Volunteers in 'greatcompany'

Volunteers in ‘greatcompany’

Professionals who want to volunteer found themselves in ‘greatcompany’ in Melbourne for the launch of a new program to assist the needs of the Not for Profit sector.

And with the launch came a list of 121 ‘wishes’ from the 26 participating community organisations looking for help from everything from business advice to web design.

A $50,000 Community Support Grant from the Victorian Government to ‘goodcompany’ has allowed it to expand its work, matching the skills of volunteers with the needs of the Not for Profit sector.

This includes $10,000 towards the work of ‘greatcompany’.

Minister for Victorian Communities John Thwaites says “goodcompany has already generated more than $4.5million worth of professional services donated to Not for Profit organisations across Australia.

‘goodcompany’ will use the grant to employ more staff to meet a growing demand for its services. It currently co-ordinates 1800 registered volunteers and 190 community groups through the Internet.

‘greatcompany’ will recruit volunteers aged 50 and over including retirees from the corporate sector and will provides a structure for seniors to share their wealth of experience with community groups and NFP organisations.

The community initiative ‘greatcompany’ is the brainchild of Lynn Landy, the wife of the Victorian Governor John Landy.

Mrs. Landy says she was speaking to an economist friend about six months after she retired and asked if she was enjoying her new life. ‘I absolutely hate it,’ she replied. ‘I’m not using my brain the way I used to. I don’t feel needed. I want to give back to the community but I don’t know where to start.’

Mrs. Landy says she feels very strongly that there is no such thing as retirement, just a change in direction.

For more information or to become a volunteer go to: www.goodcompany.com.au.

If you would like a copy of the ‘wish list’ just send us an email with the words ‘greatcompany’ in the subject line to probono@probonoaustralia.com.au.