The Volunteering NSW State Conference is the primary forum in NSW that examines the importance of volunteering and its positive impact on society.

The Centre for Volunteering vision to build strong, diverse, and inclusive communities through volunteering, the theme of this year’s conference is Protect, Preserve and Progress Volunteering in NSW.

The Conference program will explore current issues in volunteering with a focus on:

Valuing Volunteering
Leadership Innovation
Mental Health and Resilience
Online Engagement

2025 Keynote Speaker: Wendy Harmer

Wendy Harmer is one of Australia’s best-known humourists.

Her writing and performance skills have brought her success in a wide variety of mediums – as an author, radio broadcaster, TV host, playwright and stage performer.

As a stand-up comedian she performed her one-woman shows Love Gone Wrong, Please Send More Money and Up Late and Loving It at the Melbourne, Edinburgh, Montreal and Glasgow Mayfest Comedy Festivals, in London’s West End and the Sydney Theatre Company.

Wendy enjoyed huge popularity leading Sydney radio station 2Day FM’s top-rating Breakfast Show from 1993 – 2004 and was the co-host of ABC’s 702 Sydney morning show from 2016 -2021.

She is the author of seven books for adults, including the best seller Farewell My Ovaries. She has also written for young adults and children. Her much-loved fairy character Pearlie in the Park, is the star of 17 books, which have been translated into six languages. The stage musical of Pearlie in the Park toured nationally in 2007. Wendy has also penned two plays for young adults. She also wrote the libretto for Lake Lost, a Baz Luhrmann production for Opera Australia as well as the book for lyrics for THE GRANDPARENTS CLUB which is touring nationally.

She has hosted, written and appeared in a variety of TV shows including ABC’s Gillies’ Report and The Big Gig and a documentary series Stuff. Beginning her career in journalism as a teenager, Wendy has continued to be a regular newspaper and magazine contributor with myriad publications. Her memoir, LIES MY MIRROR TOLD ME was published in 2023.

Speaker: Paul Muller

As the founder of the Center for Project Innovation Paul has over 15 years of senior management experience across Australia, Asia, and Europe in project-driven businesses. He currently advises public, private, and not-for-profit organizations on strategy, risk, operations, marketing, and people management.

A former PhD scholar at the Australian Innovation Research Centre, Paul holds postgraduate qualifications in International Sports Management and Law. He is a published author and has pioneered research in volunteering, sport, and creative industries. As a keynote speaker, he has shared his unique perspective on value at international conferences.

Paul is passionate about challenging institutional assumptions and improving executive decision-making, while mentoring the next generation of creative thinkers.

Regional Hybrid Conferences

The 2025 Volunteering NSW State Conference will be streamed out live as Hybrid events, to three NSW Regional Centres: Ballina, Broken Hill and Griffith. Scholarships will be available for professionals working in leadership and support roles in Volunteer Involving Organisations and within the Volunteering Sector to apply to attend the Regional Hybrid Conferences. Apply Here

Early Bird Rates:

Early Bird rates for the Conference are available until Friday 9 May, 2025. Bookings from Saturday 10 May will be charged at the Full Conference rate.

Change of Speakers:

The Centre for Volunteering reserves the right to substitute speakers if required. In the rare case of a speaker having to cancel due to personal reasons or illness, The Centre would make every effort to find a suitable substitute.

Cancellation of Event:

The Centre for Volunteering reserves the right to cancel this event if minimum numbers are not reached during the registration process. Delegates would be provided with a full refund in the case of cancellation.

Refund Policy:

In the event you are unable to attend the conference, a replacement delegate may be sent in your place.

Prior to Wednesday 21 May 2025: Should you wish to cancel your registration, we will refund your registration less an administration fee of $100 per registered delegate, provided the cancellation is received via email before 5.00pm on Wednesday 21 May 2025 to conference@volunteering.com.au

After 5.00pm Wednesday 21 May 2025: No cancellations will be accepted on or after 5.00pm Wednesday 21 May 2025 (full fee is retained). This is due to The Centre’s obligation to pay for venue, catering and speakers.

The Centre for Volunteering reserves the right to cancel and refund the registration of any individual or organisation at any time.

Volunteer Management | 2025 Volunteering NSW State Conference