Welcome to another issue of Willing & Able! It's yet another big edition, with details of training workshops, forums, an award and a fundraising exhibition. We also have links for taxation and community issues and news of a volunteer position opening and a new grant opportunity, as well as media releases about Indigenous strategies and support programs. Our spotlighted 'Other Organisation' for this issue is Deaf Services Queensland, newly operating in the Townsville region, while our resource reviews are on a board matching service and a directory put out by the Community Information Centre. This issue also includes a special liftout on workplace fire safety and extinguisher use, as well as a volunteer story from a member of the Rural Fire Brigade. All this and more inside!

So strap yourselves in and hold on tight, this will be quite a ride! I hope you enjoy it.

Nicole

Our graphics are from: Microsoft Clip Art and original

'Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.'
[ Helen Dyer ]

'The Winds of change shall not discourage the volunteer.'
[ Lorna Wilson ]

'If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.'
[ Booker T. Washington ]

Volunteer Managers Network Meeting
& Training Session

Here are the details for the next Volunteer Managers Network Meeting & Training Session.

Thursday, June 17 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
(morning tea will be provided)
VNQ Training Room
6/56 Charles Street - Aitkenvale

Topic: e-Marketing
Presenter: JoAnn Resing

Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 15.

VNQ's Networking meetings are held bi-monthly and are a great opportunity for people in the community sector to meet each other, network and share their experiences, knowledge and learning. Attendees can suggest topics for discussion, guests or issues.

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact:

Volunteering North Queensland Inc.
Ph: 4725 5990
E-mail: enquiries@volunteeringnthqld.org.au

MANAGER'S REPORT

Hello everybody,

Emergency Response Forum
June 23 - 6:00pm-9:00pm
VNQ Offices
Presenter: Perry Hembury
Cost: FREE
Bookings Essential
Limit of 4 places per organisation

To register, or for more information, contact:
Volunteering North Queensland
6/56 Charles Street - Aitkenvale
Ph: 4725 5990 or
Email: vnq@volunteeringnthqld.org.au

VNQ's training program is run in partnership with the Townsville City Council.

Living Well Beyond Breast Cancer - Forum

June 10 - 10:30am-3:00pm
Riverway Arts Centre
Registration Essential

Speakers: Dr Catherine Shannon, Raelene Boyle, Dr Stephanie Dowrick

Free forum for women diagnosed with breast cancer and their supporters.

Register online at: www.bcna.org.au

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Wanted: Volunteer Treasurer

There are approximately 36,000 Volunteer Rural Fire Fighters in Queensland and these trained members of various communities protect 94% of the land area of Queensland. These Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers are a branch of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. Within Australia there are approximately 220,000 Fire Fighting Volunteers.

Volunteer Fire Fighters like all community Volunteers are there because they want to be there. They don't expect a pat on the back, though it is nice when one is given. They see an area within their communities where they can help and offer their assistance.

Some Volunteers already have certain skills that are of benefit to an organisation and those skills are utilised. Many Volunteer have skills that even they don't recognise. Skills like: Life skills, communication skills, willingness skills, skills in patience, listening skills, learning skills, caring skills and the biggest skill of them all, to have a go.

I am lucky as a Volunteer because I am not only an Operational Rural Fire Fighter, but also hold a Certificate IV as an Assessor/Trainer and Certificate IV in Public Safety Fire Fighting Supervision. This makes me lucky because I am a Rural Fire Fighter Training Officer and I get to train new Volunteers to become Volunteer Fire Fighters.

There is nothing that makes me more proud as a Trainer than to witness a community Volunteer protecting life, property or the environment as a trained Rural Fire Fighter, speaking with the community on Fire Safety or manning a Rural Fire Display at a Community function.

Unlike the Rural Fire Brigades, some employers of Volunteers over look this important resource when it comes to ongoing training. The training of an organisation's Volunteers or their inclusion within permanent/paid staff training has five benefits to an organisation.

• It makes the Volunteer feel more a part of the organisation
• It reduces the turnover of Volunteers
• It improves the knowledge base and efficiency of an organisation
• It is a positive way of reinforcing your trust in the Volunteers
• It's a way of thanking a Volunteer, by giving them additional skills for Volunteering their service.

