Community volunteer opportunities

We are committed to supporting and complementing local volunteer involving organisations and groups who directly support the Darebin community. Together we can create a vibrant volunteering culture across Darebin.

To be considered to list your organisation’s volunteer program, use the button below to access our request form:

Request to list your community volunteering opportunities

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) gives volunteers an opportunity to positively change someone's life through friendship. The scheme supports older people living in Government funded aged care homes or in their own home and receiving a home care package. Becoming an aged care volunteer is incredibly rewarding. The team carefully match volunteers and clients based on interests, background, location, and life experiences to help ensure a long-lasting connection. To volunteer in the scheme, volunteers need to be 18 years of age and over. Volunteers can participate in 3 different ways:

• visit a person in an aged care facility
• visit a person in their own home
• visit two or more people in a group setting at an aged care facility

Phone: 0409 558 050
Email: acvvs@mcm.org.au
Website: mcm.org.au

Alex Makes Meals

Alex Makes Meals is a charity which makes meals at their kitchen in Preston for people facing food insecurity across Melbourne. The team are devoted to sustainable meal preparation and providing warm, tasty meals for homeless and disadvantaged youth. There are volunteering opportunities available as a delivery driver, kitchen hand or chef, or join the team behind the scenes in marketing, legal, human resources and fundraising.

Phone: 0403 930 479
Email: hr@alexmakesmeals.com
Website: alexmakesmeals.com

Aruma Disability Services

Aruma is a community-based organisation and a NDIS provider, who provide recreational, social, educational and work-related support to people with disability across Darebin. Aruma also offer respite and social support for families. Volunteers are highly valued at Aruma, playing a crucial role in the running of programs and throughout the agency. Volunteers are involved in a range of activities including:

• direct support of people with disability
• host care/ companionship
• social group and recreational program support
• fundraising
• project work

Phone: 03 9055 5978
Email: Volunteering@aruma.com.au
Website: aruma.com.au

Big Group Hug

Big Group Hug is a grassroots not-for-profit organisation serving local communities to tackle child poverty. They help vulnerable children who are living in crisis by distributing essential items in times of need. Operating out of two warehouses that accommodate donations, the team are currently supported by over 300 volunteers who are involved in every single aspect of Big Group Hug. Volunteers have the option of volunteering from home, popping into the warehouses, or both. Some of the activities volunteers are involved in include:

• sort, clean and safety-check donated items
• prepare and pack care packages
• help make clothing, blankets and toys
• offer your home as a drop-off point to collect items
• administrative tasks
• Big Group Hug driver

Email: volunteer@biggrouphug.org.au
Website: biggrouphug.org

Centre for Multicultural Youth

The Centre for Multicultural Youth is looking for passionate and committed volunteers to join the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program (YRIPP) in the Darebin area. YRIPP Independent Persons are volunteers who support young people at police stations when a parent or guardian is unavailable. Volunteers are provided with a thorough training and ongoing professional development opportunities. Join a well-renowned volunteer program and make a difference in the lives of young people in the Darebin community.

Phone: 03 9340 3777
Email: volunteer@yripp.org.au
Website: cmy.net.au/yripp

CERES 3000acres

CERES Olives to Oil is an annual community festival held in May. The festival brings people together to celebrate the importance of local food in our communities, as well as recognising the wonderful heritage of diverse food cultures we enjoy. As part of the event, people are encouraged to harvest unused olives from backyard or neighbourhood trees and bring them along as part of the community olive oil pressing. Once pressed into oil, this will be given back to those who contributed. The event relies on passionate volunteers, with a variety of roles, dates and locations available to take part in. Volunteers will support the festival team with creating a fun event to celebrate the olive harvest, accepting olive deliveries and distributing olive oil to participants.

Phone: 03 9389 0100
Email: olivestooil@ceres.org.au
Website: 3000acres.org

Darebin Climate Action Now (DCAN)

Darebin Climate Action Now (DCAN) is made up of local residents of all ages and backgrounds who meet regularly and work together to promote a safe climate future. DCAN inform the community about the climate science, designing and implementing climate-related projects and working with all three levels of government about the urgent policy changes needed to transition to a renewable energy future. There are volunteering opportunities to help out with writing content for newsletters, writing letters to the editor, developing content for social media, writing submissions, distributing information and helping with putting on events and special projects.

