Community volunteer opportunities

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) provide referrals, advice/ information, duty work or case work assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria. VALS host volunteers across a range of programs, including a Youth Volunteering Program for volunteers 15 to 18 years of age. Volunteers are usually required to commit one day per week for a minimum of three months. Volunteering opportunities are available in:

• Aboriginal Family Practice
• Balit Ngulu (Young People)
• Civil and Human Rights Department
• Communications and Strategy Department
• Community Justice Program
• Corporate Services
• Criminal Law Department
• Infringements Clinics
• Wirraway (Police and Prison Accountability)

Volunteers under 18 years of age can apply.

Phone: 1800 064 865
Email: djones@vals.org.au
Website: vals.org.au

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

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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

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

Muscular Dystrophy Australia (MDA)

MDA is a registered charity and NDIS provider. MDA is looking for enthusiastic and compassionate, skilled volunteers to participate as companions for participants at Camp MDA. The camp is taking place between 11 to 13 April 2025, at Urban Camp in Parkville. Volunteers will support children between 10 to 15 years of age, living with a neuromuscular disease. Some of these young people are local to Darebin. This role requires volunteers to provide daily care assistance for campers and help to foster friendship and a sense of belonging.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

Phone: 03 9320 9555
Email: programs@mda.org.au
Website: mda.org.au/volunteer

MS Plus

MS Plus is one of Australia's leading not-for-profits. Offering a wide range of emotional and practical support, from allied health, employment services and NDIS services to expert advice, wellbeing programs and peer support. By volunteering with MS Plus, your time and skills can transform the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions. MS Plus is funded to provide a volunteer visiting program in the City of Darebin – the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). Volunteers in this program play a vital role in the life of a person with MS through ongoing friendship. Training opportunities and ongoing support are provided to volunteers.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

Phone: 03 8399 9618
Email: steve.crennan@msplus.org.au
Website: msplus.org.au

North East Citizen Advocacy

North East Citizen Advocacy Inc. (NECA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities in Darebin, Banyule, Whittlesea, and Nillumbik. NECA's mission is to champion the rights and interests of adults with intellectual disabilities who may be socially isolated. Volunteers provide long-term one-on-one support and help to break down barriers to inclusion and help safeguard participants' rights and wellbeing. From Volunteer Advocate to Board Member, to Mentor, there's lots to get involved in. Comprehensive training and ongoing support are provided to all volunteers.

Learn more about our clients:

• Melinda an adventurous woman in Bundoora.
• Anne who lives in Mill Park and wants to move within the northern suburbs.
• Allan car enthusiast from Preston.
• Troy from Preston who has no paid or family support.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

Phone: 03 8407 3684
Email: neca@citizenadvocacy.com.au
Website: citizenadvocacy.com.au/volunteer

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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

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

Asista Mentoring Program

Asista Mentoring Program matches young women in the child protection system with positive female mentors, who engage in recreational activities to build friendship and trust. Volunteer mentors are connected with mentees over a 12-month period. Outings help to build mentees' self-esteem, resilience and confidence, and assist in developing life skills and goal setting. Asista is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and services Melbourne's Northern and Western suburbs, with Darebin being one of the most popular areas for mentee referrals.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

Phone: 0428 658 390
Email: alice.pickin@ywca.org.au
Website: ywca.org.au

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

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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

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

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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

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

The Helping Hand Project

The Helping Hand Project is seeking values-driven volunteers who want to make a meaningful, long-term difference in a young person's life. The team supports young people (14 - 25 years of age) from refugee backgrounds by connecting them with mentors. Mentors are matched 1:1 with a young person for 12 months. Volunteers help with:

• homework and study
• education pathways
• English language development
• building skills, networks and confidence
• creating social and recreational connections.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

Phone: 0421 061 460
Email: info@helpinghandproject.org.au
Website: helpinghandproject.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

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. 

Volunteers under 18 years of age can apply.

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

Volunteers under 18 years of age can participate.

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

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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

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

Berry Street – Child and Family services

Volunteer as a foster carer with Berry Street to provide vital care for children and young people in need. Berry Street's comprehensive foster care service offers various types of care, ensuring a nurturing environment for every child. Foster carers are supported by the Berry Street expert team to find a type of foster care that is suitable. Whether it's long-term, just for a short time, or on an occasional basis. There is no 'typical' Berry Street foster carer. Foster carers come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Berry Street foster carers:

• are a minimum of 21 years of age
• have a spare bedroom to offer a child or young person
• live in a home they rent or own.

