Image Caption: Minister Stephen Dawson MLC (L), EdConnect Australia CEO Gerri Clay (M) and EdConnect Australia Board Deputy Chair Margaret Banks (R) stand at the front of the Rise building. Gerri holds the Lotterywest cheque certificate.

Lotterywest Funding Allows New Volunteer Office Hub Fitout

 

This month, volunteer organisation EdConnect Australia were announced as the recipients of a Lotterywest grant worth $120,000 towards a new office fitout scheduled to begin later this year.  

The office, currently located at The Rise in Maylands Western Australia, has been occupied by the organisation since 2012 and the need for a new fitout has become more and more apparent in recent years. 

EdConnect Australia trains and supports volunteers to work in local schools, providing a safety net for young people who might otherwise struggle to realise their potential – in school and life. 

EdConnect Australia CEO Gerri Clay explains the need for an office fitout. 

“Currently the office environment comprises of two separate open plan offices joined by a corridor. Staff, administration volunteers and interns work from these offices, performing activities and the on-boarding of our volunteers,” said Gerri. 

“The lack of interview rooms and confidential spaces is a real problem, and there is also no space to complete face-to-face or online group training with volunteers. The office is quite noisy, and the interior requires modernisation,” she continued.

Last week, EdConnect Australia eagerly welcomed Minister Stephen Dawson MLC to the office in Maylands to speak with him about the program and show him the initial plans for the fitout.  

The grant will assist EdConnect Australia  

“The new office design looks amazing. We will have a large conference area, two quiet and confidential meeting rooms and the corridor walls will be partially dropped, to open the space and create more natural light,” said Gerri. 

“This will lead to improved work practices which will increase the number of volunteers that can be  

EdConnect Australia aim to equip young people with the life skills they need to succeed. They do this by building positive and supportive relationships with each student. 

For more information about the EdConnect volunteering opportunities see www.edconnectaustralia.org.au, contact edconnect@edconnect.org.au or call 1800 668 550.   

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