State Conference
2019

On 20-21 June 2019, we were delighted to host nearly 300 delegates and over 30 speakers to our 2nd State Conference – the only Conference in Victoria focused specifically on volunteering and designed to attract both the leaders and managers of volunteers, as well as volunteers themselves.

Our exciting line up of speakers challenged the audience with new perspectives and reflected on traditional ways of looking at volunteering. The Conference aimed to activate critical thinking and empower volunteer managers in their roles.

The event was an opportunity for volunteer managers to come together and listen to leaders from diverse backgrounds and leave empowered to critically think about the future.

With the goal to Energise, Enhance, Connect, the multi-streamed conference program covered various topics. These included; Technology, Inclusion, Peer Support, Leadership, Networks & Partnerships, Research & Strategies and Future.

The Conference also included a debate, workshops and inspiring keynote speakers.

Visit the Conference website here.

Outcomes

One of the goals of the Volunteering Victoria State Conference was to ensure that the learnings from the two day event helped to propel the sector forward. To do this, we have documented the proceedings in a number of ways as a reference for future work.

Slido Questions
Download 5 answered Slido questions 
Download all Slido questions 

Conference Survey Results
Here’s what you had to say about our Conference!
Download Conference survey results here

Program & Presenters

Download the full conference program

Keynote Speakers
Our keynote speakers established a framework for the Conference themes.

Day 1:
Susan Alberti, Respect, Responsibility and Making a Difference
Day 2:
Sophie Renton, McCrindle Futures
Samuel Johnson, Love Your Sister

Panel Discussions
A moderated public conversation addressed the Conference themes. The panellists took different perspectives and offered their thoughts and solutions to a common sector problem or issue. Delegates were invited to submit questions to the panel before and during the session via Slido. This format encouraged insightful discussion, fresh thinking and unique perspectives.

Day 1:
The Art of Leading Volunteers: Energising, Enhancing, Connecting

Panellists:

  • Hang Vo, CEO, White Lion
  • Richard Dent, CEO Leadership Victoria
  • Tina Hosseini, Commissioner, Victorian Multicultural Commission
  • Vivienne Cunningham-Smith, CEO, Eastern Volunteers

Day 2: The Future Ain’t What is Used to Be

Panellists:

  • Scott Chapman, CEO, Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria
  • Penny Harrison, Director -Volunteering, Australian Red Cross
  • Dan Evans, Deputy Managing Director, IPSOS
  • Steph Schmidt, Client Success Manager, Rosterfy

Workshops
Our workshops allowed for an in-depth exploration of contemporary and emerging ideas.

Day 1:

  • Volunteering & The Law Hot Topics-Your Questions Answered by Mae Tanner, JusticeConnect
  • Leading with Story: Creating Happier, Smarter & More Connected  Organisations by Moay Sayer-Jones, Only Human
  • Work-life Transition Tactics: From Interference to Integration by Dr. Sarah Cotton, Transitioning Well
  • Visibility to Self: The Secret Weapon for Every Leader by Sarah Anderson, Visibility Co.

Day 2:

  • The Future of Technology, Volunteering & Volunteer Management by Andy Fryar, Better Impact
  • Inclusive Program Design: Delivering for your Volunteers & Community by Philip O’Meara, DHHS
  • From Surviving to Thriving: An Introduction to Future-proofing Your Team and Organisation by Brad Adriannsse, Schmiq
  • It’s Not All About the Cake: Top Ten Lessons for Emerging Volunteer Managers by Sara Sterling & Hazel Maynard, Volunteering Victoria

Short Presentations
These presentations provided quick, insightful snapshots on different topics.

Day 1:

Day 2:

The Great Debate
The debate was lively, entertaining and thought provoking as well as informative, encouraging the audience to reflect on their work practices and the impact they have on volunteering.
Who won?

Conference Photos

Networking Event Photos