National Volunteer Week 2026

Monday, 18 May 2026         10:00 – 10:45am Register

This introductory session is designed to help volunteers build awareness and confidence in supporting neurodiversity in the environments they work in.

You will gain a practical understanding of what neurodiversity is, how it may show up in different people, and simple, respectful ways to create a more inclusive and supportive experience for everyone.

With a focus on everyday actions, this session will help you feel more confident communicating with, supporting, and including neurodivergent individuals, without needing specialist knowledge.  It will also give you a better understanding of your role as a volunteer and when to seek additional support if needed.

Presented by Kath Polglase (Australian Psychological Services)
Kath has over 25 years of experience across organisational and clinical settings. She has worked across a range of sectors and brings expertise in workplace mental health, conflict resolution, and supporting people through challenging interactions.

Monday, 18 May 2026         2:00 – 2:45pm Register

Volunteers often support people during vulnerable moments. This session introduces a trauma-informed approach to help you respond with confidence, care, and respect.

You will gain an understanding of what trauma is and how it can show up in those affected. You will also learn how to manage your own boundaries and safety, so you can support others without putting yourself at risk of harm.

Through various scenarios, the session also explores how to respond when someone shares a difficult experience and some simple ways you can help them develop their own safety plan.

Finally, the session will highlight how small adjustments to everyday processes and decisions can create a more trauma-informed and supportive environment for everyone.

Presented by Sandy McCristal (WISE Workplace)

Tuesday, 19 May 2026         11:00 – 11:45am Register

Volunteers play a vital role in creating safe, supportive environments for children and young people.

This information session provides an overview of the Tell Someone initiative – an important initiative focused on building a culture where children and young people feel safe to speak up, and adults feel confident to respond. With an emphasis on prevention and early support, the initiative aims to empower communities to take meaningful action when it matters most.

During this session, you will learn about the new Tell Someone Champion Network, designed to help organisations demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding through awareness and practical action.

You will also get an introduction to the new Safeguarding Training Package, which provides clear, accessible guidance to help volunteers and community members recognise signs of harm, respond appropriately, and understand what to do next.

Together, these initiatives support volunteers, organisations and the community to turn awareness into action, strengthening confidence, capability, and community-wide efforts to protect children and young people.

Presented by Pip Hankin (Department of Premier and Cabinet)

Pip is the Assistant Director Policy and Engagement for the Keeping Children Safe Reform Team in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

This session includes content about child sexual abuse. Some people may find this distressing.

• Please take a break at any time if you need to.
• Look after yourself during and after the session.

If anything in this session raises concerns or impacts you, support is available:

• Your agencies Employee Assistance Program
• Lifeline (13 11 14) or Crisis Chat Support
• Access Mental Health (1800 332 388)
• 13YARN (13 92 76)
• Statewide Sexual Assault Support Line 1800 697 877 (1800 MY SUPPORT)
• Relationships Australia Tasmania 1300 364 277

If you are experiencing an emergency: call 000

Wednesday 20 May 2026         10:00 – 10:45am Register

Not-for-profit organisations, particularly those governed by volunteer boards, often operate with limited resources and a strong reliance on government funding.

Join Greg Masters for a dynamic and interactive session exploring the key tips and common pitfalls when applying for government grants. Drawing on his experience as both a volunteer board member and a consultant who has evaluated numerous grant programs and reviewed not-for-profit organisations, Greg will share valuable insights to help strengthen your approach.

This interactive session also provides an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and gain tailored advice.

Designed for those working in the not-for-profit sector, especially volunteer board members, this session will leave you with a clearer understanding of how to position your organisation to successfully access government funding.

Presented by Greg Masters (Nexus Management Consulting)
Greg is an engaging and energetic facilitator with more than 25 years’ experience consulting for government and community sectors. He specialises in strategic planning, program evaluation and management review to help organisations change for the better.  Greg has an honours degree in psychology, a public management and prior to establishing Nexus in 1996, held a number of senior management and executive positions in NSW Government agencies.

Wednesday 20 May 2026         2:00 – 2:45pm Register

In today’s digital world, keeping volunteers genuinely connected can be a challenge. This practical session is designed for volunteer coordinators looking to strengthen engagement in ways that go beyond simple online communication.

You’ll explore how to create meaningful, two-way interactions that build stronger relationships with your volunteers, while using digital tools to enhance (not replace) human connection. The session will also highlight simple, effective approaches to designing volunteer experiences that inspire participation, foster motivation, and keep people connected to your organisation’s purpose.