Phone: 0425 753 266 (Karen)
Email: darebincan@gmail.com
Website: darebincan.org.au

Darebin Information, Volunteer and Resource Service (DIVRS)

The Darebin Information, Volunteer and Resource Service (DIVRS) is a not-for-profit volunteer-driven community organisation, located on High Street in Preston. DIVRS provides a range of volunteer programs, including:

• Gardening - growing food and sharing knowledge
• Food rescue and food packages - picking and packing food
• Deliveries and pickups - gathering supplies and delivering food parcels
• TAC L2P learn to drive - helping young drivers get their P-plates
• Community support - connecting people to information
• Financial help - applying for grants and loans
• Administration - office support

Phone: 03 9480 8200
Email: volunteer@divrs.org.au
Website: divrs.org.au

DIVRS Food Sharing Program - Volunteer Delivery Drivers needed

Become a Volunteer Delivery Driver and help share food with the Darebin community. Supporting the Emergency Relief Program, volunteers drive the DIVRS van and help collect food from suppliers or make deliveries to people in the community. Pickups and deliveries currently take place on Wednesdays or Thursdays 9am - 1pm.

Phone: 03 9480 8200
Email: volunteer@divrs.org.au
Website: divrs.org.au

Darebin TAC L2P Learner Driver Program

L2P is run by the Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) and coordinated by the Darebin Volunteer, Information and Resource Service (DIVRS). Volunteer driver mentors help young learner drivers get the 120 hours of driving they need to get their P plates. Volunteers are provided with a full training program prior to commencement and support throughout their volunteering. Volunteers must hold a current full Victorian driver's licence and be able to commit to volunteer 1-2 hours per week. The L2P program gives you a way to make a difference in the Darebin community and well beyond.

Phone: 03 9480 8206
Email: l2p@divrs.org.au
Website: divrs.org.au

Darebin Repair Café

Darebin Repair Café is fully volunteer run. The team run a three-hour event which takes place every 2 months at a location in Darebin. Volunteers can participate as fixers (sewing, repairs, gluing, electrical work on household appliances), provide administrative support and assist with promotion and events. The café is part of the International Repair Café Foundation where their mission is to keep things out of landfill. If you have time and skills to offer to help run this very worthwhile and fulfilling event, please get in touch via the details below.

Email: darebinrepaircafe@gmail.com
Website: transitiondarebin.org/events/darebin-repair-cafe

EdConnect

EdConnect is a for-purpose organisation connecting volunteers with young people in schools. We recruit, train and support skilled volunteers to provide life-changing mentoring or learning support to students who need extra help and guidance to realise their potential - in school and life. Check the Members Schools List at the website below to see which schools are participating in the Darebin area. Volunteer as a:

• Mentor Volunteer: working face-to-face with the same student on a weekly basis
• Learning Support Volunteer: helping students within the classroom environment

Phone: 0498 016 337
Email: northernlo@edconnect.org.au
Website: edconnectaustralia.org.au

Friends for Good

Are you friendly and enjoy having a chat? Friends for Good, located in Northcote, is a volunteer driven not-for-profit and Australian loneliness pioneer. FriendLine is a free phone service for those experiencing loneliness or social isolation. FriendLine operates from 10am to 8pm 7 days a week. Our volunteers don't need any special qualifications, just an interest in talking to a broad range of people. If you can contribute 2 hours per week (or more if you'd like) and have a desire to help people feel more connected, please get in touch.

Phone: 03 9691 6300
Email: admin@friendsforgood.org.au
Website: friendsforgood.org.au

High Street Bells Choir

The High Street Bells Choir, based in Northcote, is an inclusive community of singers, carers, family members and volunteers who come together each week to experience the joy of singing and performing in the community. Members come from a diverse range of backgrounds and abilities including people with acquired brain injury, people with physical disability and people with mental illness. The choir meets on Monday mornings from 10am to 11.30am. Volunteers offer friendly, general support to members including:

• assisting with set up and pack up of the rehearsal room
• greeting members as they arrive
• singing with the choir
• handing out percussion instruments
• supporting occasional performances
• assisting with traffic management i.e. as members arrive and depart

Phone: 0474 850 543
Email: highstreetbellschoir@gmail.com
Website: highstreetbellschoir.org.au

