Skills to Empower - Driver Practice Program for Refugees
The “Skills to Empower” Driving Practice Program is a TAC funded program run by Diversitat. Diversitat have the support of Victoria Police, Vic roads, Road Safe Barwon, and Handbrake turn. “Skills to Empower” is a volunteer mentor support program aimed at assisting mature age refugees with a learners permit to gain the driving experience they require to pass the Probationary License test.
With support from United Way Geelong Region, Volunteering Geelong has developed and implemented the Leading with Standards program which supports a best practice system for involving and managing volunteers. The program has been intentionally created with several components, enabling different levels of participation by community organisations from across our local region.
The 2010 ‘Leading with Standards’ Program has commenced and participants in the 6 month program include Create (Geelong) Inc, Gateways, Pastoral Health Care Network, Wombat's Wish, United Way, Boroondarah VRC, Eastern Volunteers, Royal Geelong Agricultural Show and Geelong Regional Library. Please contact Alison Duff or Gail Rodgers at Volunteering Geelong for more detail on future programs.
Project Objectives
Organisations that participate in the program will receive the following training and support components:
2 day workshop for the organisation’s representative or Volunteer Manager/Coordinator facilitated by Teresa Forest, which will provide the detail required to implement the standards.
Membership of a network of organisations to provide support, share resources, discuss issues/barriers, celebrate success etc.
Access to a myriad of resources and templates to assist with the implementation of or change to policies, procedures and other documentation requirements.
At least 6 months support from the Training & Development Manager from Volunteering Geelong to assist with the implementation process, based on the needs of each individual organisation. Support will be one-on-one within organisations on a regular basis.
Generally speaking if a person’s visa allows them to do paid work then they would automatically be able to volunteer. The only visas that need checking are those visas where paid work is not allowed. Refer to the links below for more information on specific visa categories. For more information on visitors from overseas wishing to volunteer it is best to refer to the Department of Immigration & Citizenship website.
The Geelong Volunteer Network was set up to provide a forum for those with a common interest in volunteering to communicate, share ideas and provide informal mentoring and support opportunities as required.
The ‘Geelong Volunteering Network’ was established in early 1994 and membership has expanded considerably in recent years. Membership is free and meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month. If you would like to join the Network, please contact
Why Join The Network?
Support for new volunteer managers
Exchange of ideas on volunteer issues
Stimulating environment
Support for Volunteering Geelong as the public face of volunteering
Agency updates
Networking with other agencies
Practical up to date information
Lobby group with regional and state governments
Professional development opportunities
Relevant regional information
Professional expertise and backup
Managing on-going change
Up to date information on volunteer funding issues
Volunteering Geelong receives financial support from the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
