Department of Social Services.

We are funded for 40 CVS volunteer visitors

During the reporting period, a team of 44 caring and dedicated volunteers spent many quality hours with residents

These volunteers made a total of 775 visits in the 2013-2014 Financial year Positive outcomes for residents involved in the scheme include, increased connection to the wider community, increased self-esteem and reduced feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression. During visits time is spent reading together, walking around the facility’s garden, playing games such as scrabble or dominos, chatting and reminiscing, doing craft, writing letters, playing bingo, brushing and patting visiting dogs (and cats) and going for outings. RECRUITMENT Recruitment occurs through a variety of methods, including referrals by Volunteering Central Coast, word of mouth, advertisements in local newspapers and newsletters, local community radio and stalls at community events. I have also been successful recruiting new volunteers by targeting social groups to match with residents with a special interest.

There were 53 enquiries about the scheme during this reporting period

There were 25 new recruits interviewed and Police checks completed CVS VOLUNTEER VISITORS The volunteer visitors are from a variety of backgrounds and age groups and hold a diverse range of interests. Our youngest volunteer is 19 years old and our oldest is 84 years old. Some of our visitors work full time and visit on a week-end, some have children or pets and take them on visits. A number of our visitors are studying at university, TAFE or college and many are retired from work, but definitely not from life. Most of our volunteers have learnt something new from their visiting role. This may include a greater awareness about dementia and increased communication skills or updating their scrabble prowess and learning new songs. In my role as co-ordinator I provide ongoing advice and support to our visitors through individual contact, team meetings and newsletters. Our volunteers are a generous, dedicated and

inspirational group of people. Our appreciation of their efforts has been acknowledged throughout the year with lunches, certificates, coffee catch ups, anniversary badges and birthday recognitions. Throughout the reporting period, 10 volunteer visitors resigned from the scheme. Resignations occur for many reasons, but the most common cause is when a resident passes away. Other reasons include: volunteers moving away, gaining new or extra employment, having children or becoming unwell. I thank all the wonderful, dedicated CVS volunteers for making such a positive impact in the lives of older people living in residential care. AGED CARE FACILITIES My sincere thanks also go to the hard working Diversional Therapy staff at the following Aged Care Facilities for their ongoing partnership with CVS.

