Volunteering in Gippsland: Connecting Communities

Join us for our May Innovation Breakfast as we celebrate National Volunteer Week (19-25 May 2025) and consider the vital role of volunteering in Gippsland to strengthen our community. This session will examine the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers, highlight innovation initiatives supporting volunteer participation, and consider the impact of volunteering on individuals and businesses. 

In partnership with GippSport, we'll showcase the Volunteering Gippsland website, a regional platform designed to connect volunteers with organisations in need. One year after its launch, we'll explore why the platform was developed, how it is being used, and the outcomes being achieved. 

The session will also feature local case studies, celebrating volunteers who are making a difference. Hear their inspiring stories - why they volunteer, the challenges and rewards they've experienced, and the positive change they've helped create.

Event Program

• 8.00am: Arrival - breakfast, tea and coffee on arrival
• 8.30am: Welcome by MC, including Acknowledgement of Country
• 8.35am: Keynote by co-presenters from GippSport and Latrobe City Council
• 9.00am: A panel of local representatives will speak about their volunteer experience, including 2024 Volunteering Victoria Leadership award winner - Arfa Sarfaraz Khan, President of the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley
• 9.30am: Question time with the Panel
• 9.45am: Networking/Breakfast
• 10.00am: Event concludes
  
  

Speakers

• MC: Lisa Maatsoo, Industry Engagement & Innovation Manager, Morwell Innovation Centre, Federation University
  
• Cassie Atikins, Volunteers Coordinator, GippSport
• Rebecca Fenton, Community Strengthening Officer, Latrobe City Council
• Arfa Sarfaraz Khan, President of the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley
• Other speakers: TBA

This event is being delivered in partnership with Federation University, Regional Development Australia Gippsland and Regional Development Victoria.