Presented by Steve Wiggers (SCALA the Training Company)
Steve is the Managing Director and lead facilitator at SCALA. An expert in adult learning and group dynamics, he specialises in building practical capability that drives immediate behaviour change and measurable workplace outcomes. Steve’s style is direct, engaging, and grounded in the realities of the modern workplace, focusing on tools that leaders can apply the very next day. He is the 2025 Tasmanian Trainer of the Year.

Thursday 21 May 2026         10:00 – 10:45am Register

This session provides an introduction into how to safely manage interactions with distressed, frustrated or aggressive individuals.

It focuses on how to manage your own responses when faced with verbal aggression – an often-overlooked critical foundation for effective de-escalation.

You will also explore practical strategies to reduce tension, prevent escalation, and safely resolve conflict, including:

• Recognising early warning signs of aggression
• Effective communication techniques (listening, tone and body language)
• Affect labelling and empathy
• Maintaining your composure under pressure
• Working towards calm, collaborative outcomes

Presented by Andrew Viney (De-escalation Tasmania)
Andrew is the Principal Facilitator of De-escalation Tasmania, bringing a diverse career across healthcare, security, disability services and heavy industry. A former intensive care nurse, Andrew later worked extensively in the security sector, where he applied and refined practical de-escalation techniques in real-world situations. He now delivers training to government and private clients, helping build confidence in managing conflict. Andrew is also the founder of Advanced Tactical Self-Defence and a qualified martial arts instructor with experience in multiple disciplines.

Thursday 21 May 2026         2:00 – 2:45pm Register

Find out how the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (Tas) applies in volunteer settings and why it matters for creating safe, inclusive, and respectful environments.

Volunteers often work across diverse communities, making them both ambassadors of inclusion and potential witnesses to discrimination, harassment, or ridicule. The session will translate legal obligations under the Act into practical, everyday actions, focusing on early intervention and effective communication.

Using real-world scenarios and brief reflective exercises, you will build confidence in identifying discrimination and prohibited behaviour and how to respond.

Presented by  Ange Bain (Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner)
Ange is a Training and Education Officer with the Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, delivering practical, engaging training to corporate and government organisations across Tasmania.  With over 30 years of national experience in education and workforce development, Ange has worked across government, not-for-profit, and community services sectors. She specialises in making complex topics, such as Discrimination Law, workplace behaviour, and compliance, clear, relevant, and applicable to a range of environments. Passionate about inclusion and equity, Ange is committed to helping organisations create courteous, safe and diverse workplaces, where everyone can thrive.

Friday 22 May 2026         10:00 – 10:45am Register

Do you volunteer with vulnerable people, including children in Tasmania? Then this session will help you understand what you need under the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) Scheme.

Do volunteers need a RWVP? What are the risk assessment and background checks that happen when someone applies for a RWVP? What are volunteer organisations’ obligations under the RWVP Scheme?

You will learn about the role and purpose of the RWVP Scheme, and hear how the Scheme will be transformed in the future. Volunteer fee relief and renewing your RWVP is also covered.

Whether you’re new to volunteering or need to update your RWVP, this session will help you stay informed, compliant and confident in your role.

Presented by Tim Vaatstra (Department of Justice)
Director of the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People scheme in the Department of Justice since 2023.  A social worker by training, Tim has practiced and/or managed staff in operational service delivery areas including Youth Justice, Child Safety, Adoptions and Permanency Services and National Redress for over 20 years.

Friday 22 May 2026         2:00 – 2:45pm Register

Supporting others starts with looking after your own wellbeing. Drawing on years of experience of supporting high-pressure environments, Lifeline Tasmania has seen that mental clarity isn’t something that just happens, instead it’s built through simple, intentional habits.

This practical webinar focuses on five proven strategies that make a real difference to everyday wellbeing:

• The power of movement
• Mindfulness and breathing
• Music as a tool
• Useful self-care strategies
• Cognitive offloading

If you have ever felt overwhelmed, stretched, or low on motivation, this session offers realistic, easy-to-apply techniques to help you regain focus and feel more in control. You’ll leave with practical tools to quiet mental chatter and support your wellbeing so that you can continue making a positive impact in your volunteering role.

Presented by Penny Beeston (Lifeline Tasmania)
Penny is a member of the Training and Support team at Lifeline Tasmania, specialising in delivering impactful, trauma-based training to workplaces. A clinical practitioner and Arts Therapist with over 20 years of experience in the youth and community sectors, Penny blends clinical expertise with creative approaches to professional development. Her background includes senior roles in sexual assault and family violence services, as well as running her own private practice. Penny is passionate about equipping individuals with practical tools for growth, driven by a deep commitment to building strong, authentic community connections.