View one of our short videos to understand what volunteering is:
Find the right volunteering role
The key to choosing the right volunteering role is to find a position that you will enjoy and are capable of doing. To help you decide, consider the following questions:
- What skills can you build on or bring to a volunteer role?
- Would you like to work with people?
- How much time are you willing to commit?
Typical volunteer
People who volunteer come from many different cultural and educational backgrounds, ages and skill levels. Volunteers can be people who also have paid jobs, are not working or are retired; they can be men, women, families and young people.
Time commitment
This is a personal decision and will depend on how much time you can spare. Volunteering roles can range from short-term and one-off projects to long-term or ongoing roles. The role might require a few hours a month or a few hours or more a week – to be agreed by the volunteer and organisation.
Guide to volunteering
Read Volunteering Victoria’s welcome to your volunteering guide. It includes information on where to start, benefits of volunteering, volunteers’ rights and responsibilities, support services and Volunteering Victoria.
Volunteer work and Centrelink
For people receiving Centrelink benefits, volunteering can be a great alternative to paid work. It’s important to know how many hours you are required to volunteer each week. Your hours don’t all need to be with the same organisation. Volunteer in more than one role, or with one organisation to meet your mutual obligation.
Please note, Wyndham City may not have a suitable role for you or be able to offer you the number of hours you need to meet your Centrelink requirements. If you have commenced Centrelink approved volunteer work with Council, it is your responsibility to ensure that your required number of hours are completed.
Volunteering on a Visa
Volunteering can be a great way to meet local people and learn more about Victorian life. If you are in Australia temporarily, as a tourist or student, or asylum seeker awaiting a decision on your application, you may have the right to volunteer under your visa conditions. Check Volunteering Victoria’s guide for travellers.