- Volunteering Community Reference Group members announced
- Reference Group is an important link between the sector and State Government
- Reference Group includes representatives from across Western Australia
Volunteering Minister Don Punch has today welcomed new members to the Volunteering Community Reference Group.
The Reference Group is a voice for the sector and provides updates to the State Government on emerging trends, issues and feedback on the implementation of the WA Volunteering Strategy.
The Reference Group includes representatives from the peak body Volunteering WA, the Department of Communities and the volunteering sector, with a mix of metro and regional-based members.
Craig Spencer OAM from St John Ambulance has been appointed as the Chair and Dr Megan Paull from Murdoch University was elected as the Deputy Chair for the Reference Group.
The members of the Volunteering Community Reference Group include:
- Craig Spencer OAM, St John Ambulance;
- Dr Megan Paull, Murdoch University researcher;
- Claire Hurst, Department of Communities representative;
- Tina Williams, Volunteering WA CEO;
- Elizabeth Acason, Volunteer Resource Centre manager (Swan);
- Vicki Pollard, Volunteer Resource Centre manager (Peel);
- Carlie Jones, RAC, corporate sector representative;
- Phil Scanlan, emergency services volunteer (metro);
- Esther Bliss, individual volunteer (Northam);
- Sandra Prosser, individual volunteer (Esperance);
- Dr Tina Firth, individual volunteer (metro);
- Rahul Seth CA, individual volunteer (metro);
- Michael Wainwright, individual volunteer (metro); and
- Hannah Godsave, WA Local Government Association.
Members of the Volunteering Community Reference Group are appointed for up to two years.
The Group has also farewelled departing members Meredith Blais, Dan Minchin, Esme Bowen, Maija Hildebrand and Sue Fielding.
An expression of interest was held earlier this year calling for representatives from the volunteering sector to apply.
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As stated by Volunteering Minister Don Punch:
“I look forward to working with the Volunteering Community Reference Group to build on Western Australia’s strong volunteering sector and thank the departing members for their valuable contributions.
“Western Australia is lucky to have so many volunteers who generously donate their time to making our communities better places to live.
“On behalf of the Cook Government, I extend a big thank you to everyone who volunteers. No matter how big or small, you are helping to make a difference.”