Meet Jacqueline, Volunteer Coordinator at Dementia Australia, where bold leadership means leading from the front while empowering others to shine. In this Share Your Story – Volunteer Managers Edition feature for International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay), Jaqueline shares how bold leadership means evolving with purpose — advocating for volunteers as essential partners, creating environments where they feel valued, and investing in continuous learning to strengthen impact across the organisation.
Why Bold Leadership Matters in Volunteer Management
Bold leadership in volunteer management is about leading from the front while empowering others to shine. Dementia Australia was founded by volunteers, and they continue to be an invaluable part of the organisation today. As the organisation has grown and evolved, so too has the way we engage and support our volunteers. Bold leadership means having the confidence to adapt, to try new approaches, and to advocate for the value of volunteering across all areas of the organisation. It’s about creating an environment where volunteers feel seen, supported, and inspired to contribute their skills and compassion in meaningful ways.
Image: Our mascot Al and I love getting out to Memory Walk & Jog events across Australia! It’s always such a pleasure to meet and support our incredible volunteers who make these events possible.
Proudest Achievement as a Volunteer Manager
Since the unification of the state-based Alzheimer’s Australia organisations to form Dementia Australia in 2017, the journey has been one of growth and transformation. During my time with the organisation, my proudest achievement has been seeing the volunteer program evolve into a recognised and valued part of the organisation.
The volunteer team now has a seat at many tables — we’ve advocated for and championed volunteering at every level. As a result, the visibility, engagement, and strategic importance of volunteering have significantly increased and are now embraced across the organisation from the top down. It’s incredibly rewarding to see volunteers recognised as an essential part of how we deliver our mission and support people living with dementia.
Invest in Yourself
A few years ago, I decided to complete the Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs, and honestly, it’s one of the best professional decisions I’ve ever made. The course gave me a strong, practical foundation for managing and supporting volunteers, and the learning hasn’t stopped there. Staying involved with the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program has kept that momentum going and helped me grow well beyond the classroom.
Between the Certificate IV, the CPD program, and regularly connecting with other volunteer managers, whether it’s through webinars, podcasts, or online groups. I’ve learned that backing yourself and leading with confidence makes all the difference. Every new connection or insight reinforces the value of continuous learning and reminds me how important it is to stay curious and open to new ideas.
One piece of advice for fellow Volunteer Managers
In volunteer coordination, things are always evolving. Keeping up to date and connected with others in the field helps me stay aligned with best practices, adapt to change, and keep delivering great support to volunteers, colleagues, and the organisation. Investing in yourself isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about building confidence, growth, and purpose in what you do every day.
View the full collection of our Share Your Story series and be inspired by the many ways Volunteer Managers are leading with courage, care, and creativity.