Inner Northern Local Learning and Employment Network

The Inner Northern Local Learning and Employment Network (INLLEN) is an independent community organisation which builds partnerships and strategies to improve education, training and employment outcomes for young people (16-25 years of age) across Darebin, Merri-bek and Yarra. INLLEN run a range of initiatives and programs, which are supported by volunteers. Volunteering opportunities include:

• Vocational Mentoring Exchange (VME): a pool of volunteers with diverse and wide-ranging working lives and lived experience, help support young people transition to further education, training or employment. An opportunity to directly connect young people with local industry.
• Real Industry Job Interviews (RIJI): a work readiness program that assists students in developing good job search, resume writing and interviewing skills. Volunteers participate in a face-to-face mock interview with students during a RIJI event. The program is delivered in Term 3 as part of the school's curriculum.

Phone: 03 9101 9807
Email: info@inllen.org.au
Website: inllen.org.au

LINK Community & Transport

LINK is a not-for-profit community based social enterprise, connecting people with an integrated community of care of volunteers, services, transport, health systems, outings and friendships. Volunteers contribute through the immeasurable value of the commitment of their time, be it one day a fortnight through to three days a week and through small, meaningful interactions. There are many valuable and fulfilling roles. The team are currently seeking:

• Volunteer Community Drivers
• Volunteer Outings Hosts
• Volunteer Social & Mobility Helpers

Phone: 1300 546 528
Email: volunteering@lct.org.au
Website: lct.org.au

Melbourne Adult Migrant English Program

Melbourne Polytechnic is recruiting volunteer tutors for the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) Volunteer Tutor Scheme. Volunteering as a tutor gives you the opportunity to:

• help refugees and migrants learn English and become part of the Australian community
• meet people from a wide range of backgrounds
• develop new skills
• learn about other languages and cultures
• become part of a dynamic and committed volunteer team

Phone: 03 9269 1514
Email: amepvts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
Website: melbourneamep.com.au

Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary

Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, located on La Trobe University's Bundoora campus, offers volunteer opportunities for local community members in:

• The Nursery - gain exposure to indigenous plant identification and propagation techniques
• Land Management - help maintain the habitat within the sanctuary through revegetation work and invasive species control
• Water Testing - help monitor the health of the sanctuary wetlands
• Education - work with students and engage them in the environment
• Other opportunities - if you have a particular skill or area of interest, the team would love to hear from you

Phone: 03 9479 1206
Email: wildlife@latrobe.edu.au
Website: latrobe.edu.au

Office of the Public Advocate

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Community Visitor Volunteers perform an important role of upholding the human rights of people living with cognitive disability and/or mental illness. In pairs, Community Visitors visit facilities within their local region and speak with residents and patients to enquire into the services that they are receiving. Training for this role is provided and travel expenses are reimbursed. This is a challenging, yet rewarding volunteer role which is a formal Victorian Governor-in-Council appointment.

Phone: 0418 931 247
Email: communityvisitors@justice.vic.gov.au
Website: publicadvocate.vic.gov.au

Scouts Victoria

Scouts Victoria is part of a global phenomenon. Scouting encourages children to lead as young as five years old and the older they become, the more responsibility they take on for themselves and others. Enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers make activities happen and keep the movement going strong. Scouts are aged from 5 to 25, and adventurous adults of any age are always welcome as new Volunteer Leaders. There are a range groups across Darebin.

For more information and to get involved search for a location near you.

U3A Darebin

University of the Third Age, also known as U3A, is an organisation for people over 50 who are not in full-time paid employment and who wish to keep their minds and bodies active. U3A is about sharing skills and interests, to allow people to enjoy educational, creative, social and leisure activities in a relaxed environment. U3A Darebin offers a range of volunteer roles in administration, communications, tutoring, social events and other activities.

Phone: 0492 817 478
Email: info@u3adarebin.com.au
Website: u3adarebin.com.au

Uniting Vic Tas - Youth Mentoring Program

Uniting Vic.Tas is the community services organisation of the Uniting Church, delivering services and programs across Victoria and Tasmania. The Volunteer Youth Mentoring Program supports young people aged 12 to 17, who may be experiencing challenges with family, personal and educational circumstances, to build positive relationships with supportive mentors from the local community. The program offers a way for responsible adults to make a positive difference in a young person's life. Volunteer Mentors are required to commit 1 to 2 hours per fortnight over a period of 12 months and are supported by the Youth Mentoring Coordinator.