Phone: 03 9450 4700
Email: northernhbc@berrystreet.org.au
Website: berrystreet.org.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

DIVRS Food Sharing Program – Volunteer Delivery Drivers

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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

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

VICSES Heidelberg Unit

The Victorian State Emergency Services (VICSES) Heidelberg unit covers the City of Darebin. SES volunteers receive accredited training including first aid, general rescue, chainsaw operations, media training and more. Volunteers provide wide range of assistance to the community, from community education, emergency planning and strategy, floods, storms, search and rescue through to road crash rescue. There's a role for everyone at the VICSES.

Email: heidelberg@ses.vic.gov.au
Website: ses.vic.gov.au

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).

Volunteers under 18 years of age can apply.

Phone: 03 9125 9020
Email: hello@worthycause.org.au
Website: worthycause.org.au

You Matter

You Matter supports women and children who have experienced family violence. Volunteers provide support through the Our Havens of Hope program, by setting up fully equipped, comfortable and personalised homes to support re-establishing stability, regaining independence and reconnecting with community. Volunteers help to make practical, thoughtful and compassionate differences to the lives of women and children recovering from family violence. Activities include:

• collecting, sorting and logging donated goods
• maintaining the warehouse
• setting up Havens
• leading groups of volunteers,
• assisting with event coordination, administrative support, grant applications and website and social media presence 

Please note the majority of volunteer activities are scheduled Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

Phone: 03 9996 7405
Email: volunteer@youmatter.org.au
Website: youmatter.org.au

Bell Stationeers

The Bell Stationeers is a group of local volunteers, dedicated to cleaning, gardening, and improving the green spaces along the bike path between Bell Street and Oakover Road. Join their monthly working bees (1-hour) and help to look after the native gardens around Bell Station. Activities include:

• Weeding
• Watering
• Litter collection.

Volunteers under 18 years of age can participate with a parent or guardian present.

Phone: 0407 828 208
Email: bellstationeers@gmail.com
Facebook page: Bell Stationeers

CERES Community Environment Park (Corporate Volunteering opportunity)

Bring your team together for a day of volunteering at CERES. Whether you're looking to connect with your team, get out into nature or host an offsite strategy building day, CERES offer corporate volunteering opportunities that can be tailored to suit your needs. Spread across four locations within and nearby Darebin, come and have some fun while making a lasting impact for the local community and environment and learn from award winning educators.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

Phone: 0403 615 681
Email: volunteers@ceres.org.au
Website: ceres.org.au/corporate-volunteering

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.

Volunteers under 18 years of age can participate.

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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply,

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

Darebin Litter Quitters

Join a new social litter pick-up group – connecting Darebin communities, while keeping its ecosystem clean, beautiful and thriving.

Volunteers under 18 years of age can participate.

Phone: 0430 881 403
Email: lewis.peake@outlook.com
Website: join our Facebook group

Darebin Repair Cafe

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

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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

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

Northcote Library Food Garden

Located next to the Northcote Library, together volunteers grow food and collect seeds for the seed bank. Workshops are put on for the community and a compost system is available for those who live local and don't have access to a green bin or a compost at home.

Volunteers under 18 years of age can participate.

Email:northcotelibraryfoodgarden@gmail.com

Sustain: The Australia Food Network

Located across three community-led farms in Preston, Bundoora and Alphington, volunteers are nurturing neighbourhood food cultures and supporting tomorrow’s farmers to grow. Everyone is welcome to pitch-in at the farms and edible food forests. Visit Preston on Tuesday mornings and/ or Bundoora on Wednesday mornings. Each week farmers lead shifts working on maintenance, planting, composting and harvesting produce for food relief. The network is inclusive of all experience levels. Come along and learn valuable skills for your own garden or future farming project.

Corporate volunteering opportunities available. Volunteers under 18 years of age can participate.

