Who we are looking for

• Are you passionate about community?
• Do you have experience in at least one of: Community development | Advocacy | Marketing and communications | Legal | Finance | Risk management?
• Would you like governance experience? (Training is available.)

We have three vacant positions on our volunteer Committee: secretary and two general members.

About DIVRS

The Darebin Information Volunteer & Resource Service (DIVRS) is a volunteer-driven community organisation that provides free services, programs, information and support for people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage in the City of Darebin. We promote community resilience, sustainability and social inclusion and provide opportunities for community participation through volunteering.

Our programs

• Emergency relief
• Community information, referrals and support
• Health and wellbeing
• Urban food

• Tax help
• No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS)
• Learner to Probationary young driver program (TAC L2P)

Our values

Resilience Our ability to bounce back, strengthening through growth and knowledge.

Fearless Being bold, unafraid to take risks, active and being courageous.

Collaborative Working together with all people and organisations to achieve shared goals.

Respect Recognising and valuing each other and the contributions everyone makes.

Social Equity Distribution of resources based on need.

DIVRS is an incorporated association and registered charity with the Australian Tax Office and the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC).

The organisation is in a strong financial position to increase its capacity to meet the growing demand for services from people in the community experiencing vulnerability. The Committee of Governance is working closely with the Executive Officer to build DIVRS’s profile and expand its services across Darebin. This is an exciting time to join the committee as we are about to develop a new 4-year Strategic Plan.

We’re committed to promoting strong community leadership and are willing to invest in governance training for people who join our committee with a view to succession planning for committee executive roles and overall skill composition.

What’s involved?

The Committee of Governance ensures DIVRS fulfils its mission and purpose, remains solvent and complies with all its legal, financial and ethical obligations.

Committee members provide sound governance and effective leadership through ensuring DIVRS has:

• Clear strategic direction and achievable plans in line with its purpose and values.
• Adequate resources to carry out its work.
• Competent personnel.
• An effective policy framework to guide its work, implement its plans and meet its obligations.
• Adequate internal controls to ensure sound financial management, risk management and legal compliance.
• Adequate internal accountability mechanisms to ensure compliance with policies and procedures and to monitor organisational performance.

Your commitment:

• Prepare for, attend and contribute to monthly committee meetings (meetings are 90 minutes).
• Actively participate on at least one subcommittee or working group.
• As needed, participate in consultation processes or liaise with MPs, local councillors or government officers.
• Attend governance training as needed.
• The Secretary is also responsible for preparing the agenda and taking minutes for each committee meeting, ensuring policies are reviewed and liaising with regulators (Consumer Affairs and ACNC).

Currently, the committee meets on a Monday at 5:30pm. We alternate between in person meetings at DIVRS’s office, 285-287 High Street, Preston Victoria and on-line meetings via Zoom.

If you want to know more, please call Joy on 0418 572 915 and visit our website www.divrs.org.au.