Eastern Volunteers has a vision of leading the way in community services, and this was demonstrated through the organisation’s inaugural community conference.

The two-day event, which was entitled Social Inclusion and Community Well-being in the World’s Most Liveable City, was designed to assist in capacity building for the not-for-profit and community sectors.

The conference included presentations from several not-for-profit organisations to discuss the challenges the sector is facing, as well as potential solutions.

The topics on the first day included the challenges facing volunteer recruitment, establishing community partnerships and the difference that is made through volunteering.

As a member of the Eastern Volunteers board and part of the conference organising committee I facilitated the Volunteering – making a difference panel session, where the two speakers discussed the critical role of volunteers within their organisations. This also included a discussion around the challenges in developing good governance and ensuring the wellbeing of volunteers within a growing organisation.

The afternoon sessions discussed the topics of supporting older people, as well as connecting with the community. This session included the construction of a community led playground in Montrose and involving migrant communities within volunteering.

The first day of the conference was well received with the participants looking forward to its continuation on the second day.