Changemakers - Sue Noble
7 March 2013 at 4:14 pm
Sue Noble is the CEO for Volunteering Victoria. This week we profile Sue in Changemakers – a weekly column which examines inspiring people and their careers in the Not for Profit sector.
Volunteering Victoria is the state peak body for volunteering focussing on advocacy, sector development and the promotion of volunteering.
What are you currently working on in your organisation?
Many, many exciting projects to help grow and support the volunteering sector. In a practical sense, we recently launched a Volunteer Program Manager’s register which aimed to link colleagues across the state in times of emergency – it was an initiative borne of the bushfire and flood season and more than 60 volunteer managers and coordinators are now a part of that – which means we can send out a call for help on behalf of a volunteer manager and provide that linking and coordination function to support the essential work of those who link volunteers to organisations who rely on them. We continue to work on submissions to government on a range of issues that affect volunteers, and we’re working on ways to better report and promote the value and impact of volunteering in our community. As Victoria’s peak body, we are looking to be much more assertive about this into the future. And of course, we’re currently well into planning for National Volunteer Week (13 – 19 May).
What drew you to the Not for Profit sector?
Without wanting to sound too clichéd……to work with people and organisations focused on supporting, empowering and transforming our communities, the lives of people, the welfare of animals, and environment in which we all have to live. I’m interested in the best aspects of human nature and am constantly inspired by the amazing things people can create – and achieve – when we try and solve problems, look after each other or just make something great happen. It’s no secret the Not for Profit sector has limited money – but that tends to drive great creativity and resourcefulness.
What do you like best about working in your current organisation?
There is a world of opportunity open to us. We live in exciting times with boundless possibilities. We are lucky that the work of our staff is supported by our great team skilled volunteers and partners/colleagues from across the sector. Our Board is talented and diverse, and our colleagues in volunteer resource centres and services across the State are incredibly committed and enthusiastic – and I am really proud to be at an organisation that generates such creativity, good will and loyalty.
If you could have dinner with three people from history, who would they be?
Leonard Cohen for a life well-lived, for his fabulous poetry set to music and for growing old with such amazing energy, dignity and style. Macchiavelli because he had interesting things to say and is misunderstood, and Elizabeth 1 because she was The Prince personified
What (or who) inspires you?
What: the Himalaya – as a symbol of the beauty, power and grandeur of nature. Literally and figuratively breathtaking……
Who: Nelson Mandela – I visited the Apartheid Museum when I was in Johannesburg last year – it was both confronting and moving. The exhibition and tribute wall to Nelson Mandela are stark reminders of the horrors of apartheid and how one person of conviction, with persistence and courage can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of so many.
Is there someone in your organisation who would make a good Changemaker? Let us know at news@probonoaustralia.com.au
