About Us

West Welcome Wagon (WWW) is a small, predominantly volunteer run, not-for-profit organisation providing practical material aid to people seeking asylum and refugees living in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Established 10 years ago, our strategic objectives are to:

• Provide essential household items to assist people seeking asylum and refugees to establish their first home in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Determined by individual household needs, items may include beds, washing machine, fridge, linen, kitchenware, and culturally familiar food packs.
• Provide volunteering opportunities for local residents and businesses to build strong connections within our local community to foster a sense of welcoming to people seeking asylum and refugees.

• Actively participate in the circular economy, promoting sustainability through every aspect of our business.

West Welcome Wagon currently has three vacancies on its Board of Directors and is seeking a highly experienced Chair and two non-executive directors.

These are voluntary roles and very much hands-on with the following time commitments:

• Virtual 120 minute evening Board meetings once per month
• Two face-to-face meetings per year in Sunshine West (includes Annual General Meeting and strategy workshop)
• Virtual one hour meetings every fortnight for Finance Committee (optional)
• Virtual one hour meetings every month for Fundraising Committee (optional)
• One year term, with the option to stand for re-election at subsequent AGMs

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of the Board is to guide and monitor the business and affairs of the organisation, including compliance with the organisation’s corporate governance objectives and setting the strategic directions of the organisation. Board Directors will have empathy with the mission, vision and values of the organisation. They will have the abilities and skills for leadership and ongoing growth and development of West Welcome Wagon.

About You

• Strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and provide leadership.
• Corporate governance in a not-for-profit is highly desirable.
• Strong financial and accounting literacy is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other board members and CEO.
• Ability to identify risks and implement strategies to minimise/mitigate risks.
• Understand a director’s legal duties and responsibilities, including overseeing compliance with legislation.

Key Selection Criteria

• For the role of Chair we are seeking a highly skilled Chair with extensive not-for-profit experience.
• For all three (3) roles:
  • Board and/or senior management experience.
  • Thorough knowledge and experience in ensuring good organisational governance.
  • An understanding of the challenges faced by people seeking asylum and refugees.
  • The ability to review the strategy through constructive questioning and suggestions and contribute to the effective decision making of the Board.
  • Experience in managing areas of major risk to the organisation.
  • Ability to work with a team in a respectful, collegiate and collaborative manner.

Preferred qualifications:

• Professional certifications (GAICD or related) in governance, finance, law, or related disciplines are advantageous.
• Demonstrated continuous learning and professional development in areas relevant to board governance and leadership.

Conditions of Appointment

• Appointment to the role of Chair and Director is subject to police clearance, after successful interviews with existing Board of Directors.
• All new Board Members are required to comply with all legal requirements under ASIC and ACNC; and provide their directors ID number (DIN) or be willing to obtain one.
• Provide a valid Working With Children Check and Police Check.
• Become a member of West Welcome Wagon.
• Commit to a term of one year, with an option to stand for re-election at subsequent AGMs.

How to Apply

Please see Position Descriptions for Chair and Non-Executive Directors attached.

Applications must include a resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and what you believe you can contribute to the organisation.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss your application, please contact Wendy Grimston, Company Secretary of the West Welcome Wagon Board on [email protected] using the subject line: Chair / Non-Executive Directors (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.