Interested in Volunteering?

Everyone has the capacity to give something to their community.Volunteers are integral to developing our societies by helping others in practical ways. They have a strong sense of social justice, and shape the future of the community they live in by building bridges across cultures.

Some volunteers devote their efforts to enriching the lives of recently-arrived immigrants by welcoming them into the community and helping them to settle in.

By contacting your local Migrant Resource Centre or any multicultural services agency you can learn how you can assist in providing orientation to newly arrived immigrants, guiding them regarding their basic needs such as housing, employment and education, and helping with specific programs such as parenting classes and womens groups.

Refugees face a number of challenges as they adjust to their new lives in their host country. You can assist refugees in many ways: by helping them make connections in the community, teaching them about Australian society, laws and institutions, or just engaging them in everyday conversation so they can practise their English. To find out how you can support these vulnerable groups and make significant contributions to their lives, contact a nearby organisation that deliver specific services to humanitarian and refugee entrants to Australia.

Multicultural organisations facilitate cultural exchange by providing volunteers with opportunities to involve themselves in specific cultural events. They also cover a wide range of activities including language education, cultural and religious functions, aged care and the provision of community services.

You can also utilise your valuable skills in the arts and sports by contacting program managers who run specific projects for multicultural communities.

In addition you can also check the website of The Centre for Volunteering for current volunteer opportunities. Note: you might have to  use key words (e.g, Italian, Refugees) to assist with your search.

Your local council will have information on volunteering opportunities in your local area. To find your local council and its contact details use the Local Council Search facility at the Department of Local Government.

For further volunteering opportunities see the NSW Government's Volunteering Portal.