Wyndham’s Community Centres are welcoming and vibrant places providing a great range of services, activities and programs that are low-cost and for all ages and interests. Centres support residents, community leaders, associations and groups to run activities, programs and events for the wider neighbourhood to participate in. Each centre aims to reflect the aspirations and strengths of the neighbourhood.
Volunteering at a Community Centre can be a great way to:
- Contribute to your community.
- Learn new skills and gain confidence.
- Be a significant part of a team.
- Make new friends and have fun!
Each Community Centre is unique and has different opportunities and ways to get involved as a volunteer. Examples of volunteer opportunities include:
- Volunteering on a Board of Management
- Supporting programs, activities, or events happening at the centre.
- Helping people find and connect with activities at the centre.
Contact the Community Centre directly to find out about volunteer opportunities and how to get involved, or simply pop-in and have a chat with staff at the centre!
Volunteering on a Board of Management at a Community Centre
A range of Community Centres in Wyndham are managed by incorporated non-profit associations and governed by volunteer community members, who together form a Board of Management. The governing body at the community centre may be known by another term such as ‘Committee of Management’, ‘Committee’ or ‘Board’.
Volunteering on a Board of Management can be immensely rewarding and enriching. Board Members play an integral role in strategic and governance decision making and help shape the future of the community centre. Examples of activities Boards Members may undertake together are:
- Creating a strategic vision and plan for the organisation
- Managing the organisations finances
- Managing organisational risk
- Participating in Board Meetings and running the Annual General Meeting
- Appointing and monitoring the CEO or Centre Manager
- Approving major projects and programs run by the organisation.
Due to the significant power and responsibilities of volunteering a on a Board of Management, the law requires all Board Members to comply with their legal responsibilities and legal duties. Explore the resources below to learn more about these legal requirements.
Volunteering on a Board of Management can also be a great way to:
- Build and share your leadership skills.
- Gain experience in governing a not-for-profit organisation.
- Develop new networks.
- Make friends with others who are passionate about their local community.
- Contribute to your local community in a meaningful way.
If you are interested in volunteering on a Board of Management at a community centre, contact the Association directly to find out more about:
- How to express your interest in becoming a Board Member
- Information about Board Member eligibility requirements
- What skills or experience they may require of their Board Members
- What type of commitment they ask of Board Members – for example how many hours of volunteering per month is involved, and where/when do they host their Board Meetings.
- Board Member induction and ongoing training opportunities.
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Community Centre:
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Name of Association operating the Centre: |
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The Grange Community Centre
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The Grange Community Centre Inc. |
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Iramoo Community Centre
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Iramoo Community Centre Inc.www.iramoocc.org.au |
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Wyndham Park Community Centre
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Wyndham Park Community Centre Inc. |
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Jamieson Way Community Centre
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Jamieson Way Community Centre Inc. |
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Central Park Community Centre Wayaperri House |
Wyndham Community and Education Centre Inc. |
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Quantin Binnah Community Centre
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Quantin Binnah Community Centre Inc. |
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Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre
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Koling wada – ngal Aboriginal Corporation |
If you are interested in volunteering at your local community centre in other ways, contact the community centres directly to find out more.
Support and Resources for Community Centre Board Members
Board Member responsibilities can be challenging and ever changing. It is important for Board Members to also understand their legal responsibilities and legal duties as volunteer Board Members too. Fortunately, there are many organisations and resources available to help Board Members understand their roles and responsibilities, improve their governance, and stay up to date.
Below is a list of resources you may wish to explore if you are considering volunteering on a Board of Management or are a current Board Member at a Community Centre:
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Resource |
About |
Connect |
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Wyndham City – Community Strengthening Calendar
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The Community Strengthening Calendar provides learning and development opportunities for Wyndham residents, volunteers, community leaders, community groups and not-for-profit organisations. This includes governance training for Board Members. |
Community Strengthening Calendar: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/volunteering-grants/volunteeringinwyndham/community-strengthening-calendar |
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Justice Connect: Not-for-profit Law |
Legal help, training and resources for not-for-profit organisations and Board Members. |
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Neighbourhood Houses Victoria |
Peak body for the Neighbourhood House sector in Victoria. |
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Our Community |
Training and resources for not-for-profit organisations and Board Members. |
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Network West |
Support for Neighbourhood Houses in the western region of Melbourne. |
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Consumer Affairs Victoria |
Resources and training for incorporated not-for-profit organisations to help meet their legislative and regulatory obligations. |
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Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission |
National regulator of charities. |
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Volunteering Victoria |
State peak body for volunteers and volunteer involving organisations. |