3.4 Offering opportunities for training and development
Building a team
Overview
Ongoing training helps toy libraries stay strong and successful. Staff and volunteers are important, and when they feel supported to learn, they are more confident and do their roles better. Training builds skills, supports safe and inclusive practice, improves governance, and helps meet legal and quality standards.
Learning opportunities also help people feel valued and more likely to stay involved. Training does not have to cost a lot. Many free or low-cost options are available, including Toy Libraries Australia’s Online Learning Centre, ACNC webinars, ICDA training, Justice Connect resources, and Volunteering Australia’s Volunteer Gateway.
3.4 Offering opportunities for training and development
Development and Training
Ongoing development for staff and volunteers is essential to the success, sustainability, and quality of toy libraries. Staff and volunteers are key assets, and when they feel supported to learn and grow, they are more confident, engaged, and effective in their roles. Training strengthens skills, supports safe and inclusive practice, improves governance, and helps toy libraries meet their legal and quality standard obligations.
Investing in development also supports retention and wellbeing. When people feel valued and see opportunities to build skills or work towards personal goals, they are more likely to stay involved and contribute positively. Importantly, training and development does not need to be expensive. Many high-quality resources are available at low or no cost.
Free or low-cost training options include:
Toy Libraries Australia In Person Training - A wonderful opportunity to connect with toy library humans. Both state based and national training is offered, along with bus tour visits to peek inside the inner workings of toy libraries. https://toylibraries.tidyhq.com/
Toy Libraries Australia Online Learning Centre - Toy library–specific training, with links to relevant external learning https://learn.toylibraries.org.au
ACNC Webinars- Governance, financial management, and compliance for not-for-profits https://www.acnc.gov.au/for-charities/education/webinars
Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) - Committee and board training, leadership, and governance https://communitydirectors.com.au
Justice Connect – Not-for-profit Law - Legal information, fact sheets, and webinars for community organisations https://justiceconnect.org.au/not-for-profit-law
Volunteering Australia – Volunteering Gateway - Volunteer management, inclusion, and good practice resources https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org
Your local Council or Shire may offer training opportunities in grant writing, leadership and more.
By planning training that aligns with both organisational needs and individual aspirations, toy libraries can build capable teams, strengthen services for families, and create positive, well-supported environments where staff and volunteers can thrive.
Quick links
Keep the play going
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