Interested & current volunteers called to unite at Roundtable sessions

Published on 30 September 2026

Do you want to see a better future for our volunteers? Council is calling on all interested and current volunteers and community groups to attend the upcoming Volunteer Roundtables this October.

During these roundtable sessions, you and others will have the opportunity to talk about your experiences, challenges and needs across the Maranoa region. This will not only help community groups and organisations connect with others and find solutions over a free dinner, but you will also help Council develop a Volunteer Strategy.

Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Wendy Taylor highly encourages people to attend.

“Council recognises the significant importance and special role our volunteers play,” Mayor Taylor said.

“This Council strategy will work to better support, coordinate and sustain volunteer involvement, through gaining an understanding from you of the issues you face as interested or current volunteers across our region.

“For the people interested in volunteering, whether it is to give back to the community, try something new or to utilise some of your free time, we encourage you to come along!”

These roundtable sessions will take place from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the following dates and locations:

Roma and Surrounds: 8 October in the Ernest Brock Room
Injune and Surrounds: 13 October in the Injune Memorial Hall
Surat and Surrounds: 14 October in the Surat Supper Room
Wallumbilla: 27 October at The Wheat Shed
Yuleba, Jackson and Noonga: 28 October at the Yuleba CWA Hall
Mitchell and Surrounds: 29 October at the Mitchell Shire Hall

Trying to think of what topics you can speak on during these open and constructive conversations? Here is a list of ideas:

Volunteer recruitment and retention
Increasing expectations and responsibilities placed on volunteers
Governance and administration requirements
Legislation, compliance and regulatory requirements
Insurance and risk management concerns
Funding and financial pressures
Red tape and administrative burden
Access to training, resources and support
Succession planning and attracting younger volunteers
Burnout and volunteer capacity
Communication and engagement with government and other organisations
Barriers to participation in smaller or rural communities
What support volunteers feel would make their role easier or more sustainable.

“Let’s give our hard-working volunteers a better future they all deserve!”

If you are unable to attend any of the forums and would like to provide feedback or have a matter you’d like to raise for further investigation and response, you can lodge a Customer Request or by calling our Customer Service team on 1300 007 662.