As many of us prepare ourselves to embrace another cold Tasmanian Winter, it is also the time of year when many of us rug-up and get out and about to experience a range of festivals and events across our island.
For some it may be Dark MOFO, Festival of Voices, the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival or the Devonport Jazz Festival. Perhaps for others they will indulge in the Tasmanian Whiskey Week or the Chocolate Winterfest in Latrobe (be sure to check that one out!).
Tasmania comes alive in our colder months, and I take this moment to say thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who will be working hard to support these events.
For those already thinking about warmer days, I too am thinking about what lies ahead for the remainder of 2018, which will include Volunteering Tasmania’s annual Volunteer Management Symposium, the launch of the 2019 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards and also our 25th birthday in September!
There are many great things happening but as some of you may be aware, I will be finishing up as the CEO of Volunteering Tasmania on Friday, 13 July.
I depart to take on another opportunity as the CEO of the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council (Tasmania) and I leave with a great sense of pride in the progress Volunteering Tasmania has made over the past 18 months. In particular, the work the team has undertaken to lift the profile of volunteering, secure additional investment for volunteers and increase discussion and participation from those involved in volunteering.
I feel very privileged to have had this opportunity and also very humbled by the hundreds of volunteers who have shared their stories of generosity with me. Tasmanians who are motivated to assist others and leave the world in a better place than how they found it.
Thank you.
The Board of Volunteering Tasmania will be undertaking a recruitment process to identify the next CEO, and whilst that process is underway Volunteering Tasmania’s Deputy CEO, Venéy Hiller will be stepping up as Acting CEO once I finish.
If I do not get the opportunity to talk to you before the 13 July, I wish you the very best.
Whether you are a volunteer or coordinating a volunteering program (or both), thank you for all that you do. Keep going, because your contribution, and those of everyone across our beautiful island home, is why Tasmania is such a privileged place to live.
Yours in volunteering,
Alison Lai
CEO
Volunteering Tasmania

Volunteering Tasmania website here
Alison Lai CEO Volunteering Tasmania