Bundaberg Region youth have been working in recent months to complete Queensland’s first formal volunteer qualification in active volunteering delivered by a Council.
Funding delivered through the Australian Government’s National Recovery and Resilience Agency (NRRA) has paved the way for the students to take part, coordinated through Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community Resilience Youth Program.
As part of the pilot program, young people aged 14 to 18 have been recruited to complete a Certificate II in Active Volunteering so they can readily contribute in a mix of activities in their local area.
Training is being provided by Volunteering Queensland and showcases how regional communities come together to build disaster resilience and capacity.
As part of the course, students have participated in 20 hours of volunteer work in the community including assisting at the Bargara Colour Run, Anzac Day breakfast events and getting involved in PCYC Cadets.
National Recovery and Resilience Agency Coordinator General, the Hon Shane L Stone AC QC said these opportunities were made possible under Disaster Recovery Funding and recognised the value of volunteers.
“It is another great example of how we are building both capacity and local capabilities in our communities,” he said.
“This is the first time the qualification has been offered directly through a council.
“The advantage of doing this allows local students to work directly in the community to have a greater impact as volunteers.
“We are also confident the success of this strategy will allow councils and Volunteering Queensland to deliver qualifications in a similar way across regional Queensland.”
Mr Stone said the program aimed to build a base of young volunteers who were connected to their community while gaining real-world skills, experience and confidence required in today’s workplaces.
Further Information on the Community Resilience Program can be found at – Community resilience program for our region’s youth | Our Bundaberg Region.
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