At Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre, we believe that empowering a community to manage its post-disaster recovery starts with ensuring its members feel heard, valued, and educated before a disaster occurs.
Providing communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and manage hazards is crucial. By fostering resilience and readiness at the individual, family, and organizational levels, we create a stronger community capable of facing the challenges of disaster situations and recovery.
We recognize that a community that feels heard and valued is more likely to take ownership of its relief and recovery efforts when disaster strikes.
Enhancing our understanding and awareness of community vulnerabilities and strengthening our capabilities are essential steps.
The resilience of individuals, families, and organizations is fundamental to overall community resilience. A resilient community is more than the sum of its parts; it forms a complex, interconnected system with numerous links beyond simple cause-and-effect models.
Raising Resilience in Communities through connections
Here at Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre, we believe in the importance of building the community together and empowering one another in times of difficulty. As part of our efforts to raise resilience in communities, we are actively seeking volunteers to support in the event of a disaster.
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Last year's disaster was a big surprise, meaning not many communities were prepared for it.
As our immediate response, we quickly acted to open our local community centre to act as a hub for our communities who may have been affected by their homes being destroyed, power outages, telecommunication outages, or being in solitude.
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This has shown us that it is now more important than ever to create a hub where people can gather during times of difficulty to support one another, stay connected, and work through it TOGETHER.
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Unlike response teams or recovery teams, we are seeking fellow community members who are willing to volunteer when those situations occur by doing something as simple as giving out food, water, supplying power, or most importantly, being there to have a conversation, assuring that this will soon pass.
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So if this is of any interest to you, please sign up to show your interest, and we will soon be in touch.
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5. Are there any benefits with volunteering?Volunteering offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to give back to your community, develop new skills, and make meaningful connections with fellow volunteers and those you assist. Additionally, volunteering can enhance your sense of fulfilment and well-being. We will provide the appropriate training so you feel well equipped to volunteer with VLCRC as your wellbeing is important to us.
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2. Do you need to be fit to be a volunteer?While physical fitness can be beneficial, it is not a requirement to volunteer at our pop-up recovery hub. We welcome volunteers of all abilities and can assign tasks based on individual capabilities. The most important qualities are empathy, a willingness to help, and a positive attitude.
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8. Are there opportunities for other volunteering or assistance outside of the recovery hub?Yes, we offer volunteering opportunities for individuals who may not be able to physically assist at the recovery hub. These opportunities may include virtual support, volunteering at other hubs, or volunteering for our events we hold throughput the year and at the centre.
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9. Do I need any specific qualifications or background to volunteer?No specific qualifications or background are required to volunteer at our pop-up recovery hub. We welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Training will be provided to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles. If you have a specific skill you feel will be helpful please let us know.
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10. How can I stay informed about upcoming volunteering opportunities or events?To stay informed about upcoming volunteering opportunities and events please sign up to our email list or visit us at 20 Mattocks Rd, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227!
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7. Is there a minimum time commitment required to volunteer?While we appreciate any amount of time volunteers can offer, we typically ask for a minimum commitment of 2 hours to ensure consistency and reliability in staffing the recovery hub.
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4. Who can I contact for more information?For more information about volunteering opportunities at our pop-up recovery hub, please contact Kristy cdo@varsitylakes.org.au or call the centre 07 5593 7006. Our team will be happy to provide you with further details and answer any questions you may have.
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1. Are all positions volunteers?Yes, all positions at our pop-up recovery hub are volunteer-based. We rely on the generosity and dedication of volunteers to provide support and assistance to those in need during times of disaster. There will be VLCRC staff to oversee the hub.
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6. What training or orientation will I receive as a volunteer?We provide training and orientation sessions to ensure that volunteers are well-prepared for their roles. Training covers topics such as disaster response procedures, communication protocols, and specific tasks related to volunteering at the recovery hub.
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3. What can I expect when I volunteer?As a volunteer, you can expect to engage in tasks such as welcoming people, making tea and coffee, assisting with device charging, and helping individuals feel comfortable and supported. You may also be asked to direct people to social workers or other support services if needed. Overall, volunteering offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by disasters while working alongside a supportive team.