Seven places to volunteer in Canberra
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Looking for a way to make a difference or connect with other Canberrans? Volunteering is one of the best things you can do.
Not only does volunteering benefit the local community, but it is also a great way to improve mental health, reduce stress, combat loneliness, and build a stronger sense of purpose.
Here are seven places to volunteer in Canberra – but it’s worth noting that these are only some of the local organisations looking for help! For more information or even more suggestions, make sure to check out the Volunteering ACT page or search online for local causes that match your passion.
Fearless Women
If you ever wished that you had a mentor when you were a young woman, this might be the role for you. Fearless Women is calling for more mentors to provide support, guidance, and friendship for young women in the Canberra region.
From sharing your wisdom, experience, and learnings to acting as a friend, you’ll be required to dedicate a few hours of your time over each month for two years. But don’t worry – you don’t have to have the answers. You just have to be genuine, responsible, and willing to share your time.
Find out more here.
Floriade
Love Canberra’s festival of flowers? Both Floriade and NightFest have a range of volunteer roles to fill.
From welcoming people at the front gate to assisting guests with directions and answering questions, as well as overseeing play areas and assisting with crafts, there’s sure to be something that grabs your interest. You will need to do a Vulnerable People Check, have a current Working with Vulnerable People registration, and be available for a four-hour shift. It promises to be a fun experience!
Find out more here.
Canberra Writers Festival
The countdown to the Canberra Writers Festival is on, and there are plenty of ways you can help out. Calling for venue hosts, green room assistants, venue assistants and artist drivers, during the festival you will help bring world-class authors to Canberra, support emerging Australian writers and keep everything running smoothly.
Find out more here.
Goodies Junction
Perfect for anyone passionate about the circular economy, Goodies Junction is seeking volunteers to give back to the local community.
From sorting donations to assisting retail customers, your contribution helps divert waste from landfills. A Working with Vulnerable People Card is desirable, and you must be willing to work two- or three-hour shifts. Shift hours are negotiable, with weekdays and weekends available.
Find out more here.
Meridian
This community-controlled, peer-led organisation provides health and social support services to Canberra’s LGBTQ+ communities. With opportunities available including condom packing, pronoun badge making, stalls and events assistance – as well as participating in the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme – there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Just make sure that you’re a member of Meridian and have a Working with Vulnerable People registration!
Find out more here.
Allara Drives
Support refugees to get their Ps as a driving mentor with Allara Drives. In this role, you’ll work one-on-one with your mentee to practice driving in hour-long sessions. Helping to improve road safety, confidence, independence, and future employment opportunities, patience, empathy and good communication skills are a must.
You’ll also need a full, unrestricted Australian driver’s licence held for at least two years, be medically fit to drive, have a Working with Vulnerable People card (or be willing to obtain one) and a strong understanding of Australian road rules.
Find out more here.
ACT Wildlife
Assist with the care of compromised native animals with ACT Wildlife. Suitable for all ages, for this opportunity you will need to have an ACT address, have spare time and preferably have a garden where an aviary can be erected.
New carers will be trained in the care of all species found in the ACT, and you must have transport for both the pickup and release of animals. Offering a great way to learn more about native animals, the whole family can get involved!
Find out more here.
