People over Policy

30/01/2026

This is such a shame, our communities need our amazing volunteers. I found the sentence ‘they think it’s a huge commitment’ most interesting, and I agree. Because I’ve had similar conversations with people who are wary of joining a volunteer committee.

So what do we do? I really think if we communicate the roles clearly, we will get more buy in. If you’re in a committee and don’t have position descriptions, or even a short description of the role and its responsibilities, people will come to their own conclusions (which are nearly always more extreme than reality).

Something as simple as describing when, and how often you might need to commit can go a long way in attracting new volunteers. For example, for a sports club, a role might require:

: Attendance at monthly meetings (2hrs), and
: Helping out for an hour on game day during the season (April to September each year).

And although you might assume people are already aware, spelling out that they can be excused for not attending every event and function if life gets busy with family, work and other commitments, is also attractive to potential volunteers.

✔️ clarify expectations - stop the assumptions
✔️ provide flexibility
✔️ attract new people

Dozens of traditional Australian volunteer service clubs have closed since 2020 due to dwindling membership.

Australians are increasingly volunteering via casual or more direct methods, rather than going through club networks.

Read more: https://ab.co/4kaiLP1

Personalise your news and stay in the know with the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

03/11/2025

Round 1 of the Sporting Club Grants program are now open until 26 November 2025.

Community sport clubs can apply for up to $5,000 to invest in training to strengthen skills, confidence and effectiveness of volunteers, and up to $1,500 to strengthen governance practices and ensure long-term sustainability.

Contact me for a chat or a quote.

30/10/2025

💰💰 Sporting Club Grants now open 💰💰

Did you know that the cash is available for Vic sporting clubs?

Sport and Recreation Victoria is dishing out grants for uniforms, equipment, volunteer training (because who doesn't love a good first aid course?), events, travel, and the most thrilling of all... governance and engagement?

You've got until 26 November to get your application in.

I'd absolutely love to lend a helping hand to local clubs with their volunteer training and governance - hit me up if you've got questions or need a quote for your application.

For the details, head to: sport.vic.gov.au and search for Sporting Club Grants Program 2025-26.

Oh, and there's also a Country Football and Netball Program grant for facility upgrades (big one, up to $250k!), this has to go through your LGAs and is a great opportunity if your club facilities need some love.

Please share with your club mates - we all know finding $$ can be tough for clubs, make the most of this opportunity.

Our vision is to build a thriving, inclusive and connected sport and active recreation sector that benefits all Victorians.

12/10/2025

Sharing for those with staff… 😊

Ever wondered how much these familiar faces would get paid (at a minimum) as full-time employees in Australia? Our Pay Calculator’s got you covered.

10/09/2025

How clear is your team about who does what?

Good structure creates clear roles and responsibilities.

It helps you work smarter, not harder, but can sometimes be forgotten when there's a lot of change happening in a business.

If you have been busy growing your business and haven't considered it for a while, it might be a good time to sit down with a cuppa and review your business structure.

And do the existing roles do the tasks that will support you to achieve your goals?

08/09/2025

✈️ Heading home after a really valuable day at the Governance Institute of Australia’s Leadership Conference in Sydney.

The theme of the day was leadership, and it was so refreshing to hear industry leaders talk about the importance of people in governance systems and frameworks.

I know we can feel like it’s an admin burden, but I heard from regulators who are ‘spring cleaning’ their regulations to make sure they are still fit for purpose. None of us have our governance in perfect order!

So please believe me when I say that good governance that is people focused will bring you efficiency and safety.

04/09/2025

Concerned about your CEO’s performance? It's a tough spot to be in. For everyone.

Before you dive head first into a state of lack of confidence and planning for performance management, take a moment to reflect.

Have you clearly communicated your expectations?

Without a clear plan, even the strongest leaders can miss the mark.

CEOs require flexibility and the power to make decisions and drive operations, but they also need clarity on where the board expects them to go.

Have you been clear about what success looks like?

Even if you're not concerned about your CEO's performance, it's worth considering and reviewing what systems and structures you have in place to ensure everyone's expectations are clear.

28/08/2025

New right to disconnect laws are now in force for small businesses. Read up and understand your rights and responsibilities.

25/08/2025

I can hear you gasping in shock! Hear me out.

Policies aren’t just there to tick boxes (but they will if you do them right).

They’re there to guide action, set commitment and expectations, and reflect your values.

If no one reads them, uses them, or believes in them, they’re absolutely a waste of time.

Write fewer. Make them count. I can't be more passionate about this.

Do your policies truly guide your business, or just take a whole lot of your time and then gather dust?

20/08/2025

Small business owners and casual staff, this one’s for you 👇

Are you a casual employee working in a small business with fewer than 15 employees?

The way you convert to permanent full time or part time employment is changing from 26 August 2025. Under the new ‘employee choice’ pathway you can notify your employer of your intention to change.

If you have a dispute about the request that can’t be resolved in the workplace, you might be able to ask us for help.

For more information about the change and our role in resolving disputes, read our factsheet on our website:https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/resources/factsheet-new-rules-small-business-2025.pdf

19/08/2025

Finding new board or committee members is hard.

Values matter.

If you joined to make a difference, bring people together, or be a voice for change, then talk about it.

Those stories connect. They attract the kind of people who want to support or grow something.

What’s your ‘why’ for being involved? Share your story and encourage others to do the same.

18/08/2025

👇 🔊 small businesses this is important news!

Are you a small business owner, with less than 15 employees?

From 26 August 2025, the 'right to disconnect' will apply to small businesses.

There may be times you and your employee have a dispute about this right. You should try resolve it in the workplace. If you can’t resolve it, you might be eligible to apply to us for help.

Visit our website for more information on the right to disconnect and our role in resolving disputes: https://www.fwc.gov.au/issues-we-help/right-disconnect-disputes/what-right-disconnect