Phone: 03 9051 2444
Email: youthmentoring@vt.uniting.org
Website: unitingvictas.org.au

WeCycle

WeCycle, located at Batman Park in Northcote, is a volunteer-driven association that recycles bicycles, supplying them free of charge to people in need, including refugees and asylum seekers across Melbourne who are referred by social care agencies. The team also complete bike checks once a month for people in Darebin, with support of Council. WeCycle is a small group of volunteers, and most of the repair sessions take place on Saturdays. Volunteers don't need any special technical skills, with basic training in bike maintenance provided or assistance with other activities, such as delivering bikes to households. Please get in touch if you have a little time to spare on Saturdays, enjoy working with others and assisting the team to repair over 180 bikes a year that are being taken out of the waste stream and returned to use.

Phone: 0405 042 022
Email: wecyclemelbourne@gmail.com
Website: wecycle-melbourne.com

Worthy Cause

Worthy Cause, based in Preston, is a registered charity who believes in using the power of delicious sweet-treats to support the employment of vulnerable people, who have otherwise been unable to find meaningful work. With the support of a structured employment plan, participants can receive a stable income, financial literacy training and on-the-job skills training to set them up for future employment. The team are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join their baking brigade. Whether you're a novice baker or seasoned pro, there's a place for you. The kitchen operates from 11am - 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays, with options of volunteering weekly or fortnightly (with lunch included!).

Phone: 0432 730 066
Email: volunteer@worthy-cause.com.au
Website: worthycause.org.au

Your Community Health

Your Community Health delivers a wide range of health and wellbeing services across the seven Local Government Areas of northern Melbourne, including Darebin. Volunteers are a valued and important part of the team, offering different skills and experiences to help deliver programs and services to the community. Volunteering with Your Community Health is a great way to be part of the vibrant community, meet new people, learn new skills and give back to the local area.

Phone: 03 8470 1111
Email: volunteer@yourch.org.au
Website: yourch.org.au

Darebin Neighbourhood House Network

Alphington Community Centre

Alphington Community Centre is located in the heart of Alphington. Each week around 500 people access the activities and services provided by the centre, with over 25 volunteers assisting in some way. Although the centre is not currently recruiting new volunteers, for information on other ways to get involved, please use the contact details below.

Phone: 03 9499 7227
Email: info@alphington.org.au
Website: alphington.org.au

Bridge Darebin

Bridge Darebin is an innovative, not-for-profit organisation and certified social enterprise based in Preston and Thornbury. Volunteering at Bridge Darebin is an excellent way to connect with and support the community - an opportunity to use and build on existing skills and learn new ones. Volunteering opportunities include:

• Digital devices and computer support
• Laneway lunches
• Pottery support
• Education support
• Bridge Darebin Green Garden

Phone: 03 9484 5806 (Preston) 03 9480 0466 (Thornbury)
Email: amelia@bridgedarebin.org.au
Website: bridgedarebin.org.au

Jika Jika Community Centre

Jika Jika Community Centre, located in Northcote, is run by a small team of dedicated staff and supported by the wonderful people of the community. Jika's vision is to build a more inclusive community and volunteers play a huge part in helping to achieve this, through support, energy and passion. Jika aims to tailor volunteering opportunities to the skills and interests of potential volunteers. Examples of activities volunteers currently support include gardening, sewing and organising activities. Whether you're interested in volunteering in an office, community development or outdoors, the team would love to hear from you.

Phone: 03 9482 5100
Email: office@jikajika.org.au
Website: jikajika.org.au

Prace

Prace, located in Reservoir, has 30 years' experience providing innovative and high-quality Adult Community Education (ACE) programs. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment for students to learn in. Prace offers a range of classroom-based volunteering opportunities where volunteers work closely with teachers, to help meet individual needs of the adult learners. Volunteer roles support:

• English as an Additional Language (EAL)
• Computer classes
• Spelling, reading and writing
• Inclusion programs

Phone: 03 9462 6077
Email: volunteers@prace.vic.edu.au
Website: prace.vic.edu.au

Reservoir Neighbourhood House

Reservoir Neighbourhood House is an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation. Their mission is to provide a welcoming community space that fosters and promotes the prosperity and wellbeing of residents. To find out about possible volunteering opportunities with Reservoir Neighbourhood House, either drop into the house or use the contact details below.

