Canberra
Community Sector
Volunteer Opportunities
The following Community Support Organisations are seeking volunteers.
If you have some spare time on your hands, and want to make a valuable contribution to the community… please click on the links below for information about how you can help…
The Vinnies Doorknock Appeal is held each February to raise much-needed funds for people in need in the Canberra region. During the 2012 Vinnies Doorknock Appeal, the Society is hoping to raise $300,000.
The appeal is a very important part of the Society’s fundraising efforts, and enables volunteers and staff to assist the less fortunate of our community.
Over the past few years, our members and volunteers have received an increase in demand for assistance in January and February after the festive season, and are expecting more calls for assistance this year.
The funds raised from Doorknock cover the provision of food, emergency accommodation, clothing, school fees, medical costs, and other financial assistance that helps lessen the burden from those we assist.
In 2010/2011, there was a strong demand for our members and volunteers to assist families and individuals in Canberra and Queanbeyan. The common theme reported was that the complexity of problems facing these people, and the value of assistance required to address these problems, has increased significantly. Once again, illustrating that more and more disadvantaged people are becoming trapped in the systemic poverty cycle; a condition that once entered is very hard to ever leave.
In Canberra and Queanbeyan alone:
· 24,992 families and individuals were assisted by our members and volunteers
· $526,377 was spent on providing food to these people in need
· $288,205 was spent on other costs to help alleviate their burden, including utility bills, mortgage/rent payments, and medical costs.
Doorknock is an important local annual appeal for the Society to raise funds for people in need, and has a 30 year history in Canberra and Queanbeyan.
Our biggest challenge each year is getting to the doors of thousands of people in Canberra who are willing to give generously... and this year, we need more volunteers than ever before, to get to these homes we need to call on in order to reach our $300,000 target.
Why you should support the 2012 Vinnies Doorknock Appeal:
· You’ll be raising money for families and people in the community who need it most
· Doorknocking is a great activity to do with family and friends
· You can collect money in your street or suburb on any day during February
· Doorknocking can be great exercise. You could even finish up with a BBQ in a local park after you’ve finished!
· In just one hour, you could collect hundreds of dollars for those in need.
To volunteer or donate, please visit www.vinniesdoorknock.org.au
Volunteer Buddy
The Connections Program is seeking a caring lady aged 60 plus who would like to spend an hour or more a week with an 82 year old lady, living in the Belconnen area, (Connections Program Participant) dealing with mental health challenges and some mobility issues and needing social outings and companionship.
Interests in classical music, exhibitions, galleries, reading, playing bridge and own transport would be an advantage but not essential.
The volunteer and participant meet together regularly for an hour or more to engage in a social activity built around common interests.
Some activities may be:
o have a coffee
o see a movie
o visit a gallery
A basic understanding of mental health issues and challenges would be an advantage. Induction and training will be provided for the right person.
Further information can be obtained from the Connections website www.volunteeringact.org.au/connections/index or by phoning the Connections Program Manager Matt on 6251 4060
Autism Asperger ACT is seeking assistance with their library of around 800 books. They are transferring from a manual to automated system, and have a short term need for an assistant to help them with this, as well as contacting new books and general help.
For further information, please phone 6176 0514 or Email
The Aim of Scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development of young people so that they take a constructive place in society as a member of their local, national and international community.
The most successful Scout Groups are those where there is strong adult support. ACT Scouts volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated men and women from all walks of life who share a love of adventure and a desire to enrich young people’s lives.
Volunteering with ACT Scouts gives you opportunities to:
Encourage, mentor and empower young people to be their best
Contribute to your local community
Rediscover adventure yourself
Involved the whole family in new adventure together
Have fun
Challenge yourself
Get active
Learn new skills
Be appreciated
Meet people with similar values
Gain recognised Leadership and Management qualifications
Travel within Australia and overseas
For more information please contact Tyron Ahern, our development officer for the ACT region on 6282 5211 or Email
The ACT Safety House Association desperately needs volunteers to offer their homes as safety houses for children to use when they feel threatened or scared whilst out in our communities.
For more information, please contact ACT Safety House by visiting the website and submitting a Form online; by phoning 0432 499 554; or by Email
Being a safety house is free and requires very little time commitment from its volunteers. Call us today !
Do you love children ? Ever thought of fostering ?
Babies and children are urgently in need of people to train as Foster Carers and provide a home filled with love, acceptance and nurturing. For a weekend, a few weeks or even a lifetime. If you have time and space in your life for a child, find out more by phoning Karen or Judy at Galilee on
6290 2191.
Galilee is a not-for-profit Organisation that values and supports our foster carers, and provides comprehensive training and 24 hour assistance.
Are you a potential SIDS and Kids Peer Support Volunteer ?
Peer Support Volunteers are bereaved parents and grandparents who feel ready to offer support to newly bereaved parents and grandparents.
The service has a strong self-help focus, which affirms that profound support can come from someone who has had a similar experience.
People interested in becoming a Peer Support Volunteer are required to successfully complete a recruitment process. This, in part, includes attendance at a Bereavement Journey Workshop and a Peer Support Training Course.
