Community Skills & Leadership Development Program
The Port Albert Progress Association (PAPA) is excited to announce the launch of the Volunteer Skills & Leadership Development Program, part of the Strengthening Rural Communities initiative funded by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
About the Program
Regional communities across Gippsland share a common and growing challenge - the sustainability of volunteer-led community groups and associations.
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These organisations are the backbone of local towns. They deliver events, drive tourism, support local connection, and create vibrant places to live.
Yet, they are overwhelmingly powered by volunteers who generously give their time, often without the formal skills, tools, or support needed to succeed in increasingly complex roles.
Many volunteers step into positions with limited experience, learning as they go. Others are retired or semi-retired residents seeking meaningful ways to stay active, connect socially, and contribute to their community. While the willingness is strong, the capability gap continues to grow.
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Volunteers are regularly required to undertake critical responsibilities such as:
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Managing committees and performing administrative and compliance functions
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Leadership and team management
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Financial management and budgets
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Fundraising and grant applications
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Coordinating volunteer, memberships and sponsorship programs
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Planning and delivering community events and initiatives/projects
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Email marketing and communications
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Running marketing and promotional activities
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Managing social media more effectively
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Collaborating with government and industry
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Managing digital infrastructure like websites, SEO social media, online stores, and email programs.
Without the right support, these expectations can lead to inefficiency, frustration, and ultimately volunteer burnout.
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Introducing the Commmunity Volunteer Skills & Leadership Program by the Port Albert Progress Association.
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This Volunteer Skills & Leadership Training is designed to directly address this challenge by providing free, accessible training to community volunteers across Gippsland.
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This initiative equips volunteers with practical, real-world skills and knowledge, enabling them to confidently contribute, lead, and strengthen the organisations they support.
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Volunteer Skills & Leadership Training Objectives:
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Provide free training that empowers volunteers with essential, practical skills
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Build confidence so individuals feel capable of stepping into and contributing to volunteer roles
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Equip participants with tools, systems, and knowledge to perform their roles more effectively
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Strengthen community organisations by increasing the number of skilled and capable volunteers
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Encourage participation from retired and semi-retired residents seeking meaningful engagement
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Develop local leadership capability to support long-term community sustainability
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Improve the planning, delivery, and impact of community events, tourism, and local initiatives
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Introduce simple systems and processes to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies
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Reduce volunteer burnout by spreading responsibilities across a broader, better-trained base
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Foster a positive, proactive “I’ll have a go” culture within the community
Who can Participate?
This program is open to residents with a volunteer interest, and ANY volunteer run organisation, community group, association, and charity that are located in Woodside, Carrajung, Wron Won, Devon North, Jack River, Yarram, Tarraville, Alberton, Port Albert and Welshpool.
Is the Training Free?
It is envisaged most of the education and skills-based training will be free to attend. If we need to bring in a specialist organisation, then they may charge for a specific session.
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Who is Excluded?
Commercial organisations/businesses with paid employees. The program funding and its content specifically focus towards volunteer-run groups.
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Project Delivery
The Port Albert Community Volunteer Skills & Leadership Development Program will be provided as hands-on workshop training at the Port Albert Hall each month.
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Program Delivery Framework:
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Our structured approach ensures the program is tailored, relevant, and delivers meaningful outcomes for local volunteer groups and the broader community e.g. residents with an interest in volunteering.
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Step 1: Community Engagement & Awareness
We connect with volunteer-run groups across the region to introduce the program, outlining how it works, along with the key benefits and expected outcomes.
Step 2: Consultation & Needs Analysis
We gather direct input from volunteer-run groups to shape the program, including:
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Priority skill areas and training topics.
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Preferred session formats and duration.
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Ideal days and times for delivery.
Step 3: Program Design & Scheduling
Using this feedback, we finalise workshop topics and develop a structured workshop schedule, publishing confirmed session dates, times and location.
Step 4: Participant Registration
Invitations will be distributed to all volunteer-run groups, enabling them to encourage their volunteers to register and secure their place in relevant sessions.
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Step 5: Workshop Delivery
All sessions are delivered at Port Albert Hall and will provide practical, hands-on learning. Attendees receive supporting materials, including session notes and take-home resources (via registration email.)
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Step 6: Review & Next Steps
Each workshop session concludes with a structured review, identifying key takeaways, recommended actions, and opportunities for further development.
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Step 7: Project Synopsis
Feedback will be gathered from workshop participants and volunteer-run organisations through structured surveys and direct engagement.
This process will evaluate the effectiveness of the training program, measure outcomes, and identify opportunities for future workshops, ongoing support, and continuous improvement.
SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES​
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Increased confidence among volunteers through practical, hands-on skill development
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Improved efficiency and organisation within community groups
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Clearer roles, responsibilities, and processes to support consistency and continuity
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Greater participation by new skilled volunteers
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Immediate application of skills leading to stronger engagement and contribution
LONG-TERM BENEFITS​
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Stronger, more capable, and self-sustaining community organisations
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Increased community participation in local events, programs, and initiatives
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Improved success in securing grants, funding, and sponsorship opportunities
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Enhanced tourism outcomes driven by higher-quality local experiences
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Greater community pride, connection, and overall wellbeing
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Reduced reliance on external funding through improved capability and financial resilience
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Lower rates of volunteer burnout through better workload distribution and support systems
Register Your Interest
If you're a volunteer run organisation, community group, association, or charity located in areas around Woodside, Carrajung, Wron Won, Devon North, Jack River, Yarram, Tarraville, Alberton, Port Albert and Welshpool.
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You can register your group to recieve program information, training topics and schedule as its being finalised.
