Volunteer opportunities at Council
We want to have a volunteer program that is inclusive, creative and enables our volunteers and volunteer leaders to thrive.
In July 2022, we launched our very first Volunteer Management Action Plan 2022—26(PDF, 13MB). This is the framework which guides us to support, manage and promote a safe, fair and consistent volunteering experience, in accordance with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, for volunteers who volunteer directly at Council.
Across a four-year period, some of the key actions include:
- streamlining volunteer engagement and management practices
- increasing the visibility, recognition and overall support of volunteers
- providing direction and support to staff facilitating volunteer engagement
- exploring how we may strengthen existing partnerships and engage new stakeholders
Volunteer opportunities with Council
Bundoora Park Farm
Bundoora Park Farm offers a range of volunteering opportunities. Assist the farm staff in the daily operation of the urban farm with the preparation of food, enclosures and pens, or assist with weeding, planting and general maintenance.
Applications for our volunteer program are closed and will reopen at a future date.
For more information see our Bundoora Park Farm page.
Conversation Café
Darebin Libraries deliver the Conversation Café program with the aim of fostering community inclusion and showcasing the library as a safe, welcoming space for people to practice English conversation skills. Weekly sessions are held on a Friday from 10am to 11am at the Preston Library and facilitated by Darebin staff members. Volunteers play an important role in the successful delivery of the program by encouraging and enabling discussion with participants.
Apply to volunteer
For more information see our Darebin Libraries page.
Darebin Community Grants Program
Community grants can assist not-for-profit groups and organisations to address the needs and issues within their community and support Darebin residents to address discrimination and/or exclusion. Each year, community groups request support to apply for grants. Often these groups are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and/or older adults who do not have experience or skills to complete an online application.
Volunteers support the Corporate and Community Grants Officer in providing assistance to community members to apply and acquit grants. Training is provided to volunteers in the use of the Smarty Grants online program.
Apply to volunteer
For more information see our Community Grants page.
Darebin Gardens for Wildlife
Are you passionate about urban nature? Do you want to help provide safe and healthy habitat for Darebin local plants and animals? Do you enjoy sharing your time and knowledge with the community?
Gardens for Wildlife is a partnership between us, the Darebin Nature Trust and community members to increase appreciation for biodiversity and creating habitat gardens for local wildlife. As a volunteer garden guide, you are trained to assess and provide feedback on creating habitat in different spaces.
Watch a recording of our volunteer information session to learn more about the Darebin Gardens for Wildlife program and whether becoming a Garden Guide volunteer is the right opportunity for you.
Apply to volunteer
For more information see our Gardens for Wildlife page.
Darebin Intercultural Centre
Program and Venue Support
The Darebin Intercultural Centre is a place where people from across the community can build an understanding for each other's cultures and identities, through conversations, programs, activities and events. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, offering free tea, coffee and Wi-Fi. Volunteers provide support to the team and get experience in areas including customer service - meet and greet and direct visitors, events and programs and venue management.
Apply to volunteer
For more information see the Darebin Intercultural Centre page.
English Pronunciation Program
Held in the Darebin Intercultural Centre, volunteers provide 1 on 1 support to adults who have English as their second language. The program focuses on pronunciation and content that is relevant to participants' lives and at an appropriate level. Drop-in sessions take place every Friday (excluding school holidays) from 11am to 12:30pm. Volunteers are required to have qualifications and/or experience in teaching English as a Second Language.
Apply to volunteer
Darebin Toy Library
The Darebin Toy Library is a small community service, based in Northcote and offers a sustainable, accessible toy library for families with young children aged from 3 months to 6 years of age. Volunteers will support the Toy Library Officer by checking toys for safety, completing small repairs, auditing and updating the catalogue collection and welcoming members.
Apply to volunteer
For more information see our Play in Darebin page.
Darebin Youth Services Events
Darebin Youth Services develop events designed for young people by young people. These events often showcase local musicians and artists. Volunteers work alongside staff and Darebin FReeZA committee members to ensure the smooth running of these events. Volunteers are provided with a reference letter to support job readiness and for those aged 18 and over assistance with completing a Working with Children Check (free for volunteers).
Apply to volunteer
For more information see our see our Darebin Youth Services page.
FUSE Darebin Events
FUSE is Darebin's contemporary, multi-arts festival. The FUSE team are looking to engage friendly, enthusiastic, diverse volunteers to assist with event day set-up, wayfinding and roving and providing general assistance to attendees, artists and staff. Volunteers are integral to these events, providing support, information and the visible face of the community.
Applications are currently closed. Keep an eye out for the next FUSE event.
Apply to volunteer
For more information see the FUSE Darebin website.
Keon Park Children's Hub English Conversation Group
Volunteer with individual learners and small groups of people to guide them in improving their English conversational skills and improve their understanding of the English language, in a friendly and relaxed setting. The group meet on Mondays from 9:30am to 11am at Keon Park Children's Hub. The sessions are a mix of learning new words, discussing set topics, playing games in English and supporting the participants with whatever questions they may bring up in the session.
The participants greatly value the opportunity to engage with and learn from people who are Fluent English speakers.
Apply to volunteer
For more information see our see our Keon Park Children's Hub page.
Other ways to get involved
Community Advisory Committees
Community Advisory Committees facilitate community participation and input into policy and service development, projects and events. We have established a number of Community Advisory Committees, and they are typically made up of Councillors, Council Officers and community representatives. The community representatives may be local residents appointed in their own right, or representatives of service authorities, support agencies or community organisations.
Committee members work within the Terms of Reference to provide advice and recommendations (where relevant) to Council. For more information see our Community Advisory Committees page.
Parks and Open Space
We are passionate about connecting our community to nature and creating meaningful opportunities to support positive climate action together. To search for volunteering opportunities that support tree planting and rewilding and litter collection events, see our volunteering in parks and open space in Darebin page.
Community Volunteering
Search a range of volunteering opportunities available with local organisations and community groups that support the Darebin community.
Work experience
For information on how to apply for work experience or a tertiary student placement please read our work experience information.
Frequently asked questions
Will there be someone supporting me during my volunteering with Darebin?
Yes. All of our volunteer programs are led by a volunteer supervisor or team leader who will provide your training, day-to-day support and overall guidance throughout your engagement with us.
Do I need a Working with Children Check (WWCC) to volunteer with Darebin?
Yes. We require all of our volunteers aged 18 years and over to hold a valid WWCC when volunteering with us.
The WWCC is free for volunteers. To find out how to apply for a WWCC see the Working with Children Check Victoria website.
Do I need a Police Check to volunteer?
Not all of our volunteer roles require a Police Check. Where a Police Check is required, it will be stated in the volunteer role description.
There is no cost to you, and we will provide guidance on how to apply for a Police Check. Any findings are treated with respect and strict confidentiality.
Will I be paid?
No. Voluntary work is unpaid.
Am I guaranteed a volunteer role if I apply?
Placing a volunteer is based on available opportunities, as well as matching your interests and skills against the requirements of the volunteer role.
Will I gain employment with Darebin City Council if I volunteer first?
We support volunteering as a pathway to employment, however we cannot guarantee employment with us upon the completion of your volunteer engagement. All paid positions are advertised on the Darebin City Council website where you can apply for them.
Can I get a reference?
Your volunteer supervisor or team leader can provide you with a reference which details your role, activities and hours completed as a volunteer.
More information
Volunteer Programs Officer
Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: volunteering@darebin.vic.gov.au