Phone: 03 8488 6655
Email: admin@reservoirnh.org.au
Website: reservoirnh.org.au

Span Community House Inc

Span Community House is a dynamic hub of community, learning, assistance, support and sustainability, in the heart of Thornbury, providing community development opportunities. Volunteers play an integral part in many of Span programs and operations. Volunteers bring their vibrancy, skills and open mindedness to support our diverse community. Volunteer opportunities range from weekly, to ongoing, to occasional. Examples of just some of the activities and programs that are run with the help of volunteers include:

• Art for all abilities
• Cooking with confidence
• Reception/ administration
• Digital literacy
• Family carers activities

Phone: 03 9480 1364
Email: programs@spanhouse.org
Website: spanhouse.org

Local friends groups

Friends of Darebin Creek

The Friends of Darebin Creek facilitate a variety of environmental community events in both Bundoora and Reservoir. The group was formed in 1995 to protect, restore and conserve the Darebin Creek and its adjacent parklands, as a natural environment for the enjoyment of the community.

Phone: 03 9499 4454
Email: friendsofdarebincreek@gmail.com
Website: friendsofdarebincreek.org.au

Friends of Edgars Creek

The Friends of Edgars Creek offer a variety of environmental community events in Reservoir. The vision of the group is the ongoing management and enhancement of Edgars Creek, between Edwardes Lake and its confluence with Merri Creek.

Email: edgarscreek@gmail.com
Website: foec.org.au

Friends of Edwardes Lake

Friends of Edwardes Lake is a local environmental group, formed in 2020, who preserve, restore and care for the ecosystems of Edwardes Lake, Edgars Creek wetlands and the Upper Edgars Creek (north of Henty Street). The group's mission is to work collaboratively with key stakeholders to expand and create habitats to support native indigenous flora and fauna, by increasing vegetation, reducing litter and improving water quality.

Email: friendsofedwardeslake@gmail.com
Website: friendsofedwardeslake.org

Friends of Merri Creek

Merri Creek flows for about 60 kilometres from the Great Dividing Range north of Wallan, through Melbourne's northern suburbs to join the Yarra River in Abbotsford. Friends of Merri Creek are a volunteer community group that has played an active and passionate role since 1988 in helping rehabilitate the Creek.

Email: friendsofmerricreek@gmail.com
Website: friendsofmerricreek.org.au

Friends of Merri on Parade

Located along the Parade between Ross and Walker Street in Northcote, the Friends of Merri on Parade are a community environmental group who hold regular activities, including the removal of exotic weeds, re-vegetation of native, indigenous plants and litter collection.

Phone: 0466 517 993
Email: carolynlunt@internode.on.net

Friends of Regent Community Garden

A community garden located in the rear of The Regent Centre in Reservoir. The group is run by community for community and hold regular workshops and activities, including a monthly food swap. Regular gardening sessions are held on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm and activities include gardening, watering, promotion, tidying, composting and helping to organise events and workshops.

Phone: 0423 296 394
Email: friendsofregent@gmail.com
Website: darebinfoodharvestnetwork.org.au

Louise's Apple Tree Community Garden

Louise's Apple Tree Community Garden is located at 125 Herbert Street, Northcote. The group is run by community volunteers who hold regular activities to maintain the gardens.

Email: eglef@iinet.net.au
Website: darebinfoodharvestnetwork.org.au

Senior Citizens Clubs

Senior Citizens Clubs are volunteer-run and offer regular social, cultural and recreational activities. There are almost 70 groups across Darebin. For more information and help connecting with groups download the Older and Active in Darebin Directory or contact Darebin Council on 03 8470 8312 or 03 8470 8063.

Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen Seniors Club of Northcote Inc.

Located at Bent Street Northcote, the group meet on Wednesdays from 9am - 1pm. Volunteers assist with kitchen preparation, serving meals and cleaning and participate in social activities and lunches.

Phone: 0411 234 332
Email: stellagredis@ymail.com

More information

Volunteer Programs Officer
Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: volunteering@darebin.vic.gov.au