Voices of Volunteering

Back for 2026 after a slightly longer break.In this episode, Clint Bertenshaw and Paul Muller discuss Volunteer Leadership in 2026. Building on findings from the 2025 State of Volunteering Report and reflecting on current global and economic concerns, Paul provides his insights and views on what challanges may be faced by volunteer leaders and their programs, the support State Peaks can play in supporting volunteer involving organisations and the successes that have come out of facing these challenges.For more information and resources, visit the Centre for Volunteering's website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://volunteering.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Acknowledgement of Country The Centre for Volunteering acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which our office stands.  We recognise the importance of their connection to place and community on these lands and pay our respects to Elders past and present. 

In this episode, Dr Ben Hillier⁠⁠ talks with Paul Muller, author of the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report about the report's key findings and what it means for volunteers and volunteer managers.For more information and resources, visit the Centre for Volunteering's website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://volunteering.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠Acknowledgement of Country The Centre for Volunteering acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which our office stands.  We recognise the importance of their connection to place and community on these lands and pay our respects to Elders past and present. 

In this episode, Dr Ben Hillier⁠ talks with Ned Narouz about his work with youth mentoring charity Ready2Change. They discuss the findings of the Volunteering and Youth report as well as tips to recruit and retain young people in volunteer roles by understanding what matters to them.For more information and resources, visit the Centre for Volunteering's website - ⁠⁠⁠https://volunteering.com.au⁠⁠⁠Acknowledgement of Country The Centre for Volunteering acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which our office stands.  We recognise the importance of their connection to place and community on these lands and pay our respects to Elders past and present. 

In this episode, Dr Ben Hillier⁠ talks with Dr Saba Nabi about her volunteering work in Wagga Wagga and the findings of the Women in Volunteering Report.For more information and resources, visit the Centre for Volunteering's website - ⁠⁠⁠https://volunteering.com.au⁠⁠⁠Acknowledgement of Country The Centre for Volunteering acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which our office stands.  We recognise the importance of their connection to place and community on these lands and pay our respects to Elders past and present. 

In this episode Dr Ben Hillier speaks with Scott Tutton, the Program Manager of Sport Programs at the Australian Sports Commission about the findings of Volunteering and Sport Supplementary Report. For more information and resources, visit the Centre for Volunteering's website - ⁠⁠https://volunteering.com.au⁠⁠Acknowledgement of Country The Centre for Volunteering acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which our office stands.  We recognise the importance of their connection to place and community on these lands and pay our respects to Elders past and present. 

In this episode, ⁠Dr Ben Hillier⁠ speaks with Kathryn Bredin, Coordinator of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme at Riverina Community College in Wagga Wagga and was recognised as the 2024 NSW Volunteer Leader of the Year.For more information and resources, visit the Centre for Volunteering's website - ⁠https://volunteering.com.au⁠Acknowledgement of Country The Centre for Volunteering acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which our office stands.  We recognise the importance of their connection to place and community on these lands and pay our respects to Elders past and present. 

In this episode, Dr Ben Hillier speaks with Clint Bertenshaw, Director: Sector Development and Engagement at The Centre for Volunteering about the practical steps that volunteer managers can take to implement the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement and a range of other Australian volunteering frameworks.For more information and resources, visit the Centre for Volunteering's website - https://volunteering.com.auAcknowledgement of Country The Centre for Volunteering acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which our office stands.  We recognise the importance of their connection to place and community on these lands and pay our respects to Elders past and present. 

In a conversation with Charlotte Bosler, Leanne Hillman shares her journey from volunteer to 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year, and reflects on how the nomination has impacted her personally and benefited her organisation, Victims & Witnesses of Crime Court Support.

In this episode, Dr. Ben Hillier speaks to Wiradjuri and Wongaibon man Graham Toomey about volunteering with First Nations Australians.

What is the future 'normal' of volunteering? Charlotte Bosler speaks to Volunteer Development Manager, Josh Renshaw from ReLove Foundation, on the challenges and opportunities facing the volunteer leaders of today, and tomorrow.