Aubrey Downer Orange Homes at Point Clare

Bethshan Nursing Home at Wyee

Brisbane Water Legacy at Wyoming

Chamberlain Gardens at Wyoming

Boronia Court at Woy Woy

Evergreen Life Care at West Gosford

Killarney Vale Aged Care at Killarney Vale

Killarney Court at Killarney Vale

Magnolia Manor at Kanwal

Nareen Gardens at Bateau Bay

Our Lady of Loreto at Warnervale

Starrett Lodge at Warnervale

The Orchards at Lisarow

William Cape Gardens at Kanwal

Wyong Aged Care at Wyong

ACTIVITIES OF CVS CO-ORDINATOR Volunteer Support

Police Check renewals x 1

Group Orientation x 3

Volunteer catch up x 11

Individual training x 8

Team Support Meetings x 2

Networking

Managers of Volunteers Forum x 3

CVS co-ordinators meeting x 1

Events

Volunteers’ Christmas Lunch

Wyong Shire Council Seniors Week Stall

Ourimbah Campus Youth Week Stall

Peninsula Links Stall

National Volunteer Week Afternoon Tea for VCC volunteers

National Volunteer Week Stall

Central Coast Volunteer Expo Stall

Volunteer Coffee Forum

Aged Care Facilities

Match x 13

Meeting with staff x 20

VCC internal Meetings

Planning meetings x 7

Staff meeting x 13

Supervision x 4

Training

Professional Boundaries Training

Cultural Awareness Training

HIGHLIGHTS There are many highlights within such a special heart-warming program. I have seen the laughter and love on the faces of both residents and visitors and tears of sadness when a resident passes away. I have also heard many touching stories from our volunteers about their interaction with their residents. One volunteer styles her older friends’ hair when she visits and another takes her dog along, yet another volunteer takes her older friend to see her grandchild play sport. These every day interactions are valuable gifts that cannot be bought in a shop. On a personal note I would also like to thank the other Central Coast CVS co-ordinators; Kerry Garth, Kelly Naylor and Anne-Maree Moon and to Leah Tomic, the NSW CVS State Representative for their support. I would also like to acknowledge the Executive Officer, Michelle Vanstone and my fellow workers of VCC for their guidance and advice while I learn the new role. A note of gratitude also goes to VCC Recruitment Volunteer Warren Dibley, for developing an access database, which has greatly assisted with my recording statistics and reporting to the funding body. I look forward to continuing to co-ordinate such a worthwhile program over the coming year. Toni Trent CVS Coordinator

TIMEBANKING

“GROWING LOCAL COMMUNITIES”

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. The Timebanking Project trial was funded from 1 August 2012 to 31 December 2013. Colleen Cooper was the first Timebanking Project Officer for VCC, participating in the foundation stages from August 2013 until 2 April 2013. Angela Chaperon took over the reins from May 2013 until November 2013, when she was appointed to a Senior Project Officer role in the Office of Communities (now NSW Volunteering, Department of Education and Communities). Also in this timeframe, Lisa Pierce was seconded from Bathurst Information and Neighbourhood Centre, to the Office of Communities to work on Timebanking and was placed with VCC for 2 -3 days per week from May to June 2013. Following Angela, Jane Tenney became the Timebanking Project Officer from November 2013 until the end of the Trial phase, 31 December 2013. Ruth Ross was employed as a Timebanking Assistant with the project from May 2013, to July 2013. Susan Murphy, a VCC Recruitment Team Volunteer, was also employed in the Assistant role with Timebanking for the month of October 2013. Unfortunately, as the funding was for a limited period only (to end of December 2013), the Project had a high turnover of staff, due to long term employment opportunities arising elsewhere. From 1 January 2014, Volunteering Central Coast and The Hunter Volunteer Centre, became the first two communities to offer Timebanking in its Pilot phase. The Pilot Timebanking Project was then rolled out to a further 42 communities across NSW, followed by an additional 20 communities who will be offering Timebanking by the end of 2014. The Timebanking Pilot phase is unfunded, which has meant that VCC could no longer offer a paid position for the Project from 1 January 2014. Therefore, we have had Peter Campbell overseeing the project as a volunteer in 2014 and Susan Murphy assisted in another Timebanking Volunteer role for the first quarter of 2014. While Timebanking was in its Trial phase (to 31/12/13), VCC co-ordinated the project for the entire Central Coast, with some Volunteer Project Co-ordinators operating in communities across the region. Since Timebanking has entered the Trial phase, Timebanking on the Central Coast was divided into smaller communities (local areas), with VCC now only facilitating Timebanking in the Gosford area.

POSITIONAL OVERVIEW As the funded Trial Project ceased on 31/12/13 and the Pilot phase from 1/1/14 saw VCC’s involvement in Timebanking minimise from a whole of region approach to facilitating the project in the Gosford area only, the figures and outcomes below refer only to the period 1/7/13 to 31/12/13. At the beginning of July 2013, VCC had:

735 individuals registered with the Timebanking website

293 organisations registered

259 trades totalling 1455.50 hours traded (HVC and VCC regions combined)

435 followers on our Facebook page

112 on our twitter account At the end of the Trial phase (31/12/13), VCC had:

