The lack of resources and support for Volunteer Management Committees in their role of running rural child care centres is a threat to the future sustainability of child care services in the Wheatbelt. The Wheatbelt Organisation for Children’s Services (WOCS) formed a partnership with RUCSN to address this issue. A joint project developed leading to an application to Lotterywest to fund a Project Officer to identify support needs of volunteer committees and models of support to meet these needs.

The Lotterywest application was successful and funding was approved in July 2007. This is a fantastic achievement for WOCS and Child Care Services in the Wheatbelt. The success of the submission demonstrates recognition of the responsibilities undertaken by volunteers in their committee roles. In addition the partnership formed with RUCSN has been further enhanced by the joint management of this project.

Nola Poland was appointed as WOCS Project Officer and commenced in October 2007.

• Identify the support needs of Volunteer Management Committees
• Identify existing supports for volunteers
• Develop a resource manual for both new and existing committees
• Investigate and trial models of support for volunteers

Input from volunteer committee members is vital to the success of this project. The goal is to develop models of support that are cost effective, easily implemented and user friendly. The Project Officer role involves meeting and liaising with volunteers to develop and trial models of support including a resource manual.