As a Trainer, I would encourage Volunteer employers to review, and where necessary modify, their Volunteer Training Programs. Volunteering NQ has the staff and/or the contacts that can assist any Volunteer Employer develop or improve their Volunteer Training Program.

I am a Volunteer and proud of it. The knowledge I have is only of value if it's shared. As a Trainer my goal is to share that knowledge to as many as are willing to accept it.

Be proud to be a Volunteer, the world would stop without you.

Article kindly provided by Bob Roberson.

Fire Safety Bonus

Please see pages 9-10 for some information on workplace fire safety and fire extinguishers, a bonus extra in this issue. We hope you find it to be a handy reference.

If you need another copy for any reason, please contact VNQ.

FUNDRAISING

Women and War - Photographic Exhibition

The 2010 Townsville Community Directory Resource is now available.

A 160-page annual publication including over 700 organisations. Chapters covering services for the aged, people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, children and young people, families, emergency services, employment-related services, education, health, support groups and more. A must for community workers and government organisations who need to refer their clients to appropriate agencies.

Published by the Community Information Centre Townsville Inc.

Directory cost: $26.40 GST inclusive,
with concession $17.60 GST inclusive.

Postage cost: $8.40 (postcodes 4810 - 4815, 4817) or
$9 (postcode 4816, Ayr & Ingham).

To place your order:
Phone: 4771 4230
Email: cic@townsville.qld.gov.au
('Directory order' in the Subject Box) or
Visit the Centre: Level 1 Northtown, Flinders St
(Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm).

NB The information is also available (free) on the online searchable database:
www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Article by Barbara Pearson - Coordinator
Community Information Centre Townsville Inc.

Our Community Board Matching Service

Our Community provide a Community Board Matching Service for the Boards, Committees & Governance Centre.

It matches individuals and workplace volunteering programs looking to join boards or management committees with community group boards or management committees who want new members.

So if you want to join a board, or have a board that needs new members, why not give Our Community's Board Matching Service a try?

www.ourcommunity.com.au

After a long time of active lobbying, Deaf Services Queensland is now operating in the local region.

Community Development Officer Lisa Clews will be available to provide support services to the Deaf and hard of hearing community in Townsville, Ingham, Ayr and Charters Towers. She is looking forward to working with you to improve the quality of life for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

They are currently working out of the Umbrella network based at Cootharinga Society of North Queensland, until their permanent office is established.

If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the organisation directly on:
Email: Liza.Clews@deafsq.org.au

Alternatively, you can also direct enquiries to Deaf Services Queensland's Brisbane office on:
Ph: 07-3892 8500 (voice)
Ph: 07-3892 8501 (TTY)

www.deafservicesqld.org.au

HELP NEEDED

Office Space Required

The Queensland Young Volunteer Awards 2010 are now open until 18 June 2010.

Every day, young Queenslanders make a difference in all aspects of society and community life as volunteers. Young volunteers add to the vibrancy and cohesiveness of our state. The Queensland Young Volunteer Awards acknowledge and reward the efforts of young volunteers aged 12 to 25.

Eleven awards will be presented in 2010, with each winner receiving $500, a certificate of recognition, plus personal development opportunities.

The Queensland Government values the contribution of volunteers and as part of their 'Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland' has set a target to increase by 50% the number of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers.

The awards are part of the Government's target to provide a perfect opportunity for community leaders, community organisations and teachers to say 'thank you' to young volunteers. If you know an outstanding young volunteer or group of volunteers, this is your opportunity to nominate them for an award.

For further information go to the website or contact:
Office for Volunteering - Department of Communities
Ph: 07-3898 0120 - Vivi Zammit or
Email: volunteering@communities.qld.gov.au

www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au

TAXATION

Free Updates on Key Non-Profit Tax Issues

Wondering what's in store for Australia's taxation system? This website will answer your questions:

www.futuretax.gov.au

Australian Taxation Office - Centenary

The Australian Taxation Office celebrates a special milestone in 2010, with their Centenary in November.