612 individuals registered with the Timebanking website

165 organisations registered

752 Social media “likers” COMMUNITY PROFILE (VCC and HVC) The success of the Timebanking Project, as at 31/12/13, was such that it was the largest Timebanking Project in the world. The Project had the most number of members in the world and the most individual trades and trading hours were achieved. We were the only Timebank to have organisations as members. KEY FINDINGS FROM THE TIMEBANKING TRIAL From the start of the Timebanking trial in November 2012, to December 2013, a total of 4,004 people registered and 1,261 trades took place over 13 months, resulting in 8,000 banked hours. This amounts to 322 full days of volunteering. In total, 227 users were offering volunteer services, 136 were requesting support and 52 were offering and seeking support. Analysis of the trial shows that Timebanking works best at a grassroots level — it is more productive to operate several local sites where neighbours are helping neighbours, than one all-encompassing organisation across a large area. Such local scale is more able to seamlessly contribute to local communities and meet local needs. One third of Timebanking members were new to volunteering which means it attracts new people to giving in this way. Through the trial, it has become evident that Timebanking provides pathways to individuals that may not previously have felt they have a contribution to make in volunteering programs. Those from backgrounds of disadvantage can find opportunities to engage more fully within the community through Timebanking - so that they can discover valued and productive contributions to society. For example - 15% of evaluation survey respondents had found paid employment through their participation in the Timebanking trial. This establishes the power of Timebanking as a valuable driver of employability and participation. The indications are that the Timebanking trial has successfully furthered all of the NSW Volunteering Strategy strategic directions, particularly in making volunteering more accessible, and broadening the base of volunteers in our communities. Rather than competing with existing volunteering, it extends, strengthens and complements previous approaches. Author: Professor Max Smith, Timebanking evaluation team, Universities of Newcastle and Wollongong

A timebank has the potential to establish co‐production as well as other valuable economic, social and health-related outcomes. However, the outcomes of timebanks, whether they be health, wellbeing, employment or expanded social networks are contingent on the context in which they operate. In order to sustain and build timebanks the literature tells us that several factors are crucial. These include dedicated members, methods of outreach and exchange and effective management with adequate funding.

Executive Summary, Evaluation of the NSW Volunteering Strategy 2012 – 13, Final Report: Timebanking Trial N.B. As noted in the Executive Summary, adequate funding is crucial to the ongoing success of Timebanking. However, there has been no funding provided to any of the communities participating in the Trial phase from 1/1/14. Meetings/Activities Attended In alignment with the Communication objectives of Timebanking, the Project Officer was required to address meetings, present information or facilitate information sessions regarding Timebanking. These are summarised below: Visits

Expos

Disability School Leavers Expo, Mingara Charity Community Fair, 2 days

“Walk in the Park” New Horizons Mental Health Week, Gosford

Vocation and Volunteer Expo, Ourimbah Uni

Wyong Multicultural Expo Kariong Wellness Expo

City Country Volunteer Conference Albury 2 days

Presentations

Central Coast Bowls Association Community Visitors Scheme Orientation

Terrigal Sharks RLFC Kincumber Nautical Village

U3A Timebanking session Kariong Progress Association

Marine Rescue Terrigal Compass Housing Tumbi Umbi

Kariong Eco Garden St John the Baptist P&F

Youth Connections Yr 10 Class Mary Macs, Woy Woy

Peninsula Village, Umina Anglican Church, Woy Woy

Woy Woy Community Garden Peninsula Environment Group

Peninsula Men’s Shed Gosford Council Bush Care

Gosford TAFE Empowering Young Women (SOS<18) Wyong

Pretty Beach Public School Brisbania Public School

Green Point Christian College Coast Christian School

Empire Bay Public School Kincumber High School

Kincumber Public School Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre

Terrigal Grove Public School Terrigal Public School

Our Lady Star of the Sea Terrigal High School

Holy Cross Catholic School Coast Care Nth Entrance

Mission Australia

Meetings

YCmedia (Youth Connections) Response Services - Gosford

San Remo Neighbourhood Centre Wyong Neighbourhood Centre

Dep’t Veterans Affairs Gosford City Council

Timebanking Mini Summit HVC Newcastle

Umina Men’s Shed Wyoming Community Centre

Terrigal/ Wamberal RSL Sub Branch Gosford Council Bush Care

Youth Connections Wyoming Community Centre

Wyoming Community Centre Community Co-ordinators Meeting

Warnervale Family & Community Centre

Green Point Community Centre

Spring into Action at Niagara Park Spring into Action at San Remo

Spring into Action at Woy Woy Spring into Action at Warnervale

San Remo Men’s Shed The Entrance Town Information Centre

Coast Community Connections Woy Woy

Wyong Community Central

Green Point Neighbourhood Centre Bouddi Society Report prepared by: Michelle Vanstone Executive Officer 1/10/14