Volunteer 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 Community 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 ANY residents (including retired or semi-retired) 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, Toora and Foster.
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. The program funding and its content specifically focus towards potential volunteers or volunteers-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 volunteers, volunteer groups and the broader community e.g. residents, retired or semi-retired people, with an interest in volunteering.
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Step 1: Community Engagement & Awareness (Complete)
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 (Complete)
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 (Complete)
Using this feedback, we finalise workshop topics and develop a structured workshop schedule, publishing confirmed session dates, times and location.
Step 4: Participant Registration (Open Now - Workshops Listed Below)
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 x 5 (June Onwards)
All workshops are listed below and will be 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
Volunteer Skills & Leadership Development Workshops
Scheduled Workshops 1 - 5
Workshop 1
Thursday June 18th
3pm to 4.45pm
Port Albert Hall
Working within a Volunteer Group - Upskilling Volunteers - Strengthening Organisations - Boosting Volunteer Numbers
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​​Workshop Summary
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This workshop is designed to help volunteers to become more skilled, organised, and confident in the way they undertake volunteer tasks. Participants will learn practical ways to work within committees, improve how tasks are completed, coordinate volunteers, and improve communication and engagement.
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The session focuses on simple systems and processes that help volunteers to do their tasks as well as attract and retain more volunteers.
Workshop Content & Details • Creating volunteer role descriptions and induction processes. • Understanding committee roles and responsibilities • Running meetings and taking meeting minutes • Working with budgets and action plans • Understanding admin, governance, compliance, and risk management • Understanding record keeping and data privacy requirements • Improving volunteer communications • Building positive culture and teamwork • Volunteer Induction • How to manage conflict amongst volunteers • Managing rosters and delegating tasks • Working with volunteers from different generations and backgrounds • Volunteer rosters and tasks • Volunteer wellbeing and safeguarding • Volunteer recruitment and retention strategies • Volunteer task delegation • Mentoring and supporting volunteers. By the end of this workshop, participants will: • Have a clearer understanding of how volunteer organisations operate. Learn practical skills to help work within a committee and perform tasks. Feel more confident stepping into volunteer and/or leadership roles. Understand how to improve communication, teamwork, and organisation. • Receive easy-to-follow cheat-sheets, templates, guides • Training Certificate. Workshop Details: • Date: June 18th • Duration: 1.75 Hours at the Port Albert Hall • Style: Classroom-based workshop • What to Bring: Notepad and pen for personal notes.
Workshop 2
Thursday July 23rd
3pm to 4.30pm
Port Albert Hall
Growing Community Participation & Running Successful Events/Activities
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​​Workshop Summary
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This workshop focuses on helping community groups to work better together, increase local participation, and plan and deliver successful events / activities.
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Participants will learn practical ways to collaborate with other local organisations, improve community engagement, and confidently plan and manage events of all sizes.
Workshop Content & Details • Working with local community groups and organisations • Building partnerships and shared community goals • Improving communication and collaboration • Managing conflict and understanding governance • Working effectively with councils and local stakeholders • Creating partnership agreements and shared branding opportunities • Understanding community needs and expectations • Building trust that encourages more participation • Planning events and community activities • Event budgeting and funding opportunities • Event marketing and promotional campaigns • Vendor coordination and volunteer management • Crowd management, safety, and emergency planning • Accessibility considerations and event risk assessments. By the end of this workshop, participants will: • Understand how to build stronger community partnerships. Learn how to plan and deliver successful community events. Gain confidence working with councils, local businesses, and collaborating with other community groups. Improve the communication and engagement within the community. • Receive easy-to-follow cheat-sheets, templates, guides • Training Certificate. Workshop Details: • Date: July 23rd • Duration: 1.5 Hours at the Port Albert Hall • Style: Classroom-based workshop • What to Bring: Notepad and pen for personal notes.
Workshop 3
Thursday Aug 20th
3pm to 4.30pm
Port Albert Hall
Using Effective Marketing to Promote your Region, Event, or Fundraiser.
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​​Workshop Summary
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This workshop helps community volunteers and organisations to improve how they promote their town, volunteer organisation, event, and fundraiser.
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Participants will learn the basics of branding, content creation, and marketing in a simple and practical way, helping them attract more visitors, supporters, and community interest.
Workshop Content & Details • Understanding branding and marketing • Creating a clear message and value promotion • Developing taglines, slogans, and visual identity • Understanding your audience and opportunities • Creating consistent marketing and communications • Planning, creating and publishing quality content • Using imagery, photography and video effectively • Understanding short-form videos and social media reels • Planning content for websites, social media, and email • Combining websites, social media, and email together for best results • Introduction to SEO, AI SEO, and online Google visibility • Creating seasonal and promotional marketing campaigns • Understanding the benefits and risks of AI-generated content • Avoiding scammers and spammers. By the end of this workshop, participants will: • Better understand how to market and promote their town, volunteer organisation, event, or fundraiser. Learn practical and effective marketing and content creation skills. Gain confidence using social media and digital marketing tools. Improve visitor awareness and engagement. • Receive easy-to-follow cheat-sheets, templates, guides plus promotional ideas • Training Certificate. Workshop Details: • Date: Aug 20th • Duration: 1.5 Hours at the Port Albert Hall • Style: Classroom-based workshop • What to Bring: Notepad and pen for personal notes.
Workshop 4
Thursday Sept 24th
3pm to 4.45pm
Port Albert Hall
Digital Marketing Skills, Digital Infrastructure, Online Visibility/SEO
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​​Workshop Summary
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This workshop is designed to help community group volunteers to improve their digital presence, communication, and online visibility using practical digital tools and systems.
