Next session
Date: Between May – August 2026
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm (AEST)
Location: Across Victoria – see venues below
Cost: FREE (with lunch provided)
Building flexible, digital, and sustainable organisations
Volunteering is changing – and communities that adapt will thrive. Drawing on the latest insights from Victoria’s State of Volunteering research, this series of in-person workshops is designed to help leaders of volunteers make sense of what’s ahead and take practical steps to respond.
These workshops create space for local conversations, shared learning and connection – something online sessions can’t replace. You’ll work through what the findings mean for your organisation, test ideas with peers, and leave with approaches you can start using straight away.
Who should attend?
These workshops are designed for leaders of volunteers, coordinators, and managers who are looking to strengthen their practice and prepare their organisation for the future of volunteering.
Topics covered
Adapting to a changing world
Volunteering needs to be more flexible and inclusive. Explore how more flexible approaches to volunteering – including shorter shifts, varied roles and remote options – can boost engagement and reduce barriers to participation.
Enabling change through technology
Digital tools are changing how volunteers engage. Look at how simple, fit-for-purpose digital tools can make volunteering easier to access and manage. This section will be facilitated by Matt Walton (Dog and Bone), with a focus on practical, achievable change.
Building a sustainable future
Funding and sustainability remain ongoing challenges. Strengthen your approach to funding through effective grant writing. Learn how clearer impact and stronger systems can support more compelling applications. This section will be facilitated by Dr Robyn Cochrane.
Supporting personal growth through volunteering
Volunteers increasingly seek skill development and pathways to growth. See how thoughtful volunteer engagement supports skills development, confidence, and pathways into employment or leadership.
Meet the facilitators
Matt Walton – Digital Transformation
Matt Walton
CEO – Dog and Bone
Matt Walton is the CEO of technology consulting company, Dog and Bone, who provide independent advice to not-for-profit organisations on how to leverage technology. He has been involved in the community sector for 30 years, starting as a volunteer youth worker at the YMCA, working his way up the organisation, which saw him managing IT for YMCA nationally.
For the past 10 years, Matt has been working with the not-for-profit sector to help them with various technology initiatives, all with the underlying goal of making technology work for organisations that improve the world.
Dr Robyn Cochrane – Grant Writing
Dr Robyn Cochrane (Ignite Community)
Consultant – Trainer, Researcher, and Evaluator
Following an extensive career in the Victorian local government, vocational education and training, and higher education sectors, Robyn created Cochrane Research Solutions in 2013. In response to community need, Robyn launched Ignite Community in 2025. Robyn is committed to championing community voice in decision-making, and passionate about building the capacity of volunteers and NFP organisations as they are the heart of inclusive, cohesive and resilient communities.
Robyn is a facilitator, researcher, evaluator, and mentor and she designs practical tools, training, and strategic guidance for NFP organisations. Robyn has volunteered for most of her adult life and undertaken community leadership roles within community banking, education, service, and sports organisations. Robyn is a founding member of the Engagement Institute Research Working Group and joined Volunteering Victoria’s SOVR Action Group in 2025. She was awarded City of Kingston Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2022 and has published articles in professional and academic journals.
Register
All participants will be asked to complete a short questionnaire as part of the registration. This will help us tailor the session to your organisation’s specific needs and priorities.
Please note: If none of the available locations suit, register your interest to be notified when sessions open in your area.
GEELONG
Tuesday 26 May 2026
10:00am – 3:00pm
Geelong West Town Hall
153 Pakington St, Geelong West VIC 3218
BEVERIDGE
Wednesday 3 June 2026
10:00am – 3:00pm
Greater Beveridge Community Centre
1 Lithgow St, Beveridge VIC 3753
NARRE WARREN
Thursday 16 July 2026
10:00am – 3:00pm
Bunjil Place
2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren VIC 3805
Registrations full? Contact [email protected] to be added to the waiting list.
