‘Real shame’: Volunteering North Queensland forced to close down after 33 years

For over 30 years, they’ve been the lifeblood of volunteering in North Queensland, but now this not-for-profit has been forced to fold. Find out why.

For over 30 years, they’ve been the lifeblood of volunteering in North Queensland, but now this not-for-profit has been forced to fold.

Volunteering North Queensland (VNQ) will be closing its doors after 33 years of connecting thousands of volunteers with not-for-profit organisations and providing vital training.

President Emily Sehu said the not-for-profit recently made the heartbreaking decision to close up after “exhausting all avenues” to continue its operations.

“More and more government grants are now funding projects and not the operational side of things, but how are we supposed to deliver a project if we can’t even afford to turn on the lights?” she said.

VNQ to Fold

Ms Sehu said the closure would be a huge blow to the community and change the nature of volunteering in Townsville for the foreseeable future.

“Groups like VNQ are so important because you want to connect and see your children grow up in a community where people help each other,” she said.

“It will be a shame to not have a central place where people in Townsville can come to find somewhere to volunteer that fits them and gets the required training.

“We understand online is the new world, but face-to-face human contact is core to local volunteering.

“Like most of the people in VNQ, I’m a volunteer too and know first-hand how valuable it is for new people in town and migrants to be able to find somewhere to connect with others.

“It’s not always been easy, but we’re up for the challenge because we believe in the cause and the need for volunteers in our community.”

She said the loss of VQN will mean Townsville would no longer have a ‘home base’ for people interested in volunteering to visit with a co-ordinated recruitment and placement process.

The not-for-profit’s vast network of local community groups that need volunteers like sporting clubs, environmental groups, and aged care will also be lost. 

Originally published as ‘Real shame’: Volunteering North Queensland forced to close down after 33 years