Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you. Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better. We are, Better Together.

View the City of Busselton's National Volunteer Week Video featuring local volunteers and organisations here: https://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/community/groups-and-organisations/volunteering.aspx and check the Busselton Mail on Wednesday the 18th for a 2 page volunteer feature sponsored by Lotteries West. As the only State Government owned lottery in Australia where all the profits are returned to the community, Lotterywest is committed to supporting Western Australian community groups.

This year’s National Volunteer week theme is Better Together and in these disruptive and uncertain times volunteers certainly demonstrated this by playing a crucial role in keeping people connected and providing vital community services during the Covid-19 Pandemic, to people and animals in need today and into our future. Thousands of people each year access, and rely on, critical services run by Volunteer Involving Organisations some of these are large visible organisations and others are small, dedicated service and support groups run completely by volunteers. This year local organisations are saying thank you to their volunteers in a two-page spread in the Busselton Mail along with a City of Busselton initiative for community organisations to submit a short 30 second video representing their organisations and volunteers which will be hosted on the City’s web site and other Volunteer related media.

Volunteers add enormous benefit to our community through their exceptional and outstanding contribution of time, work skills, life experience, continued support and commitment.

We salute you and thank you for being our unsung hero’s

Happy National Volunteer Week to you all.

• Sponsored by Lotteries West, Volunteer WA, The Busselton Mail and the Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre
• As the only State Government owned lottery in Australia where all the profits are returned to the community, Lotterywest is committed to supporting Western Australian community groups.

Urgent need for Volunteers at Possum Finishing School.
If you enjoy, being in a rural atmosphere and working with wildlife, then this is a great opportunity to contribute towards saving these precious marsupials from extinction.
Daily hands-on involvement with possums, their cages and environment. Sweeping paths, keeping records, moving branches and greenery. Daily tasks opportunity of 2 hrs/day
Weekly tasks opportunity 8 hrs /week (can be done over a couple of days). More information and apply here:

https://www.bdvolunteers.org.au/for-volunteers/search/results.html#/opportunity/137156

Triathlon WA is delighted to be presenting the Busselton Festival of Triathlon, including the inaugural Busselton 100 on Thursday 28th April – Sunday May 1, 2022.
As a not-for-profit sporting organisation, we rely on the support of the wonderful volunteers from the Busselton Community, and we wouldn’t be able to deliver events without the help of amazing volunteers like you.
If you are interested in learning about volunteering opportunities see more information here: https://www.bdvolunteers.org.au/for-volunteers/search/results.html#/opportunity/177101

GROW is a not-for-profit community-based organisation that has helped thousands of Australians with their recovery from mental ill-health through a unique program of mutual support and personal development. Established in Sydney in 1957, the founders were drawn together by their first-hand experience of mental ill-health. The wisdom they gained in helping each other overcome life’s challenges and move toward recovery, was carefully recorded and this forms the basis of the Grow Program. 

The Grow Program is based on a 12-step program of personal growth, mutual help and support that draws on many principles for all areas of help. At each meeting, members share how they came to GROW and how they’re exploring self-improvement as they work on their personal recovery. Recovery isn’t a straight road and that’s where the support of others can help. Everyone in the group has opportunities to share their experiences of coping with mental ill-health.  

Joining a Grow group is free and confidential – you don’t need to have a referral or a doctor’s diagnosis. You can even choose to remain anonymous and bring a support person with you. Groups are open to all adults over 18 years old.

 Bunbury Night E Group (online): MONDAY 6pm-8pm

Contact Program Worker Michele Fiorenza for time and login

details. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BUSSELTON Day: THURSDAY 

10.30am- 12.30pm, YCA Building (21 Foreshore Parade, Busselton)

Bunbury Day: Monday

10am-12pm, Bunbury City Library, 1 Parkfield Street, Bunbury

Bunbury Night: Wednesday

6pm-8pm, St John of God Hospital, Robertson Drive, Bunbury

For further information contact Michele Fiorenza - Southwest Region Program Worker mobile= 0422 840 336, 

Head Office: 1800 558 268 or visit our website: https://grow.org.au 

The White Ribbon Campaign is a global movement, working to end male violence and abuse againstwomen and girls.The White Ribbon Campaign is a global movement, working to end male violence and abuse againstwomen and girls.This is an opportunity for parents/teens to show leadership and demonstrate thepositive role they can play. By uniting as a community, we are challenging the attitudes and behavioursof the minority of men/boys who use or condone violence against women

Understand how violence affects women and children
Learn about Coercive Control
Hear a ‘Lived Experience’ account of trans-generational abuse and violence
Find out how we can make a difference

Listed below are some links and program information you may find useful.

