On this page you will find answers to these questions:
Where can I find a community organisation to suit my interests?
Join or seek assistance in your local area by visting the
how to find a community organisation page on this site.
If you can’t find a community organisation that suits your needs you may want to think about
setting up a community organisation.
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What could I contribute to a community organisation?
You may want to join a community organisation because you have an interest in the activity it's involved in, wish to help people in need, provide laughter and support to a child, save an animal, make a positive impact on the environment or support a sporting club. There are lots of ways you can contribute to a community organisation.
Community organisations are made up of a range of people, some who may simply have a casual interest and others who want to be more involved by helping to manage the organisation in some way, perhaps as a board or committee member.
You probably have a variety of skills that many community groups could use and you would be willing to contribute. Your contribution can help the group to survive and grow, as well as make a positive contribution to your community.
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How can a community organisation achieve the best outcomes?
Adopting good management principles can help community organisations to be successful. Find out more about what you need to consider when
running a community organisation.
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Do community organisations have any responsibilities for food safety?
Charities and community organisations that sell or provide food as part of a service that is paid for, are considered a food business under the Food Act, 2001 and therefore must comply with the requirements of Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (ANZFS).
This means they must meet certain standards in relation to their premises and the food itself. Local councils have responsibility for ensuring that community groups in their area meet these standards. For more information visit our food safety page.
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Do community organisations need to have insurance for volunteers?
The Volunteer Protection Act 2001 was introduced to encourage people to volunteer for community organisations by addressing concerns that they could be held legally responsible for doing voluntary work on behalf of an organisation.
The Act gives legal protection from personal liability to volunteers doing voluntary work for an incorporated community organisation or government program, but does not cover personal injury matters.
To achieve this level of cover, organisations may need to consider obtaining additional insurance cover for their volunteers, such as personal accident insurance. This additional cover can provide benefits to volunteers following injury, disability or even death while carrying out duties for their organisation.
More information about insurance for community organisations can be found on our site.
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Insurance is costly. Are there more affordable options available?
Group insurance brings together organisations that do similar activities. Organisations present themselves to an insurance broker as a group and reduce their premiums. Group insurance buying, either through peak bodies or associations, or through brokers, has assisted many groups to get better and more affordable insurance cover.
Several insurance brokers can arrange group insurance for organisations. Find out more about group insurance in the fact sheet provided by the Office for Volunteers.
More information about insurance for community organisations can be found on our site.
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Is there training available to gain new skills or take on a formal role?
Training for staff and volunteers is an important consideration for any organisation. For some roles, training is essential but it can also motivate people, help them develop new skills and maintain satisfaction in their role. Resources for community organisations identify a range of training options.
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What can I do to resolve an issue or dispute?
When grievances occur between volunteers and their organisations, most can be resolved internally, usually through the organisation’s grievance procedure, disputes resolution policy.
If you're unable to resolve this matter, there are a number of organisations that can assist you. More information about resolving disputes between volunteers and their organisations can be found on our site.
More information
On this site
Join a community organisation
Set up a community organisation
Managing a community organisation
Resources for community organisations
Aboriginal community organisations
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