Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

Volunteering

A group of three people are at the park. A teenager is kneeling on the ground next to a person sitting in a chair. A lady is standing behind them and has her hand on the seated personas shoulder.

The aim of this section is that you develop a sense of community service through the opportunity to help others.

As a participant, you are required to train for and give service to others. Before you choose the type of volunteering you would like to undertake, you should consider what sort of training may be required. Depending on the type of service you choose, training may range from a simple briefing session through to a specialised training course.

There is some flexibility with how the hours can be spent over the total time period, however there must be regular involvement throughout, and your commitment must average at least one hour per week.

Choosing your activity

You can use the ideas presented in the table below, or you can develop your own plan to meet your needs. You are encouraged to explore and pursue different and interesting initiatives.

The choice of volunteering should reflect your individual interests, talents and capabilities but also be challenging and build on previous experiences.

Volunteering examples

  • Award program leadership
  • bushfire service
  • caring for animals – RSPCA, veterinary surgery
  • child care
  • environmental care, clean up a local park or creek
  • first aid
  • fundraising
  • getting involved in a local action group such as Amnesty International
  • helping people with a disability
  • helping the elderly
  • occupational safety
  • Police service
  • State Emergency Service
  • Sunday school teaching
  • Surf Life Saving
  • volunteer hospital work, youth service, assisting in special schools, mentoring younger students
  • volunteering at a refugee support service, neighbourhood centre, charity organisation, animal shelter or community radio station
  • youth work

Note: The type of volunteering chosen depends on aptitude and the availability of resources. Most forms of community service are acceptable and discussion between you and the Award Coordinator should ensure that a satisfactory program of service is followed. Where appropriate, you are encouraged to take an active role in organising your own activities and program.

Due to the nature of volunteering activities, you may choose to undertake more than one type of activity.

Requirements

Bronze

Three months, averaging a commitment of at least one hour per week. If you choose to extend this section you will need to undertake your activity for a total of six months. #1

Silver

Six months, averaging a commitment of at least one hour per week. As a direct entrant, if you choose to extend this section you will need to undertake your activity for a total of 12 months. #2

Gold

12 months, averaging a commitment of at least one hour per week. As a direct entrant, if you choose to extend this section you will need to undertake your activity for a total of 18 months. #3

  • #1 You will need to complete an additional three months in either of the sections Volunteering, Skill or Fitness/Physical Recreation to complete a total of six months.
  • #2 You will need to complete an additional six months in either Volunteering, Skill or Fitness/Physical Recreation to complete a total of 12 months.
  • #3 You will need to complete an additional six months in either Volunteering, Skill or Fitness/Physical Recreation to complete a total of 18 months.