To mark the occasion, they are planning a number of events throughout the year, including the release of a new Strategic Statement and Taxpayer's Charter in June and the releases of their Corporate Plan, a commemorative 20 cent coin and a commemorative stamp in July.

More information is available on their website.

www.ato.gov.au

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Speak Up Townsville - Community Consultation

Townsville City Council has started the biggest community-wide consultation in the city's history.

They are gathering opinions from the community to develop a Community Plan for our city's future.

If you wish to learn more, or wish to be a part of the Plan's development, or simply wish to have your say, full details on the Plan are available on their website.

Changes to Water Charges in Townsville

Townsville Water is introducing a new water pricing system for Townsville residents.

They will pay only for the water they actually use, rather than a fixed amount of 772 kilolitres that they may not use all of.

Changeover to the new system comes in from the final reading of water metres for the current period.

Full details on the new pricing system and related information is available on the Council's website.

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

The Australian Government today released a draft of its long-term strategy to increase participation of Indigenous Australians in the economy.

Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Minister for Employment Participation, Mark Arbib, said the Indigenous Economic Development Strategy is a national framework which builds on the Government's significant investments in closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.

Ms Gillard said the strategy will be used to guide and inform future policy decisions in Indigenous economic development.

The draft strategy focuses on five key areas for improving the prosperity of Indigenous Australians:

• Education and building the capacity of individuals to participate in the economy;
• Creating and filling job opportunities;
• Business and entrepreneurship;
• Financial security and independence; and
• Creating the incentives and environment for full Indigenous economic participation.

"The strategy provides a pathway for Indigenous Australians to have the same opportunities as all Australians - to get an education, find a job or start their own business, own their own home and provide for their families," Ms Macklin said.

"This framework signals a new partnership between Indigenous Australians, the private sector and government."

Senator Arbib said work under the strategy would include greater support for Indigenous business networks and support for an Indigenous Business Advisory Group.

"The Advisory Group will provide expert advice to Government on priorities for the sector," Senator Arbib said.

"A strong focus on ongoing engagement with Indigenous Australians and business is an integral part of the strategy."

We encourage all Australians with an interest in Indigenous economic development to provide comment on the draft and help increase the number of Indigenous Australians participating in the economy.

The closing date for submissions is 1 November 2010. The final strategy is expected by the end of the year.

During the consultation period, the Government will continue to progress key initiatives that support Indigenous economic development.

Government Boosts Support for Indigenous Businesses

The Australian Government will provide greater support to Indigenous businesses, including financial support for state and regional Indigenous chambers of commerce and will establish a new business advisory group.

This announcement follows today's release of the draft Indigenous Economic Development Strategy.

The Minister for Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the new measures would assist state and regional chambers of commerce to help more Indigenous Australians achieve their business goals, as well as providing employment for Indigenous people.

The Minister for Employment Participation, Mark Arbib, said the Indigenous business sector was still small, but fast developing and a vital part of the Australian economy.

"Indigenous business networks provide role models and business leadership to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs," Senator Arbib said.

"An Indigenous Business Advisory Group will also be established to provide direct, expert advice on business support and policies that will support growth in the sector."

The strategy provides a pathway for Indigenous Australians to have the same opportunities as all Australians - to get an education, find a job or start their own business, own their own home and provide for their families.

To view the Strategy and related Action Plan, visit
http://resources.fahcsia.gov.au/IEDS/

Both articles on this page are joint Media Releases by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

From Beyond Police Checks: The Definitive Volunteer & Employee Screening Guidebook
by Linda L. Graff, pp 126-7.

They are impossible to define and yet most of us experience them. Triggers called "gut feelings" arise with some regularity among screeners. Variously called "intuition," or "instinct," screeners sense that something is "off," or "not quite right" with particular candidates. It might be the feeling of the hair standing up on the back of your neck, or the troubling sense of uncertainty that nags at you when the interviewee leaves your office.

