Volunteering Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands we volunteer on, and we pay our respects to them, their culture and their elders past and present.
Research suggests that members of First Nations and multicultural communities have lower rates of volunteering than other segments of the community. But we know this is not the true picture of volunteering in these communities, which are often highly engaged in community-giving and volunteering.
Volunteering Victoria views volunteering as ‘active citizenship’ and believes that increasing volunteering by members of the Aboriginal community can facilitate social inclusion, and also enhance service delivery to this community.
To support, promote and ensure volunteering in Victoria’s First Nations communities, Volunteering Victoria will:
- Work with both the volunteering and the Aboriginal community to increase the level of volunteering across the broader community
- Promote engagement
- Share cultural understandings of what it means to volunteer
- Work with our members and peak bodies who represent the variety of First Nations communities to develop programs, policy and support to enable cross-cultural volunteering
- Share learnings and best practice of volunteering in First Nations communities to broader volunteering communities
- Work with volunteer-involving organisations to develop capacity and capability to create opportunity for First Nations volunteers, including how to manage and develop their talents
First Nations Volunteer-Involving Organisations
Aboriginal Community Elders Services (ACES)
The ACES was established due to the tireless work of the late Aunty Iris Lovett Gardiner and other elders both past and present. They were concerned that elders were dying in mainstream nursing homes without any Aboriginal cultural practices being observed.
Community First Development
Community First Development provide access to skilled volunteers and resources in areas where education, health care and employment opportunities are often limited.
Victoria’s Aboriginal Education Association Inc
Victoria’s Aboriginal Education Association Inc. main function is providing advice on Koorie education issues, monitoring education trends and advocating for the needs of the community.
Volunteering with Indigenous Organisations
Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership
The Fellowship invests in recognised leaders and provides opportunities to emerging leaders within Victoria’s Indigenous communities.
Pro Bono Australia
Pro Bono Australia have a database of opportunities on their website. You can see the latest national opportunities for volunteering with indigenous organisations.
Go Volunteer
Like Pro Bono Australia, Go Volunteer lists volunteer opportunities around Australia. You can see current opportunities in indigenous organisations.