FREE COMMUITY PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT

Busselton Hospice Care has put together two free programs to assist in this time the Community Connect Program

Thanks to the Busselton Hospice Care for putting this together for community access and support

  

Environment in Good Hands   

The Busselton-Dunsborough Environment Centre (BDEC) is a community organisation based in Busselton. The organisation aims to foster a sense of community ownership of the natural environment in order to increase awareness of local environmental issues. The Centre also strives to increase public involvement in environmental projects and protection activities throughout the local region.

Recently 20 children and 27 adults had a great day out planting in the Tuart Forest. This event is held annually by BDEC and not only provides a wonderful family day out but helps the future health of our unique Tuart Forest reserves. Besides the hands on environmental care BDEC advocates for the environment through numerous avenues including submissions to relevant decision making bodies, monitoring of environmentally sensitive projects and proposals, sourcing funds for targeted intervention such as possum habitat and care, revegetation and planting and liaising with the City of Busselton to work in partnership towards sustainable planning and development.

  BDEC also have available a wonderful booklet A Journey into the Ludlow Tuart Forest. This vibrant 32 page book, produced by the BDEC, explores the many aspects of the forest and its surrounds as well as some of the impacts threatening its future. More information here: A_Journey_into_the_Ludlow_Tuart_Forest

VOLUNTEER

Besides being a general volunteer for hands on planting and events other opportunities are available that provide the organisation with direction, momentum and day to day running.  Get in touch to find out more This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BDEC welcomes new members, public enquiries and the general public so why not drop in, get in touch or join up to make a difference, its FREE!

.

 Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre congratulates all recipients and nominees for this years volunteer of the year awards WELL DONE!. We also thank ALL the fantastic volunteers for their efforts and generous giving to our community.

Read about it and view pictures here:

https://www.busseltonmail.com.au/story/6135430/volunteers-of-the-year-celebrated-in-busselton-photos/

Don Tulloch wins Seniors category: https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/6143085/don-tulloch-named-busseltons-senior-volunteer-of-the-year/

Winners and Highly Commended by Award Category:

Sponsor: Lions Club of Busselton - Volunteer with Less than Three Years' Service Category:
Highly Commended award goes to Chris Riley from Capecare.
The winner Volunteer with Less Than 3 Years of Service of the Year Award went to Trish Robinson from Busselton Lions

Sponsor: Rotary Club of Busselton Geographe Bay - Tourism and Events Category:
Highly Commended award went to Barry Grimmond from the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association.
The winner for the Tourism and Events Volunteer of the Year Award was Celia Clare from ArtGeo.

Sponsor: Apex Busselton - Youth (Under 25 Years) Category:
Highly Commended award went Russell Talbot from Southwest Army Cadet Unit in Busselton.
The winner for the Youth Volunteer of the Year award was Josh Smith from Shift Youth Crew

Sponsor: Geographe Camping and Tackle World - Senior (60 Years and Over) Category:
Highly Commended award went to Joan Parke from Naturaliste University of the Third Age.
The winner for the Senior Category was Don Tulloch from Geographe Community Landcare Nursery.

Sponsor: Harvey Norman Busselton - Open Category:
Highly Commended award went to Keith Warrick from Smith's Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
The winner for the 2019 Open Volunteer of the Year award was Sandra Johnson from the Busselton Historical Society.

CALLING ALL LOCALS, TRIATHLETES, VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS!

Be part of the 2019 SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon in a volunteer capacity.

The 2019 SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon, on from 3rd May – 5th May, is the premier triathlon event in WA and the culmination of the WA triathlon season. It is hosted by Triathlon WA, the state sporting body representing Triathlon in WA. As a small, not for profit organisation, volunteer support is vital and it has been the support of our fantastic volunteers that has made the event the success that it is.

There are lots of ways you can be part of the action as part of our volunteer family. From Course Marshall to Registration Assistant, Aid Station to Finish Line Volunteers, we need your help. More than 400 volunteers are required to join our volunteer family.

• People and groups required from Friday 3rd May – Sunday 5th May 2019
• Lots of roles to choose from
• Half-day shifts or longer shifts available
• Free volunteer uniform including a t-shirt and hat
• Complimentary voucher for the scrumptious food vans
• Opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and have a great experience
• Be in the thick of all the action and soak in the atmosphere of this favourite triathlon festival

If you or anyone you know may be interested, registration is NOW OPEN and more information can be found by clicking here Volunteer Information

Award-winners, sponsors and organisers demonstrating the theme for this year's National Volunteer Week: "Give Happy, Live Happy." Picture: Taelor Pelusey

Busselton and Dunsborough’s tireless volunteers were cast into the spotlight on Monday night at the annual Volunteer of the Year recognition Awards.

