About the Volunteering Community Reference Group
The Volunteering Community Reference Group (VCRG) was established as part of the State Government’s commitment to volunteering and provides an important forum for collaboration between government, volunteers and the broader community sector.
Formally convened by Volunteering WA in 2018, the Group has played a significant role in supporting the delivery of the WA Volunteering Strategy and ensuring the voices of volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations are heard.
Serving as an advisory forum, members also provide advice to the Minister for Volunteering on emerging trends, challenges and opportunities within the sector. Through this work, the group is instrumental to helping shape future policy and strategic direction for volunteering in Western Australia.
Expression of Interest – now open!
The Department of Communities is currently inviting nominations from passionate individuals to join the VCRG and contribute their knowledge, perspectives and ideas to help build a stronger volunteering sector for all Western Australians.
Whether you volunteer in your local community, work within a volunteer-involving organisation, undertake research or have lived experience and valuable insights to share, we encourage you to apply.
Membership is for a two-year term, with appointments made directly by the Minister for Volunteering.
How do I apply?
To apply, please complete the online form. If you have any questions about the application process, please email the Volunteering team.
As part of the application, you will need to provide:
- A written statement (maximum of three pages) outlining your interest in becoming a member of the VCRG and the experience, skills and perspectives you would bring to the role.
- A resume (minimum of two pages) if you are applying for the position of VCRG Chair.
Closing date
To be eligible, expressions of interest must be submitted by 4pm on Monday 24 August 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Who should apply?
We are looking for people with a range of lived experiences, skills and perspectives who want to help shape the future of volunteering and improve outcomes for volunteers and volunteering in Western Australia.
Whether you volunteer directly, work with volunteers, support volunteering through your professional expertise, or bring valuable community insight, we encourage you to apply.
To help ensure the group reflects the diversity of volunteers and communities across our State, we particularly encourage applications from:
- Young people (aged 18-25 years)
- LGBTIQA+ individuals
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (aged 55 years or over)
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Older people (aged 65 years or over)
- People with disability; and
- People living in regional and remote areas of Western Australia.
For more information about the membership profile we are seeking, please refer to the Membership Composition section of the Terms of Reference.
Details about the Expression of Interest and application process are also included in the document below.
Resources
Volunteering Community Reference Group EOI promotional resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the role of the VCRG?
Show moreThe VCRG helps ensure the voices of volunteers are heard at the highest levels of government. Members provide advice, insights and expertise on issues affecting volunteering across Western Australia, by:
- Providing the Minister for Volunteering with advice and information on trends, issues and opportunities impacting the community.
- Representing the interests of volunteers and the volunteering community to the Minister for Volunteering.
- Presenting evidenced based research on current trends, issues and opportunities in volunteering.
- Assisting in identifying gaps, barriers, strengths and opportunities to advance volunteering in Western Australia.
- Enabling an exchange of information between the representative parties on issues and trends relating to volunteering generally.
- Providing strategic advice and feedback on the implementation of the Western Australian State Volunteering Strategy.
2. What are the key activities of the VCRG?
Show moreThe VCRG:
- Discusses emerging issues impacting the volunteering sector and communities.
- Collaboratively identifies key priorities to inform the group’s annual program of work.
- Shares knowledge, experience and ideas with members from diverse backgrounds.
- Influences discussions on sector priorities, commitments, and future direction for volunteering in Western Australia.
3. Can I apply if I am an existing VCRG member?
Show moreYes, existing members may reapply, however priority may be given to new applicants as a way of supporting diversity and sector renewal.
4. How are applicants assessed?
Show moreMembership selection will be guided by the Membership Composition outlined in the Terms of Reference, with a focus on achieving a diverse and representative group of members, where possible.
Applications will be panel will be assessed by a selection panel, which includes:
- The Minister for Volunteering (or their nominee)
- The CEO of Volunteering WA
- A representative from the Department of Communities (Panel Chair)
- A current VCRG member
The panel may invite shortlisted applicants to participate in an interview as part of the assessment process.
Successful applicants may be appointed to a two-year membership term commencing November 2026. Applicants who are assessed as suitable but are not immediately appointed may be placed in a talent pool and considered for future VCRG membership opportunities that arise during the life of the pool.
5. How are VCRG members appointed?
Show moreMembers are invited to join by the Minister for Volunteering for a two-year term.
The group includes standing members from:
- Volunteering WA (the sector peak body)
- The Department of Communities
The Chair is appointed by the Minister for Volunteering.
6. How many VCRG members are there?
Show moreThe VCRG has between 12 and 15 members.
7. How often does the VCRG meet?
Show moreThe VCRG meets quarterly (four times per year), with each meeting running for approximately two hours.
To support collaboration and relationship-building among members, in-person attendance is preferred wherever possible. However, alternative arrangements may be considered where required, particularly for members located in regional or remote areas.
8. Are VCRG members paid?
Show moreNo. Membership is a voluntary (unpaid) role. Members contribute their time, expertise and lived experience to help strengthen volunteering across Western Australia. To support participation, reasonable travel expenses associated with attending VCRG meetings and activities will be reimbursed.
9. How do I access the VCRG Terms of Reference and Membership Guide?
Show morePlease visit the Volunteering WA - Volunteering Community Reference Group webpage to view the VCRG Terms of Reference and Membership Composition guide.
10. How can I learn more about the VCRG?
Show morePlease visit Volunteering WA - Volunteering Community Reference Group webpage if you would like to learn more about the group.
You can also email the Volunteering team: volunteering@communities.wa.gov.au.
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