Volunteers bring their life skills, expertise, knowledge and diversity to our schools, preschools, kindergartens and children’s centres. You might want to share your knowledge and culture with others through:

• your Aboriginal language (if you speak one)
• mentoring
• storytelling, weaving, arts and music
• traditional foods, gardening and growing
• sport or dance
• books and reading
• science, technology, engineering and maths.

As a volunteer you:

• could share your talents with our community
• are compassionate and kind
• care about children and young people
• enjoy helping others
• want to make a difference in the lives of children and young people.

What you can do

There are so many ways to help. You could:

• help us to interpret Aboriginal languages
• join in activities like NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week
• connect with and support other Aboriginal families, children and young people
• share aspects of your culture
• be a positive mentor and connection for children and young people
• help build a sense of community
• support reconciliation
• help us to understand cultural or language barriers.

You can help children and young people to:

• be successful learners
• improve their reading and numeracy
• learn about relationships, responsibility, and respect
• become strong, creative and resilient
• own their potential
• develop life skills.

Things to think about

Where can you volunteer

Volunteers can work in a school, preschool, kindergarten or children’s centre (site).

When can you volunteer

We understand your time is valuable.

Your ability to help depends on your interests and availability. Whether you can assist on weekdays, weeknights, weekends, or just for an hour occasionally, every contribution is appreciated.

Work with your site to tailor your availability.

Screening checks and training

Before you volunteer you need to have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and current Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) training.

These mandatory screening checks and training are free for volunteers. Your site can help arrange these for you.

Site specific training or inductions might also be required.

The benefits to you

Volunteering should be fun, challenging and open new friendships. You could learn:

• about other people and their cultures in your community
• a wide range of new skills.

You might feel:

• a connection to people and places
• a sense of belonging
• more confident through personal growth
• valued, appreciated and respected.

It might lead you to:

• become a stronger part of the community
• build lasting networks
• strengthen your prospects for future employment.

How to apply to volunteer

We encourage you to contact the site you want to volunteer at. Use our find schools, preschools and other services tool to:

• view a list of sites in alphabetical order
• use filters to refine your search
• find out which school zone or preschool catchment area you live in.

When you talk to the site you want to volunteer at, you can ask to speak to the volunteer contact person. It is the volunteer contact persons responsibility to make you feel welcome and help you with any questions you might have.