Representatives from Volunteering Geelong, Centrelink, Job Service Australia Providers and Community Organisations from the Geelong Region came together on the 14^th April 2010 for a Volunteering Forum. The primary objective was to create connections between these diverse organisations to discuss factors relating to volunteering for Centrelink clients.

Over 60 people attended which resulted in extensive discussion of issues from all perspectives with stakeholders gaining a far greater understanding of each organisations requirements and limitations.

2010 Volunteer Forum

A workshop during the day identified the barriers but more importantly the areas where organisations could work more effectively together to address issues and take advantage of opportunities.

A key outcome of the event was the establishment of a working party that will continue to address opportunities and act as a conduit between organisations. Organisations represented in the working party are G-Force Recruitment, CentaBRACE, CGVT, Matchworks, Tracey the Placement People, Uniting Care Geelong, Barwon Health, Ardoch Youth Foundation, Bellarine Living & Learning Centre and Volunteering Geelong.