Noosa’s school tuckshops are in need of more volunteers, and with the cost of living rising, unemployment rates low, and parents time-poor, it’s sink or swim.
The State of Volunteering in Queensland 2024 Report showed an 11.4 per cent decline in volunteer participation, with lack of time and associated costs the top two barriers for volunteering more.
Volunteer retention was the number one challenge for volunteer managers and, according to the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops chief executive officer, Deanne Wooden, this finding is reflected in school tuckshops throughout Queensland.
“This report has confirmed what we already know and what our members have been telling us for the last few years; that recruiting and retaining volunteers in today’s climate is almost impossible,” Deanne said.
“It’s sink or swim, and unfortunately many tuckshop businesses are sinking. Without volunteers, some school tuckshops will cease to exist.”
Noosa District State High School encompasses two campuses, each with its own tuckshop, serving a total of 952 students.
Tuckshop Convenor Sue Robertson said, “Despite our efforts, we currently lack parent, grandparent, or community volunteers to assist with keeping our operational costs in check.“
“Modern parents lead busy lives, juggling work and their children’s extracurricular commitments, leaving little room for additional volunteer work. Despite advertising for help at our Pomona campus last term, we received no responses.
“The Pomona tuckshop, while small, experiences significant activity during the first break, often overwhelming our lone staff member. In the absence of adult volunteers, we rely on students, though their availability is limited, exacerbating the issue. Ideally, we seek assistance solely during the peak hour of 11am to 12noon, as preparation is manageable beforehand.
“Conversely, the Cooroy campus benefits from dedicated student helpers, ensuring smooth operations. However, our overall volunteer base has dwindled over the past five years, impacting our sense of community and financial support.
Remarkably, they have been graced by the unwavering commitment of one volunteer, Beryl, who diligently assists with banking tasks every day after school.
“Beryl’s 25-year tenure at NDSHS epitomises the spirit of volunteerism, starting in the kitchen when her grandchildren attended the school and transitioning to her current role,“ Sue said.
“Her presence fosters camaraderie and community connection, illustrating the profound impact volunteers like her can make.
“In light of rising costs and diminishing support, we hope for a resurgence of volunteerism, akin to Beryl’s dedication, to strengthen our school community and sustain essential services like our tuckshops.“
Sunshine Beach State School Tuckshop Convenor Jackie Freer said they have two paid employees (part time) and the remainder of their staff are volunteers.
“The main reason (volunteers are lacking) is because both parents are working due to the economic climate,“ Jackie said.
“I’d like to thank all our volunteers, from those who are only able to drop in for an hour or two to the regular ones.
“I would also like to make a special mention of the three grandparents who volunteer on a regular basis and would like to encourage more to come forward.
“Volunteers can apply by visiting the school tuckshop or on Sunshine Beach State School’s website.“
The Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST) works closely with school tuckshops to build capacity in tuckshops and improve health outcomes for children.
Through member services and resources, training like their Volunteer Management Course, and programs like their Creating Connections through Cooking program, they are able to help tuckshops develop sound volunteer management practices that encourage participation and recognition.
Deanne said, “Initiatives like our Connections through Cooking program have been crucial in aiding the placement of volunteers in school tuckshops.“
“The program has been warmly welcomed in the community since its inception in 2019, but due to lack of government funding, QAST won’t be able to continue to run it moving forward.
“This is a big loss not only to school tuckshops, but to the CALD community that it has benefited over the last five years.”
