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For volunteers

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Thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering has never been so easy. There is a role for everyone, every age group, every skill base, every interest, and every culture in volunteering!

From helping out at the local school fete or joining a Neighbourhood Watch group, to becoming a Rural Fire Service volunteer, there are many opportunities to volunteer. Whatever activity, volunteering helps to support Queensland communities.

Volunteering encompasses a wide range of activities across a variety of organisations and initiatives. Projects may be short-term activities, one-off events, ongoing projects or a combination of different things.

Before volunteering, be clear about what you want to get out of it, how much time you have to give, the skills you want to use or develop and ask about practicalities such as screening checks, reimbursement of expenses and the type of insurance cover provided by that organisation.

What type of volunteering do you want to do?

Traditionally, volunteering has been an activity associated with charities, but today volunteer opportunities are available in a range of community organisations. Think about what interests you and start there. Do you have an interest in gardening? Perhaps conservation volunteering might be a good fit for you. Or are you looking to gain skills in a particular field? Take a moment to consider exactly where your interests lie. This will make your volunteering experience more meaningful.

How much time can you commit?

Are you looking for a regular weekly commitment? Or would a short-term project suit you better? Can you give your time only on the weekends or evenings? Is it more convenient for you to volunteer from home? Most community organisations have some flexibility with the way their volunteering opportunities are structured but some organisations may also have specific requirements. Check with the organisation about their expectations before you commit and see if there is any flexibility to do things differently.

How much will it cost?

Volunteering may be salary free but it is not cost free, for volunteers or organisations. Unlike paid employees, volunteers are not eligible to claim tax deductions for expenses incurred from their volunteer activities. Transport and petrol can be a major cost for volunteers. Likewise, community organisations bear the expenses of training, insurance and management for volunteers. If costs are an issue, check with organisations that reimburse for travel or other expenses, or are close to public transport.

Need more information?

Go to Volunteering Australia to check out their Volunteer Rights and Checklist Information Sheet.

What are the benefits?

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Queensland volunteers give their time freely to support others in our great tradition of volunteering. Volunteers may choose short-term activities, one-off events, ongoing projects or a combination of activities. There is a role for everyone, every age group, every skill base, every interest, and every culture in volunteering. But why get involved?

  • Learn new skills or share your talents with others
  • Have fun and meet new people
  • Gain a sense of accomplishment
  • Make a difference to your local community
  • Improve your employment opportunities
  • Support a cause or event

Read volunteer stories to learn about the amazing things that people are doing in their everyday lives.

Find opportunities online

Ready to volunteer now? Go to the Volunteering Queensland website to search for opportunities across Queensland.

Consider the diverse range of volunteering opportunities in government.

To find tourism volunteering opportunities at home or when you're visiting other parts of Queensland visit www.tourismvolunteering.com.au

If you are interested in volunteering in sport, check out sport and recreational clubs and the sport and recreation volunteering portal.

Volunteering for migrants and refugees

Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, gain work experience and be part of your community. Learn more

Volunteering during a disaster

Prepare now

The best way to ensure you can help during a disaster is to volunteer with an emergency organisation now. During a disaster, many emergency organisations aren't able to take on new volunteers. Sometime special training or checks need to be done before you are able to volunteer your time. If you sign up with an organisation before an event, then you're one step closer to being able to help out when they need you most.

Get involved with an emergency organisation

There are many emergency organisations to choose from so you may need to think about how you'd like to be involved.
Consider:

  • your interests
  • your skills
  • skills you want to gain
  • your availability to help
  • any ongoing commitment or training that might be required.

Learn more about Queensland volunteer emergency organisations. You can also sign up to the Volunteering Queensland CREW register of emergency volunteers.  

Get involved with a community organisation

You can also volunteer with organisations that help in the community in other ways, for instance, Meals on Wheels, Lifeline, Conservation Volunteers or even government agencies like the Environmental Protection Authority. By being part of an established volunteer organisation, you can fast-track your involvement in disaster response and recovery.

To find volunteering opportunities in your community, visit the Volunteering Queensland website.

Get qualified to help

You can prepare to volunteer by equipping yourself with the skills that might be important in a disaster, and keeping them up to date. You could:

  • enrol in a first aid course
  • undertake a telephone counselling training program

  • register with a professional organisation relevant to your skills.

Help others and take care of yourself

When volunteering during a disaster it is important to recognise that everyone will be affected by the disaster in different ways.  Below are a few practical tips about how you can help others and also take care of yourself. 

Supporting people experiencing loss and change

  • Everyone has different reactions after a disaster.
  • Don't assume that someone is ready for your offer of help.
  • Talk to people affected by disaster as you normally would.
  • Ask if you are not sure about anything.
  • If you see someone's stress level or emotions increasing give them some space. Then think about directing them to professional advice or family support.
  • It's common for people to feel annoyed, frustrated and even angry when they start to recover from a traumatic event. It's important for you to stay calm and give them some space.

Taking care of yourself

  • Be aware of the risks and dangers associated with the environment.
  • Consider your own health and safety requirements before assisting others.
  • Follow any advice provided by authorities.
  • As a volunteer you may experience different emotions in response to the disaster and witness traumatic events. Take care of your emotional needs as well as your physical needs.

Further Information