On this episode of Let's Talk Volunteering, Dr Ben Hillier interviews Linden Regina, the People & Culture Manager - Volunteer Operations for St John's Ambulance NSW about managing volunteers in a large organisation and the process of obtaining exemplary volunteer involving organisation (EVIO) accreditation.

In this episode, ⁠Dr Ben Hillier, Director: Research, Policy and Advocacy⁠ speaks with ⁠Paul Muller, Managing Director⁠ for the ⁠Institute of Project Management⁠. You will hear about the 2024 NSW State of Volunteering Supplementary Reports, five supplementary reports developed from the data obtained from focus groups around NSW, providing insights into commonalities and differences across the broad NSW volunteering sector, and recommendations from volunteers to support healthy, resilient volunteering. Access the 2024 NSW State of Volunteering Supplementary Reports here.

On this episode, Dr Ben Hillier talks with Euan McKenzie from the Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club about volunteer recruitment, adapting to the community needs, and engaging young people in volunteering.

In a conversation with Charlotte Bosler, Kevin O'Donnell JP relives his journey to becoming a Justice of the Peace with the NSW Justices Association.

Inclusee's Vicki Meyer celebrates the value of an all-virtual volunteer program in a conversation with Charlotte Bosler.

On this episode of Let's Talk Volunteering, Dr Ben Hillier speaks with Ivan Wong, General Manager/Strategic Support at CASS about volunteer management, working with older volunteers, and volunteering in CALD communities.

In this episode, ⁠⁠Dr Ben Hillier⁠⁠ speaks with Luke Chesworth, Volunteer Engagement Manager at Foodbank NSW and ACT about managing volunteers and volunteer recruitment.

In this episode, Oscar Mussons shares with Charlotte Bosler how his proactive care for community evolved into a thriving career in the volunteering sector.

In this episode, ⁠Dr Ben Hillier⁠ speaks with Andrea Putting about the Social Mission Revolution and its relevance to volunteering and volunteer management.

Husband and young child in tow, Dr Saba Nabi OAM travelled from Delhi to Wagga Wagga/Wiradjuri Country, where her volunteering journey took off. In a conversation with ⁠⁠Charlotte Bosler⁠⁠, she shares her volunteering triumphs, challenges, and thoughts on what it means to be included in her community. ⁠

In a conversation with Charlotte Bosler, Robyn de Szoeke OAM shares her love and lessons as a passionate volunteer, empowering women on the pathway to employment with Dress for Success Sydney.

In this episode, Dr Ben Hillier speaks with the CEO of Youth Action, Kate Munro, about the importance of volunteering with young people. Kate shares her wisdom and tips for engaging this vital demographic and offers some suggestions for confronting common pitfalls in youth volunteering

In this episode, Charlie Bosler, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, has a conversation with Joy Rappo, a member and volunteer of The Compassionate Friends, on loss, listening and kindness.

In this episode, Dr Ben Hillier talks to Janet Irvine of Settlement Services International (SSI) about diverse and inclusive volunteering. They discuss the reasons why we should practice diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our volunteer management as well as practical strategies to build these practices in our organisations.

In this episode, Charlie Bosler, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, speaks with the founder of Blowfly Cricket Australia, Mark Rushton. Mark shares his story in reimagining the beloved Aussie sport for all abilities. Discover how one conversation with a friend sparked a mass community initiative, bringing everyone together on an equal playing field.

In this episode, Dr Ben Hillier, Director: Research, Policy and Advocacy speaks with Paul Muller, Managing Director for the Institute of Project Management. You will hear about the State of Volunteering Report, the impact and benefit of gathering data on the volunteering sector to influence government and the current challenges facing the sector.

In this episode, Clint Bertenshaw, Director: Sector Development and Engagement speaks with Kylie Elliot, Volunteer and Supporter Engagement Lead for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation. You will hear about how The Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation implemented the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, what it takes to be a great volunteer leader and how to get more for less out of your volunteer program.