Please contact Helen Geltch for more information on 6287 4255 or email
Gungahlin Regional Community Service (GRCS) is a not-for-profit, community-based Organisation providing services to the Gungahlin community in four office sites and five school sites across Gungahlin region.
Volunteers are needed to help with transporting people to people to medical appointments; being a friend to a family in need; assisting people with daily living tasks; giving practical help to someone in need; being a helper at a Support Group.
Phone 6123 4403 or email for further information.
Volunteers are being sought to help people from overseas settle into their new lives in Canberra.
About 130 people from overseas settle in the ACT and Goulburn as permanent residents every year, under a program Centacare runs with the Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Most people who arrive under the Government’s ‘Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy’ are from Africa, including Sudan, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Some also come from Burma and Iraq.
Centacare is a welfare agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
For further information about the Centacare New Arrival volunteer program, please phone Mitra Naraqi on 6162 6138.
St Vincent de Paul Society urgently requires volunteers to work in our Retail Centres in the Canberra region: Belconnen, Dickson, Mitchell, Narrabundah, Phillip, Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan
Kids’ Companions is a Marymead Host Family Program that matches up volunteers from the community, with children affected by a disability.
Your friendship can help give them a connection to the community, as well as some relief time for their family. You can participate one-on-one with a child, or in a group setting. The times are very flexible (from an hour to a weekend) and can fit any schedule!
We need all kinds of Companions for all kinds of children…
Anne’s Legacy Quilting Group is seeking assistance from quilters by making and donating quilts for the Paediatric Ward at the Canberra Hospital.
This program aims to ensure that all children receive a quilt of their own to keep and bring with them on return visits to hospital.
Donations of materials would also be appreciated.
For further information, phone Diane on 6294 0745; Sandra on 6231 6198; or Lyn on 6231 6020
SPICE (Students Participating In Community Enterprises) is a highly-motivated and successful work experience program for students aged 12 – 15 years, who are at risk of not completing Year 10.
We need volunteer tutors to help improve students’ literacy and numeracy.
The literacy and numeracy materials are aimed at upper primary, lower secondary level. Positions are ongoing.
Contact Volunteering ACT on 6251 4060 for further information.
Menslink is looking for men over 21 years, who would like to provide a positive mentoring role to young males, through support/friendship and guidance.
Men over the age of 21 years are also required to mentor young males at the Chain Gang bike repair workshops. A knowledge of bike mechanics would be preferable, but not necessary. The workshops are held on Thursdays from 4pm – 5.30pm at the Canberra College.
Phone 6239 4699 for further information.
The RSPCA requires volunteers to care for sick, injured or orphaned native animals in volunteers’ own homes. Training is provided.
If you have an interest in this volunteer position, please phone Volunteering ACT on 6251 4060 to make an appointment for an interview.
Canberra’s Make-A-Wish Foundation is searching for volunteers who are team players, enthusiastic and vibrant, to raise funds for the cause.
If you would like to become an active volunteer for Make-A-Wish, please contact Canberra’s Make-A-Wish volunteer care coordinator by email or visit
or telephone 1800 032 260.
The Extended Family Service provides support to Red Cross clients in the ACT who have no family or close friends located locally to act as a contact for their Red Cross service(s). Volunteers are matched with an individual who they will regularly visit or phone to provide companionship and to build a friendly, trusting relationship. Clients and volunteers may share activities such as listening to music, playing board games and occasional outings. The volunteer can also act as a liaison with the Visiting Services Manager on behalf of the client to ensure continuity of service(s) in times such as hospitalisation.
Where: Volunteers are matched with a client in the volunteer's preferred area or location
When: Any time suitable to both the volunteer and the client
Commitment: Regular contact should include at least one phone call or visit each fortnight
Requirement: Minimum age 18
To register your interest in becoming a volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Registration Form or contact People and Learning on 6234 7632 or Email
Click here to view information about other Volunteering Opportunities available with Red Cross in the ACT
Can you make a difference to a child’s life?
Foster carers are urgently needed to care for babies and children.
Marymead is seeking caring individuals (married, de-factor or single) to care for Canberra's disadvantaged children.
If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a Marymead Foster Carer…
please phone Lynne Caravan on 6162 5800
The LeisureLink volunteer program seeks people to provide friendship and support to frail seniors and people with a disability, through home visits and outings. Training and support are provided, and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.
Barnardos need volunteer foster carers to help young people who are unable to live with their families.
The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to work in their Salvos Stores.
Join the Heart Foundation’s team, to make a hands-on contribution to the fight against cardiovascular disease in our community.
YMCA is looking for Volunteers to work in our shops.
Volunteers make a huge difference to the ability of the Y to provide assistance to those in need in the community.
Volunteering is a positive way of getting involved in the Community. You can see the difference it makes in people's lives.
Being a Volunteer will be a rewarding experience for anyone with hours to spare, no matter your age or skill level. It gives the Volunteer, real purpose in alleviating need in the Community.
Become a valued and vital member of a dedicated team.
