VSA&NT 2025 SA State Volunteering Conference - 'Connecting Communities'

The SA State Volunteering Conference is the must-attend event for South Australia’s volunteering sector, bringing together not-for-profit leaders, volunteer managers, government representatives, corporate partners and volunteers. This year’s theme, 'Connecting Communities' focuses on strengthening the connections that make volunteering impactful, inclusive and sustainable. 

Why attend? 

• Gain insights from expert speakers and sector leaders. 
• Explore practical strategies to enhance volunteering. 
• Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network. 
• Participate in interactive breakout sessions tailored to key sector challenges. 
  
  

Featured speakers: 

• Nat Cook MP – Minister for Human Services
• Mark Pearce – CEO, Volunteering Australia
• Shyla Mills – CEO, Palliative Care SA
• Dr Leonie Lockstone-Binney - Deputy Director of the Griffith Institute for Tourism
• Janeen Harris - CHSP Sector Support and Development Coordinator, Macarthur Disability Services
• George Gouzounis - Aged Care Sector Support Coordinator, Multicultural Communities Council of SA
• Lina Scalfino - President, CO.AS.IT. SA
• Georgina Goodrich - Manager, Recovery at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) in South Australia.
• Melissa Jones - CEO of BlazeAid
• Martha Savva - Director, DHS Screening Unit, SA
• Alexei Fey - Chief Executive Officer, Comunet
  

More speakers are to be announced soon! 

What’s on the program? 

Keynote presentations & breakout sessions covering: 

Building a Rural Volunteering Roadmap
The Australian Research Council (ARC) is leading a multi-year study on the structural, geographic, organisational and personal factors that shape rural volunteering. In this session, Professor Leonie Lockstone-Binney will share key insights on how we can build a stronger, more sustainable future for rural volunteering in South Australia. 

The Volunteer Strategy for SA: Driving change together 
The Volunteer Strategy for SA is designed to shape the future of volunteering in our state. This session will unveil the Draft Action Plan, outlining key focus areas and ways individuals and organisations can get involved. Learn how you can play a role in shaping this important strategy and ensuring it meets the needs of the community. 

The National Volunteering Strategy in Action
With the National Volunteering Strategy 2024-2033 now in its implementation phase, this session led by Mark Pearce, CEO of Volunteering Australia, will explore how organisations in SA are putting the strategy into practice. Learn about real-world examples of how this strategy is transforming the volunteering landscape and how you can align your work with national priorities. 

Engaging young people in volunteering
How do we inspire and engage young people to get involved in volunteering? The SVA Service Award program has been highly successful in SA, connecting students with volunteering opportunities that benefit their communities and future careers. Hear directly from young participants about their experiences, the impact of the program, and how organisations can create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of volunteers. 

Innovation in aged care volunteer engagement
Explore the latest advancements transforming volunteer engagement in aged care. This session will provide an overview of current and emerging innovations, including new projects and practical resources to support aged care providers in recruiting and retaining volunteers. Discover how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape volunteer in aged care settings, offering new opportunities to enhance connection, care, and community.

AI: Opportunities for the Volunteering Sector
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here — but it doesn’t have to be scary. In this session, we’ll unpack what AI really is (and isn’t), explore applications that can support volunteer-involving organisations, and discuss how even small teams can harness smart tools to save time and improve impact. Whether you’re tech-curious or cautious, this session is to understanding AI in a way that’s practical, empowering, and accessible.

And more topics will be announced soon – stay tuned on our website.

Please note the conference program is still under development and speakers and topics may be subject to change. Official program to be announced.

Photographs will be taken during the event. By attending, you consent to the use of any photographs taken, which may be used for promotional, marketing, or informational purposes by Volunteering SA&NT and/or third parties. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the event organiser or the photographer during the event.