Volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Port Stephens. Without our volunteers, many of our programs and services could not be provided to our community.

• Find out about volunteering opportunities with Council
• Find out about volunteer safety, training and approval for works

As a Councillor, your role is to:

• represent Council on the volunteer committees
• liaise between Council and volunteer committees
• provide guidance and advice to volunteer committees on Council activities, plans, meeting protocol and more.

Volunteer key points:

• Code of Conduct — applies to all volunteers and committees
• Contractors — under delegated authority, 355(c) committees are able to engage a contractor to deliver goods and/or services to undertake the functions of the committee, and as such, are also required to adhere to Council’s procurement procedures.
• Finances — funds administered by 355(c) committees must meet Council's standards of compliance, management and transparency.
• Forums — these provide an opportunity for volunteers to get together with Council staff. Usually, 3 Hall Forums and 3 Park Forums are held each year to discuss work priorities, decision making, site visits, recruitment ideas and volunteer recognition. Councillors are invited to attend.
• Volunteer recognition — we recognise our volunteers through thank you cards, certificates of appreciation, media promotion, our annual volunteer event and the Port Stephens Annual Awards.