Discover the benefits of volunteering at Tailem Bend Community Centre

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The Tailem Bend Community Centre’s motivation stems from a deep connection to the communities it serves.

The team at the centre believes that working in the industry is a privilege, as it allows them all to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

This satisfaction goes far beyond financial rewards, it is so incredibly fulfilling for the team to see the positive impact they have on individuals and the community.

Each year, as Tammy Shepherd, Tailem Bend Community Centre’s CEO, compiles the centre’s annual report, she is reminded of the astounding achievements of such a small organisation across the six local government areas it serves.

“Our goal is to instil a sense of pride within the community, and we hope that the community also takes pride in our centre, its accomplishments, and its transformative influence,” she said.

“Many individuals in the community remain unaware of our activities, and we aspire to change that – we encourage people to visit our centre, witness the difference we make, and share in the pride we have for our work.”

While the Tailem Bend Community Centre is recognised as one of South Australia's premier community centres, Ms Shepherd felt that some locals may take the centre and its team for granted.

“We believe that increased awareness of our activities will lead to more interest in volunteering at the centre, and people will discover that the benefits of volunteering far outweigh monetary compensation,” she said.

“We understand that people need paid work to sustain themselves, but the profound personal growth and well-being improvement that volunteering offers can only truly be understood through experience.

“We urge everyone to give it a try.”

The Tailem Bend Community Centre continues to stand out from the rest with its exceptional leadership, strong board of management, and robust governance structures and systems – acknowledged with its Australian Service Excellence Standards award-level certification.

“We’re widely recognised throughout South Australia as a model of best practices, with community centres from all corners of the state frequently seeking our guidance and support, and we are always eager to assist,” Ms Shepherd said.

“We often receive feedback that being a part of the centre is a motivating, uplifting, and welcoming experience and others are curious as to how we create this environment at our centre.”

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Tailem Bend Community Centre was set up and nurtured by volunteers from the community and their dedication to their community has shaped the centre into what it is today.

“We make sure that everyone who enters the centre feels valued,” Ms Shepherd said.

“One of my favourite comments is from visitors who say that the centre feels like a warm hug every time they walk through the doors.

“Our focus is on helping people at risk of social or financial disadvantage, including those who are living in rural and remote communities; those living with disability or mental illness; newly arrived migrants; older adults; children; and others disadvantaged by various economic, cultural, social, or educational issues.

“The Murray Mallee would really benefit from some improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and community engagement – combined with a focus on sustainability and collaboration, our communities would thrive.”

As the Tailem Bend Community Centre pursues its growth goals, its custodians understand that they also need to manage the workload of staff and volunteers alike.

Last year, Community Centres South Australia reported a 300 per cent increase in demand for community services post-COVID.

While it is rewarding to help people, burnout and fatigue are familiar challenges in the industry.

The board of the Tailem Bend Community Centre is mindful of management of the demand on centres’ services.

Fortunately, in January 2023, they obtained public benevolent institution (PBI) and deductable gift recipient (DGR) status, which enables them to explore philanthropic funding opportunities and corporate sponsorships from businesses that recognise the centre's worth and community value.

The Tailem Bend Community Centre has effectively obtained copious grants over the years, but they have often discovered that the funding arrives with immense added workloads and output requirements.

“We are actively establishing an enterprise to reduce our reliance on government funding,” Ms Shepherd said.

“We currently have several sponsorship opportunities available.

“If anyone is interested in discussing a partnership with us, please contact me at the office on 8572 3513 or email me at ceo@tbcc.org.au.”