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The workshop is divided into three easy-to-follow modules that cover digital marketing, digital systems setup, and website management. Participants will learn practical skills they can confidently use within their organisation, even with limited technical experience.
Module 1: Improving Digital Marketing Results. Topics Covered: • Why your brand and value message matter • Improving social media communication and engagement • Creating a simple content marketing plan • Developing a communications plan • Understanding how websites, social media, and email work together • How to use email marketing effectively • Understanding content marketing and SEO • Improving Google visibility • Understanding the risks and pitfalls of AI-generated content • Creating promotional, seasonal, and visitor marketing campaigns. What Participants Will Learn: • How digital marketing works. Practical ways to improve online communication. How to be more confident using social media, email and websites. How to create stronger marketing messages, campaigns and posts • Training Certificate. 3 Module Workshop Details: • Date: Sept 24th • Duration: 2 Hours at the Port Albert Hall • Style: Classroom-based workshop • What to Bring: Notepad and pen for personal notes.
Module 2: Setting Up Digital Infrastructure Topics Covered: • Understanding how websites and online platforms work together • Introduction to SEO and AI SEO • Setting up and managing social media platforms correctly • Understand how to use email effectively • Using an eCommerce store and selling online • Improve visibility on Google and manage your Google Profile • Understand online ticket sales and raffles • Understand how to centralise your documents online and share more easily • Understand CRM and membership systems • Understand Event ticketing and registration systems • Understand online booking systems and scheduling tools • Understand mobile payment systems e.g. Square • Using online forms and surveys • Software updates and security. What Participants Will Learn: • The purpose of different digital systems and software tools. How to set-up and maintain digital systems. How digital systems can save time and improve efficiencies. Gain confidence using online platforms and systems. Understand what infrastructure their organisation needs. How to put a digital plan together to support their need • Training Certificate. 3 Module Workshop Details: • Date: Sept 24th • Duration: 2 Hours at the Port Albert Hall • Style: Classroom-based workshop • What to Bring: Notepad and pen for personal notes.
Module 3: Managing & Improving Your Website Topics Covered: • Improving website ranking and Google visibility • Improving website SEO and supporting AI SEO • Matching website usability needs with functionality • Updating website content and information • Creating and managing event pages • Website blogs and community news updates • Online registrations and enquiry forms • Selling products or tickets online • Website marketing and promotional campaigns • Improving visitor experience and navigation • Keeping website content current and engaging • Running website performance reports • Improving security. What Participants Will Learn: • How to improve website visibility and performance. Practical ways to make websites user friendly. Understand how to market your website to improve community engagement. How to become confident managing your website By the end of this workshop, participants will: • Have a clearer understanding of digital marketing and online communication. Learn practical digital skills they can use immediately. Gain confidence using websites, social media, and digital systems. Better understand how digital tools can support their work, volunteer organisation and the community. Feel more confident to volunteer for digital marketing tasks. • Receive practical cheat-sheets, templates, guides, and reference materials • Training Certificate. 3 Module Workshop Details: • Date: Sept 24th • Duration: 2 Hours at the Port Albert Hall • Style: Classroom-based workshop • What to Bring: Notepad and pen for personal notes.
Workshop 5
Thursday Oct 22nd
3pm to 4.45pm
Port Albert Hall
Developing Funding Programs: Grants, Fundraising & Sponsorships
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​​Workshop Summary
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This workshop will help volunteer groups to improve their fundraising, grant applications, sponsorship programs, and membership growth.
Participants will learn practical and easy-to-understand ways to secure funding, improve financial sustainability, and build stronger supporter relationships.
Workshop Content & Details • Defining fundraising goals and planning • Fundraising ideas and community fundraising activities • Supporting online donations, raffles, and ticket sales • Creating fundraising marketing and communication plans • Setting up websites, email systems, and social media for fundraising • Preparing grant applications and supporting documents • Building a grant application business case and project plan • Budget preparation and project reporting • Understanding KPIs, risk assessments, and evidence collection • Managing grant reporting and acquittals • Building and maintaining membership programs • Building sponsorship programs and sponsor partnerships • Creating membership and sponsor benefits and communication plans • Preparing sponsorship proposals and service plans • Supporting sponsorship through marketing, PR, and joint promotions. By the end of this workshop, participants will: • Create a sustainable funding plan. Better understand how to apply for grants and secure funding. Learn practical fundraising and sponsorship skills. Gain confidence developing membership and supporter programs. Understand the systems needed to manage fundraising activities successfully. • Receive useful templates, planning tools, cheat-sheets, and reference materials to support future funding activities • Training Certificate. Workshop Details • Date: Oct 22nd • Duration: 1.75 Hours at the Port Albert Hall • Style: Classroom-based workshop • What to Bring: Notepad and pen for personal notes.
Meet Your Trainer
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Robert Durrant​​
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An experienced business leader, strategist, marketer, and trainer with more than 30 years of experience working with businesses, community organisations, and industry groups across Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
As the founder of rev™ Branding and VisitReady Co, Robert specialises in organisational growth, leadership, marketing, and community development. Throughout his career, he has helped organisations strengthen their operations and achieve sustainable growth outcomes.
Robert is also an accomplished conference speaker, workshop facilitator, event host, and media commentator, having appeared on major networks including the Nine Network, Fox Sports, Sky News, and NBC.
Known for his practical and engaging presentation style, Robert delivers workshops that provide participants with real-world skills, greater confidence, and actionable insights that can be immediately applied within volunteer groups, committees, clubs, and community organisations.
Have a Question?
If you have question about the Volunteer Training Programs being provided by the Port Albert Progress Assocation, OR you would just like to recieve ongoing information about the project, please use the form to register.
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