In his role as MC, Mayor Grant Henley announced Connor Oliver — a training officer, patrol captain and inflatable rescue boat crewman with the Busselton Surf Lifesaving Club — the youth award winner.

The club had another winner in the open category with Helen Rabjones, who has served as chief administrator for more than a decade, among other roles.

Cr Henley praised the club’s work, making specific mention of a public safety decision to cancel the swim leg of a triathlon at the weekend after a shark sighting.

“I think that was in the highest echelon of volunteers performing in their duties and I commend both the surf lifesavers and the volunteer marine rescue guys who were there,” he said.

Ms Rabjones was also mentioned in the tourism and events category.

However, the award went to Doreen Bailie, who has been Jetty Host co-ordinator since 2011 and volunteers for organisations, events and during cruise ship visits.

Cr Henley said the cruise ship volunteers helped the City take out first place in the best local initiative category at the 2016 Annual Cruising Industry Awards.

“This success can be attributed to the many volunteers who provide a vibrant and friendly welcome to cruise ship passengers,” he said.

Des Austin — a bushfire brigade volunteer of more than four decades, and Busselton SES deputy local manager since 2013 — was commended in the seniors category, and the overall award went to Margaret Tickle.

The mayor jokingly pulled out a seat for Ms Tickle before reading out a lengthy list of volunteer activities with clubs, events, churches and education groups.

Cr Henley described volunteers as the backbone of the community.

“Sometimes volunteer work is challenging but our community always seems to be up for this challenge and that’s thanks to the efforts of people such as your selves,” he said.

The awards were hosted by the City of Busselton and Busselton-Dunsborough Volunteer Centre, with support from Volunteering WA and Lotterieswest.

All the winners:

Apex Youth (under-25) Award

Winner: Connor Oliver

Rotary Tourism & Events Award

Winner: Doreen Bailee

Special Mention: Teresa Pool, Paul Davis, Yvonne Avery, Helen Rabjones

Harvey Norman Open Award

Winner: Helen Rabjones

Geographe Camping and Tackle World Seniors Award

Winner: Margaret Tickle

Highly Commended: Des Austin

Special Mention: Isobel Gale, Trevor Hemmett, Dawn Taylor, Marion Scott, Elsie Froome, Peter Jager, Malcom Jennings

Red Cross operates the Family and Practical support programs throughout the Southwest. The purpose of the Service is to provide caring and practical assistance to families with babies and young children who are facing extra challenges in adjusting to their parenting role. It is an early intervention service that offers respite and support to multiple birth families, mothers experiencing or at risk of postnatal depression or perinatal mental health problems and social isolation.

Family support has been supporting families since 1993 and is a unique service that Red Cross offers only in Western Australia. Since its inception, over 3,000 families have been assisted by creating a supportive environment and helping to minimise many of the daily stresses experienced by families with babies. We support families in Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta.

Since 2008 Practical Support program has been supporting families by having volunteers visit the family home weekly and work alongside the mother assisting in domestic duties such as light housework, shopping and basic childcare e.g. feeding, settling babies, and preparing meals for children. The volunteer can also help with linking in with community and local supports and enhancing social networks. This Program is available in the Busselton area.

ROLE OF THE VOLUNTEER

Volunteers provide approximately 4 hours per week of in-home respite per family and may work with the same family for up to 6 months in the case of a multiple birth. Hands-on support - child related activities, feeding, preparing meals for children, settling babies. Role modelling - volunteers encourage positive interaction between parents and children (play, talking, and discipline) to develop a child's social and cognitive development.
Emotional support - ‘being there' for the mother, the willingness to listen without being judgemental or giving advice.
Social support - supporting families in developing social networks and linking to community resources.
For more information on this volunteer opportunity or other exciting roles contact us at the

Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre

Suite 5B - Ground Floor
21 Cammilleri Street
Box 11, CRC, 21 Cammilleri
Busselton WA 6280
Ph/Fax: 08 - 97542047
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web:  www.bdvolunteers.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BusseltonDunsboroughVolunteer Centre

 Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays 9:30am to 3:30pm - other times by request

Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre can conduct interviews on Skype or Zoom or Whats App

To book a call you will need to send us an email or contact us on 97542047 and we will arrange a time to call you to discuss your volunteering requirements.

Please send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.