What should you do when you experience misgivings of this nature? The first thing to do is to push yourself to identify precisely what triggered the sense of apprehension. Was it something in the candidate's manner, choice of words, presentation style, body language, or attitude? If you can pinpoint the source of discomfort, then explore it. Is it a legitimate cause for concern, or is it merely a reflection of discomfort with "difference"? Be careful that discrimination against someone not exactly like yourself is not in play.

The gut feeling can arise from other sources. Perhaps the source is a slight inconsistency among the data collected about a candidate. Perhaps the source is the too careful choice of non-committal language from a referee. Maybe a sense of unease surfaces from a slightly less than convincing explanation of gaps in an employment record or frequent moves from community to community.

The recommendation is that gut feelings not be ignored (Lorraine Street, 1996; Robert W Wendover, 1996; Steve McCurley and Rick Lynch, 1996). There is often some basis in reality for an intuitive sense of apprehension. Like other red flags, a gut feeling should not be grounds for disqualification but, instead, a cause to investigate further.

Get a second opinion. Ask a colleague or a supervisor to join you in a second interview with the candidate, or to re-check a reference. Think about how much you want to share with your assistant in advance. It might be better to say less about your misgivings and see if he or she picks up on what you sensed. She or he might be able to confirm or dispel your concerns.

When misgivings cannot be easily allayed, it may be necessary to ask the individual to undergo further screening. For example, an additional interview, extra reference checks, a performance

As Lorraine Street (1996) elaborates, the situation may not be easily resolved. You may be faced with a difficult choice. You place a candidate you are still uncomfortable with, which may increase risks, and which will certainly increase the importance of all post-screening risk management mechanisms. You decline the application of a candidate on less than clear or defensible grounds which leaves the organization vulnerable to discrimination claims. Sometimes the choice comes down to what your gut tells you might be the best course of action in the best interests of clients and the organization's mission, versus the most prudent legal option of non-discrimination.

Clearly a win-win outcome is unlikely in such a dilemma. The ethically right choice is probably to give priority to the well-being of clients, but either way, the screener will want to ensure that the organization supports the option she or he pursues.

Excerpted from Beyond Police Checks: The Definitive Volunteer & Employee Screening Guidebook by Linda L. Graff, © 1999, Linda Graff & Associates.

Found in the Energize, Inc. Online Bookstore at www.energizeinc.com

13th National Conference on Volunteering

October 27-29
Melbourne

For more details, or to register, visit the website.

www.volunteeringaustralia.org

EDITORIAL

In life, there is one simple truth to never forget:
some days you're the bug, some days the windshield.

THE OMBUDSMAN'S SERVICES ARE FREE

Complaints - Ph: 1300 362 072;
Ph: 07 3005 7000 (Brisbane);
Fax: 07 3229 4010 (Brisbane);
Website: www.comb.gov.au

Queensland Ombudsman
The Queensland Ombudsman may be able to help if you feel you have been treated unfairly by a Queensland public agency or its staff.

THIS SERVICE IS FREE OF CHARGE

Toll Free: 1800 068 908; TTY: 3006 8174;
Ph: 07 3005 7000; Fax: 07 3005 7067;
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.qld.gov.au;
Website: www.ombudsman.qld.gov.au

Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland
Level 2, St. James Place
155 - 157 Denham Street, Townsville;
Ph: 4799 7020, 1300 130 670;
Fax: 4799 7021; TTY: 1300 130 680;
Website: www.adcq.qld.gov.au

Dispute Resolution Service
Level 2, St. James Place
155-157 Denham Street, Townsville;
Ph: 4799 7870, 1800 809 605;
Fax: 4799 7871;
Website: www.justice.qld.gov.au

Office of Fair Trading - Qld Government
1st Floor State Government Building,
Cnr Stanley & Walker Street, Townsville
Ph: 1300 658 030; Fax: 47 53 2288;
Website: www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

Townsville Community Legal Service
2/181 Sturt Street next to Bendigo Bank
Ph: 4721 5511; Fax: 4721 5499;
Email: townsvillecls@nitrousnet.com.au

Updated every week - Special Events Page
Find out what's on in the local area!
www.volunteeringnthqld.org.au/events.htm

Updated every issue - Newsletter Page
Willing & Able is always available online!
www.volunteeringnthqld.org.au/newsletter.htm

Updated recently - Training page
Find out what training is available or coming up!
www.volunteeringnthqld.org.au/training.htm

VNQ on Facebook

Fire Extinguishers in the workplace are the subject of numerous Acts, Regulations and Australian Standards.

