'Understanding Regional Volunteering' Research Project

The key purpose of this project is to equip the Wimmera region with a comprehensive picture of the role, profile and value of volunteering in the region to inform decision making and planning for local organisations and governments. This will equip Wimmera Volunteer with a sound  knowledge base on which we can:

1. Build our own strategy to address emerging trends and a changed future.

2. Modify our service offerings and delivery models to enhance performance.

3. Build the capacity of the entire sector and thereby build better communities through a more effective volunteer       sector.

One of the core elements of the Project is extensive stakeholder engagement with both organisational and individual volunteer stakeholders.

Wimmera Volunteers have launched a study looking at volunteering in the Wimmera. Wimmera Volunteers are part of a new study which will outline how and why Wimmera people volunteer. Wimmera Volunteers has invested $75,000 into the study, which was matched by the Net Balance Foundation.

The Wimmera Volunteers board decided in November that they wanted to get a really good understanding of volunteering in the Wimmera, where it's going and how Wimmera Volunteers can help to strengthen volunteering. A steering committee has been established as this project is bigger than Wimmera Volunteers. Four councils are involved as well as organisations including Wimmera Development Association and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.

The study is an opportunity for people to connect via face-to-face interviews, by phone and online. Researchers will be at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days and they will also travel across the Wimmera. We know older people volunteer and younger people volunteer, but what we're wanting to identify is how it adds value to our community aside from dollar value.

Net Balance Foundation associate director Ross Wyatt is one of three researchers running the study called 'Understanding Regional Volunteering'. Volunteering plays a huge role in creating communities and the study is not only of interest to the Wimmera, but to other regional areas as well.

We are hoping this study will create stronger communities right across Australia. People interested in sharing their volunteer experiences can contact us or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Your Access Issues Are Important To Us!

The Wimmera Transport Connections project invites you to talk to us about Transport and Access issues you and others in your community experience.

The Transport Connections Program works with communities to enhance the opportunities for people with limited access to transport to participate in community life and access services and resources.

To enable us to be better informed about the transport and access issues in your community, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Volunteer Information Sessions

Next Volunteer Information Session will be on Tuesday 14th February at Wimmera Volunteers, 20 Firebrace Street Horsham from 10.00am until 12.30pm. To register for this free, informative workshop - See Volunteer Information Sessions. 

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Volunteer Vacancies

Updates to the Volunteer Vacancies section can be found here  

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