Rotary District 9620 Volunteer Application Form

ROTARY DISTRICT 9620 VOLUNTEER POLICY

This document establishes the guidelines, responsibilities, and safety standards for individuals volunteering on Rotary projects within Queensland (QLD), Australia.

1. Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities

Rotary values the vital contribution of volunteers and is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and rewarding environment.

Volunteer Rights

• To work in a safe and healthy environment.
• To be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
• To receive a clear induction and necessary training.
• To be covered by appropriate insurance during official project activities.

Volunteer Responsibilities

• To follow all reasonable instructions from project coordinators.
• To act as a positive ambassador for Rotary at all times.
• To report any hazards, injuries, or near-misses immediately.
• To respect the privacy and confidentiality of community members.

2. Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)

All Rotary project sites in Queensland operate under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD). Safety is a shared responsibility.

Mandatory Safety Rules

• Fit for Duty: Volunteers must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Incident Reporting: Record all injuries on the official Incident Report Form within 24 hours.
• Sun Safety: Wear broad-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and UV-protective clothing for outdoor work.
• Hydration: Drink water regularly, especially during physical labor in hot climate zones.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Volunteers must wear enclosed footwear on all project sites.
• Specific tasks require mandatory task-specific PPE provided by Rotary:
• High-visibility vests for roadside or public events.
• Safety glasses and ear protection for power tool operations.
• Heavy-duty gloves for gardening, clean-ups, or construction.

3. Child Safeguarding and Vulnerable Persons

Rotary is strictly committed to creating a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults.

Working with Children Check (Blue Card)

• Volunteers engaging in regulated activities with children under 18 must hold a valid QLD Blue Card.
• The Blue Card must be linked to the Rotary District 9620 for District projects  or the relevant Club before work commences.
• Spontaneous or one-off event volunteers must always be supervised by a Blue Card holder.

Code of Conduct with Minors

• Never be alone with a child; ensure the "two-adult rule" is maintained.
• Do not engage in inappropriate physical contact or language.
• Do not communicate with minor project participants via personal social media.

4. Financial and Property Management

Volunteers must handle Rotary assets and community donations with absolute transparency.

Regulations

• No Unauthorised Spending: Volunteers cannot commit Rotary funds without prior Board approval.
• Reimbursements: Valid tax receipts must accompany all approved expense claims.
• Equipment Use: Rotary tools and assets must only be used for designated project tasks.

5. Insurance Coverage

Registered volunteers are covered by Rotary’s specialized insurance policy while participating in approved project activities.

Coverage Details

• Personal Accident: Covers specific non-Medicare medical expenses and accidental injuries.
• Public Liability: Protects volunteers against legal liability for third-party property damage or bodily injury.
• Exclusions: Coverage does not apply to unauthorized tasks, reckless behaviour, or private vehicle use.