These Acts, Regulations and Australian Standards cover subjects such as:

• Types
• Extinguisher Identification
• Locations
• Numbers
• Signage and
• Servicing

Most business enterprises rely on their Fire Extinguisher service provider to advise on the type, size, number and location of the appropriate fire extinguishers or hose reels, and also to provide a servicing schedule, thus ensuring the workplace is in compliance with the appropriate Acts, Regulations and Australian Standards.

Many workplaces introduce Fire and Evacuation Training to the Staff during the employment induction period. Unfortunately, some employees don't get site induction until the employer believes there are sufficient people to justify an induction course. In some instances Volunteers do not receive any induction training.

I have heard many stories about new employees, and this includes Volunteers, being on a worksite for months and not receiving site induction training. The fact that some sites have a high turnover of Volunteers or Volunteers only working one day a week does not negate their Site Safety Training.

A failure to train all staff in Site Safety, Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures and Site Hazards, I believe, is a very dangerous practice. When things go pear shaped at a work site, particularly in the event of a fire, evacuation or hazardous incident, these employees are being endangered due to lack of knowledge. The excuse of "we had certain staff trained" does not jell particularly if "those trained staff" are on days off, are working elsewhere or have forgotten what to do.

Recently I ran a FREE Fire Extinguisher Training session at Volunteering NQ for Volunteers. I gave all the attendees a quick questionnaire to be answered in relation to their workplace. The attendees kept the questionnaire solely for their reference and as a reminder to check their workplaces.

THE QUESTIONNAIRE (Try it)

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOU'RE WORK PLACE?

• Where is the nearest Fire Extinguisher to your work station?
• What type of Fire Extinguisher is it?
• Do you know how and when to use it?
• Where are other Fire Extinguishers?
• Is there a Fire Alarm Manual Call Point (MCP) near your work station?
• What is the phone number for the Fire Brigade?
• Do you know what to do in the event of discovering a Fire?
• Does you work place have an Emergency Evacuation Plan?
• Where is the Evacuation Plan located?
• Where is your Evacuation Assembly Point?

Every Australian Fire Extinguisher clearly indicates what type of fire it can be used on.
On the front of the Extinguisher is a set of THREE pictures.

• Picture 1 - a Rubbish Bin and a small Timber/Paper Fire
  
• Picture 2 - a Fuel or Oil Can with a small Fire
  
• Picture 3 - a Electrical Power Outlet and a Three Pin Plug

If any of these Pictures have a RED CIRCLE WITH A RED LINE through it, it means that the Extinguisher cannot be used for that type of fire.

Australian Fire Extinguishers also have a Colour Code. Remembering the colours and the extinguisher use seems to be a point of concern to many people. Again look at the pictures.

As a Volunteer on a site, take a couple of minutes to look around the walls and columns of your work area for extinguishers and evacuation plans.

• Locate the Red and White sign displaying an extinguisher. Under that sign is an extinguisher.
• Locate the Extinguisher immediately above it will be a sign saying what type of fire the extinguisher is suited for.
• Look at the extinguisher for the three pictures, to confirm that it is the correct Extinguisher.
• Check the little pressure gauge on the extinguisher to see that the needle is in the green.
• Make sure that the extinguisher is easily accessible.

If you see that something is not correct in relation to the extinguisher or its location, immediately notify your Supervisor or the site Workplace Health and Safety Officer/Rep.

EVACUATION PLANS

• Locate the site evacuation plan.
• Make sure you know where you are in relation to the plan's evacuation path.
• Note an alternate evacuation route.
• Be aware of how to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency.
• Become aware of the location of Main Power switches, Gas shut off valves and Hazardous Chemical Storage areas.

Don't be afraid to ask questions pertaining to site safety. After all it's your safety and wellbeing as well as that of everyone else that works there.