For further info on how to become a volunteer, phone 6285 3670.
St Vincent de Paul Society seeks volunteers aged between 17 and 28 years, who have skills and/or interests in:
Coaching sporting teams; Attending 5 day camps for underprivileged children; Attending weekend and day activities for underprivileged children; Working with young carers; Helping to maintain the website.
Full training is provided. Applicants will be asked to undertake a Police Check, and sign a Prohibited Person’s Declaration, to ensure the safety of the children in care.
Please phone Kat on 6282 2722 for further information.
Volunteering with Snowy Hydro SouthCare can be your way
of helping to save lives in our community.
If you are keen to help save lives by supporting Snowy Hydro SouthCare, then we need you! Snowy Hydro SouthCare is looking for new volunteers to bolster our already dedicated and hardworking team.
We particularly need people who are available during business hours.
Carers ACT - Volunteer Buddy Service - needs volunteers for a wide range of duties.
Phone 6296 9900 for further information.
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled in Holt requires Volunteers to help with its riding program during school hours.
To remain impartial, Amnesty International does not receive any government funding, therefore we rely on volunteers.
Through the actions of people like yourself, Amnesty International is able to bring global pressure, swiftly to bear on offending governments. By mobilising public opinion, and maintaining pressure on governments, Amnesty International utilises "people power" to achieve lasting positive results against human rights abuses.
Belconnen Community Service Inc is looking for volunteers to assist with the following programs:
Assisted shopping; To support Disability programs such as sports, recreation, craft and life skills groups; Respite groups; Positive Strokes, and Belconnen Energetic Seniors on Tuesdays (Best Club); English Conversation group; Community Transport; Trips ACT.
Initial and ongoing training is offered for all volunteers.
Give volunteering a go… it could change your life!
For expressions of interest, please contact Graham, the Volunteer Coordinator on 6264 0200 or email
The Citizens Advice Bureau is staffed by experienced and dedicated volunteers. We provide a friendly supportive environment for people from all walks of life.
If you have a commitment to helping others, and would like to be involved in an Organisation that directly assists people in the ACT, please contact our office on 6257 1687.
Woden Community Service is seeking volunteers to assist with a range of services, including shopping and the provision of transport.
For further information, phone 6260 5400
Barnardos mentoring programs Kids Friends (friendship mentoring) and Tutoring (educational mentoring) match patient, reliable and understanding adults with a child or young person in need.
Volunteers must be in a position to commit for a minimum of 12 months and have a few hours each week available.
Information sessions are held regularly.
Please call 6228 9500 or Email
HIV and AIDS haven’t gone away!
The AIDS Action Council of the ACT provides a comprehensive range of HIV/AIDS related services to the ACT community, aimed at eliminating further transmission of HIV and minismising the personal and social impacts of HIV infection.
Click here to find out how you can contribute to the valuable work being carried out by the AIDS Action Council.
Communities@Work needs volunteer drivers to drive frail, elderly or disabled clients to medical and social appointments.
Phone 6288 4744 for further information.
Communities@Work have several volunteer programs.
The Ginninderra Catchment Group conducts a number of projects that you can get involved in.
You can get involved, help out your local environment, learn new skills, and make new friends!
Some of our current projects include:
Landcare - Our strong network of Landcare groups conduct various regular and one-off activities to protect and enhance our urban open spaces and Canberra Nature Park areas, and on private rural lands. The GCG provides financial, technical and administrative support to these groups and individual volunteers. To find out about activities in your area, have a look at the list of our Member Groups or some of our current Landcare projects
Waterwatch - Waterwatch volunteers collect important information about water quality and catchment health, in order to keep an eye on our catchment, and provide insight and direction for future on-ground and other projects.
Frogwatch - Frogwatch volunteers collect information about our local frog populations in spring every year. This information tells us where there are biodiversity 'hot spots' throughout the Canberra region, and provides insights that we use to protect our local frog populations.
Protecting Our Bush on the Boundary - Find out about a variety of initiatives focused on protecting significant nature reserves in Gungahlin.
Restoring Native Grasslands - The Ginninderra Catchment Group and the North Belconnen Landcare Group are investigating management techniques to turn weed-filled grasslands into the healthy, diverse native grasslands that formerly dominated the Ginninderra Creek corridor.
Serrated Tussock Control - A project with local landholders to control serrated tussock using innovative management techniques.
Schools Education Program - We conduct fun, engaging and educational activities for schools, scouts and other community groups - for free!
To find out more about any of these projects, contact us
To register your interest in becoming a member of the Ginninderra Catchment Group, see our Membership page.
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These are only some of the volunteering opportunities available in the ACT.
If the above opportunities are not what you are looking for, why not get in touch with Volunteering ACT by telephoning 6251 4060 or by email
When you contact Volunteering ACT, you will be asked to make a time for an informal and friendly interview. You will be asked what kind of job you would like to do, and be shown a range of jobs that suit your preferences. These will be discussed with you. You will be given contact details for whichever jobs you choose, and you can then visit the job locations, to choose your preferred job, and to be sure you really want to work in that place.
Canberra Community Support Website