Volunteering sunshine coast (VSC) is an independent not-for-profit organisation committed to building the local community sector on the sunshine coast. we have been operating since 2003 building a one stop shop which community groups can access for support. we now have over 150 community organisations as members plus we also offer assistance to volunteers, corporate volunteers and the broader volunteer community.

 Our organisation aims to enhance the quality of life in the broader community by providing support to our community groups. we endeavor to strengthen community organisations and the people who manage volunteers by offering support, resources, training, volunteer linking and networking opportunities.

 Our website aims to give you an idea of the services that we offer to community groups, volunteers and corporate volunteers. over time we will also expand the online resources available to community groups.

 Give us a call if you would like to learn more about how we might be able to help you or if you are interested in learning more about volunteering on the sunshine coast.

 The services we offer

 We offer assistance to community groups, volunteers and corporate organisations through the following services:

 Volunteer linking: community organisations seeking volunteers can become members of vsc and we will assist them in sourcing volunteers. individuals seeking volunteering opportunities are interviewed face to face and referred to appropriate positions, taking into account their interests and skill levels. many organisations find this process valuable as it saves them time and allows them to find volunteers with the specific skills they require. last year we placed 1,200 volunteers.

 Resources: we have available a lending library and a large number of procedures to assist in the best practice of managing volunteers. a “skill bank” has been established of people willing to assist volunteer managers in areas such as business management, submission writing, financial accountability, risk management, legal queries and governance. these services are available at no charge.

 Training: a schedule of regular training is available to the general volunteer community or training can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of individual community groups. we also provide training to volunteers. each year we hold a large volunteer recognition event as part of national volunteers week – all volunteers on the coast are invited to attend.

 Events assistance: often groups have one off events and need volunteers to help with the many varied tasks. we assist the organisations to fill these roles by contacting our large database of interested volunteers.

 Corporate volunteering: many corporate organisations have programs to encourage their employees to undertake volunteer work. we assist the corporate organisations in placing their employees into volunteer positions as individuals, as a group, or as part of an event or project.

 In assisting community groups our role is varied and ever changing. despite having limited funding we always endeavor to assist with the varied requests of community groups. volunteering sunshine coast is pleased to assist these wonderful volunteers and community groups who support our broader local community.

 We want to thank our major sponsors and supporters – the department of the prime minister and cabinet and sunshine coast council.

 Cheryl Harris – VSC Manager Sunshine Coast