How do I become a volunteer?
The nature of volunteering means that positions are available on an ad-hoc basis.
To express your interest in volunteering with us, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.
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What are my rights as a volunteer?
Unlike paid staff, volunteers are not covered by awards or workplace agreements. Volunteers do however have rights, some of which are documented in legislation and some that are considered to be the moral obligation of an organisation involving volunteers.
Volunteering Australia has therefore outlined the following basic rights of volunteers. As a volunteer, you have the right:
- To work in a healthy and safe environment.
- To be interviewed and engaged in accordance with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation.
- To be adequately covered by insurance.
- To be given accurate and truthful information about the organisation for which you are working.
- To be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses.
- To be given a copy of the organisations volunteer guidelines/policies.
- Not to fill a position previously held by a paid worker.
- To have a job description and agreed working hours.
- To have access to a grievance procedure.
- To be provided with orientation to the organisation.
- To have your confidential and personal information dealt with in accordance with the principles of the privacy act 1988; and To be provided with sufficient training to do your job.
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What are the principles of volunteering?
We support the principles of volunteering stipulated by Volunteering Australia:
- Volunteering benefits the community and the volunteer.
- Volunteer work is unpaid.
- Volunteering is always a matter of choice.
- Volunteering is not compulsorily undertaken to receive pensions or government allowances.
- Volunteering is a legitimate way in which people can participate in the activities of their community.
- Volunteering is a vehicle for individuals or groups to address human, environmental and social needs.
- Volunteering is an activity performed in the not for profit sector only.
- Volunteering is not a substitute for paid work.
- Volunteers do not replace paid workers nor constitute a threat to the job security of paid workers.
- Volunteering respects the rights, dignity and culture of others.
- Volunteering promotes human rights and equality.
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We support the definition of volunteering stipulated by Volunteering Australia.
Formal volunteering is an activity which takes place through not for profit organisations or projects and is understood:
- To be of benefit to the community and the volunteer.
- Of the volunteer's own free will and without coercion.
- For no financial payment.
- In designated volunteer positions only.
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