Open Committee Positions
We’re currently looking for a new President to help lead the Merri-bek Toy Library into its next chapter. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a well-established, community-run organisation that is in a strong financial position, with consistent support from Merri-bek City Council, recent grant success, and a committed team of volunteers and paid staff. Plus, our outgoing President, Anna, will provide ample handover of minimally 3 months.
If you’re passionate about community, early childhood development, and making a difference, the President role is both meaningful and well-supported—with plenty of help from your fellow Committee members and our amazing Coordinators.
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Connect with the outgoing President to understand ongoing issues and ensure a smooth handover.
Work closely with the Secretary and Treasurer to make sure the Toy Library meets its obligations under the Constitution.
Provide leadership, vision and motivation to the Committee, and help ensure its goals and responsibilities are achieved.
Chair Committee meetings, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and any Special General Meetings—ensuring the agenda is followed, discussions stay on track, everyone is heard, and all members feel welcome to contribute.
Prepare and present the Committee’s Annual Report for approval and sharing at the AGM.
Ensure the Committee keeps the Toy Library’s Mission Statement at the heart of major decisions and policy development.
Be a supportive sounding board for fellow Committee members and staff —encouraging and guiding them in their roles.
Help Committee members stay up to date with Toy Libraries Australia resources and best practices, and attend networking events when possible.
Ensure Committee members understand and carry out their roles effectively.
Represent the Toy Library at official events and in external communications, when required.
Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to help deliver on the Toy Library’s goals and mission.
Take part in Committee discussions, decision-making, and voting.
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🎉 After 6 Years on the Committee (and 3 as President)… It’s Time to Pass the Baton! 🎉
Hello, my name is Anna and I am the outgoing President. I’d love to share some thoughts from my time on the committee.
What a journey it’s been since I joined the Merri-bek Toy Library committee in 2020! When I first moved to the area, I was just hoping to connect with a local community group and during a borrowing session, I was warmly welcomed by the then President. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself on the committee of this incredible organisation with a committed team of volunteers and staff.
Being part of the toy library has been so much more than a volunteer gig—it’s been a rewarding learning curve . I’ve brought my background in research and strategy, but I’ve gained just as much from others—picking up new skills in governance, leadership, and even toy procurement (yes, it’s a thing, and I still think it’s the best role!).
Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. Like any volunteer-run organisation, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges—whether it’s juggling competing priorities, navigating uncertainty, or making tough calls with limited resources. But what has always stood out to me is this: we figure it out together. There’s something truly special about being part of a team that rolls up their sleeves, listens to each other, and works together to find a way forward.
Some highlights from my time as President:
🌈 Leading the transformation of our brand—working with our committee, coordinators, and the talented Anthony Teoh to bring our identity to life in a way that truly reflects who we are and where we’re going.
🤝 Securing long-term funding from Merri-bek City Council to give us a strong, stable foundation for the future.
💛 Hearing from members who said the toy library was a lifeline during lockdowns—those stories will always stay with me.
🤗 And perhaps most of all, being part of a truly engaged team that brings so much talent, warmth, and lived experience to the table.Now, as my own kids grow up and start new activities, it’s time for me to hand over the reins and support someone new stepping into the role of President.
If you love building community, working alongside brilliant volunteers, and making a real difference in the lives of families and children—this could be your next adventure.
I’ll be here to support and work closely with the new President during the transition. And I can promise you: the role is meaningful and incredibly rewarding; it’s not without moving parts and the occasional curveball, but the joy of working through it together as a team is fulfilling.
We’re also looking for new General Committee members who bring a range of skills, experiences, and fresh ideas to the table. Whether your strengths lie in communications, fundraising, project management, governance, or simply a passion for helping families thrive—there’s a place for you on our Committee.
Time commitment is family-friendly and flexible, with 1 meeting every month (1 - 1.5 hours) and always scheduled in the evenings (after kids’ bedtime!).
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All you need is a little bit of time and a passion for our mission - to provide a low cost way for Merri-bek families to access quality toys.
Nice to have, but not essential:
Strategic planning experience and / or have board/committee experience.
Communications and / or marketing experience.
We welcome members actively keen to develop leadership skills.
You must have Working With Child Check, which is free for volunteers.
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Committee members are unpaid volunteers who are expected to contribute at least 36 hours over the year, and often more than 50 hours.
This includes: attendance at committee meetings; undertaking limited tasks that may mirror your skills and interests; read and understand the Merri-bek Toy Library Inc. Rules of Association as these documents describe the obligations of committee members.
As a condition of registration with the Australian Charities and Non-profits Commission, all committee members are required to:
Complete and sign a declaration confirming that they are not disqualified from managing a corporation under the Corporations Act, or disqualified from being a responsible person by the ACNC Commissioner Become familiar with the duties set out in the ACNC Governance Standards. -
Merri-bek City Council has partnered with Our Community's Institute of Community Directors Australia to provide community organisations with free online Compact Courses to help you get more grants, find more money, and improve your governance and management.
Apply your learnings to your important role as a member of our committee.
Social Media Management - Committee role
This part management / creative role can be tailored to match your unique skills. You will contribute to our mission of engaging the community and promoting our services through visually appealing designs and effective social media strategies. You will also manage our Facebook and Instagram accounts. This is a committee only role.
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Not all listed below is required! This role can be adapted to suite your strengths in graphic design or social media.
Must be on the toy library committee.
Hold the responsibility of managing our social media accounts.
Proficiency in graphic design software or similar tools (Canva).
Experience in designing based on specific branding specifications and guidelines.
Understanding of social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) and their respective best practices for content creation and engagement.
Ability to create engaging visual content, including graphics, infographics, and short videos.
Ability to manage and schedule posts.
Basic photo and video editing skills.
Familiarity with analytics tools to track and measure the effectiveness of social media campaigns.
Excellent communication skills for collaborating with team members and understanding project requirements.
Website Coordinator
Enhance our website design and online marketing presence with expertise in design practices and trends for community and family-focused organisations.
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Passion for community and children’s well being, with a preference for previous experience with a family / children centric organisation.
Proficiency in the use of Squarespace is essential.
Experience in either marketing, design and / or communications.
Excellent social listening skills.
Strong copywriting and copy editing skills.
Self-managed.
Detail-oriented approach with ability to work to meet deadlines.
Community Fundraising Lead - Committee role
We are currently working towards securing Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which will open new doors for funding opportunities from organisations that align with our strategy and values.
As Fundraising Lead, you will collaborate closely with the committee to develop and implement a fundraising strategy that leverages the benefits of DGR status once granted. You will be key in identifying and pursuing new funding avenues, strengthening our financial sustainability, and ensuring our fundraising efforts align with our mission and community focus.
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This role can be adapted to suite your experience.
Be an engaged committee member.
Lead the organisation of current fundraising events (e.g., Bunnings BBQ, Mango boxes).
Commit to a flexible role that peaks around campaign times.
Have input in developing a fundraising strategy that align with toy library strategy and values.
Conceive and coordinate:
New community fundraising events
Supporter-facing activities to engage and grow donor base
