The year has been gathering pace quickly and it’s hard to believe we’ll already be in March this weekend.
In January I took advantage of the all too brief lull to review some of our onboarding processes and with Cliff’s assistance we have implemented some automations to streamline the collection of compliance documentation.
I’m continuing to look out for other ways I can introduce efficiencies into our volunteering admin systems, so that there is more time to focus on what is important in our volunteer program – which is about building relationships and community.
Some volunteers have left to follow other paths in 2026, either due to personal or health reasons, or in one case a change of state. So we have farewelled Hong Liu at Hoppers Crossing, and from Thomastown – Adrian Boltong, Andreas Gianello and Sharon Garside.
We’ve had a number of new Outing Hosts start in 2026 – welcome Victor Duffey, Soniya Tamang, Susan Garcia and Versie Tamblyn. And we have another 8 currently in the onboarding process. This includes some volunteer hosts keen to assist with our Outings in the west.
Our volunteer driver pipeline is also looking healthy with 8 drivers coming through onboarding for Thomastown and 1 for Hoppers Crossing. We have another 3 drivers currently in the mentoring process. We’re also pleased to welcome Andrew Perera back to our Hoppers crew.
As mentioned in our CEO Update, regulation and compliance have been in focus. In this vein we have launched a WH&S Committee. Three of our volunteers have been nominated to the committee for 2026 – 1 outing host (Rosanne Pirrottina) and 2 volunteer drivers (Ken Ryan & Brett Norman) and I will also be a member of the committee and a Health and Safety Representative for LINK (along with Aff Ferrante) once I have complete the required training.
Please make sure to let myself, Aff or your volunteer representatives on the committee know of any work health and safety concerns. Incident forms are the best way to raise any WH&S risks in relation to incidents or near misses, so please raise any risks that you observe.
In community news, last Saturday LINK had a table at the Darebin Volunteer Expo, a chance to raise awareness of LINK’s activities and share our volunteer opportunities with the local community. Thanks to Rosanne Pirrottina who assisted me in manning the stall for the day and to Versie Tamblyn and Shan Byrne for also dropping in to help out.
On Wednesday 25th we held our first volunteer social event of 2026 – a BBQ in Bundoora Park reserve. After a stormy Tuesday, we were lucky that the weather cleared in time. We had approximately 20 people in attendance and it was a lovely evening shared in good company. We’ll be following this up with our March event – a BBQ at Canning Reserve on Monday 23rd March. Expect to receive an invite for that this coming Tuesday.
I look forward to 2026 being a year where the LINK team continues to offer its best for our clients, the community, our volunteers and the entire team.
Thanks again to all our volunteers for your commitment and support to our community and the community we serve.