Phone: 0403 204 985
Email: growingfoodjustice@sustain.org.au
Website: growingfoodjustice.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

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 60kms 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

The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

1 in 3 Australians will need blood products in their lifetime, blood products donated by a network of volunteer donors. The local donor centre is the Bundoora Donor Centre, located next to Polaris Shopping Centre on Plenty Road. If you have questions about your eligibility to give blood or booking an appointment, you can contact a member of the team at the details below.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age.

Phone: 13 14 95
Email: ahales@redcrossblood.org.au 
Website: lifeblood.com.au 

MCM Palliative Care

Melbourne City Mission (MCM) Palliative Care provide home-based palliative care nursing and allied care to support people living in Darebin. Volunteers provide support in the form of companionship, respite, hand/ foot massage, dog walking and life story writing. MCM aim to build a team of volunteers that reflects the cultural and spoken language diversity of their clients, in particular volunteers who can speak Greek, Italian or Arabic.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age.

Phone: 03 9977 0026
Email: volunteerspc@mcm.org.au
Website: mcm.org.au/services/palliative-care 

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.

Volunteers under 18 years of age can apply.

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

The Salvation Army (Preston, Northcote and Fairfield)

The Salvation Army, otherwise known as the Salvos, sell pre-loved goods generously donated by our local community. With locations across Darebin, the team are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join. Whether it's a few hours or a few days each week, it all makes a difference. Volunteers make a positive impact in the community, gain new skills and experiences and meet a wide range of new people. Areas that volunteers can help in are:

• front-of-house
• back-of-house
• warehousing
• administration.

Volunteers under 18 years of age can apply.

Phone:03 9210 5100
Website: salvosstores.com.au/volunteer

St Vincent de Paul Society

St Vincent de Paul Society otherwise known as Vinnies, provide support to people living in poverty. From emergency housing and homelessness support to disaster recovery and general support, assistance is delivered on a local level throughout the Darebin community. Vinnies offer a wide range of volunteering programs, including:

• education programs
• conference volunteers who deliver food vouchers and aid in-home visits.

Vinnies stores and outlets are located in Thornbury, Preston and Reservoir.

Volunteers 16+ years of age can apply.

Phone: 03 9895 5845
Email: volunteer@svdp-vic.org.au
Website: vinnies.org.au

Uniting Op Shop (Preston)

Uniting Vic.Tas is the community services organisation of the Uniting Church, delivering services and programs across Victoria and Tasmania. Located in the heart of High Street is the Preston Uniting Op Shop. If you have a passion for fashion, love a good treasure hunt, want to meet new people or are looking for ways to give back to the local community, volunteering with Preston Uniting Op Shop may be for you. The team are flexible and work to accommodate busy volunteers.

Volunteers 15+ years of age can apply.

Phone: 03 9046 2111
Email: opshops@vt.uniting.org
Website: unitingvictas.org.au

La Trobe University Football Club

La Trobe University Football Club are looking for a treasurer to join their committee. The Committee is made up of current players and alumni of the Club and University. The Committee meet once per month on a weeknight (after training), for approximately 1 hour. The previous treasurer remains part of the club and is available for support. Interested? To read the role description contact the secretary via the contact details below.

Phone: 0417 530 868
Email: secretary@ltufc.com.au
Website: ltufc.com.au

Preston Bullants Junior Football Club

PBJFC is located in the heart of Preston, with members made up of local Darebin families. The club has an active Committee who lead and manage strategic planning and the operations of the club. PBJFC are looking for suitable volunteers with experience supporting a community sports club to join the Committee. 

Phone: 0412 049 432
Email: secretary@prestonbullantsjfc.com.au
Website: prestonbullantsjfc.com.au

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. 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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

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

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

Baptcare

Baptcare is a not for profit, purpose driven organisation offering their services across Darebin. Their focus is on providing residential and community care for older people and supporting families, people living with disability, financially disadvantaged people and people seeking asylum. Baptcare offer a range of creative and diverse volunteer roles across their Strathalan (Macleod), Karana (Kew) and The Orchards (Doncaster East) Communities, including:

• Companion Volunteers – provide one on one companionship.
• Lifestyle Activity Support Volunteers – games and puzzles, coffee club, bingo, exercise and walking groups.
• Driver Volunteers – support outings by transporting people to various local sites. Volunteers require a valid full Australian driver's licence required.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to participate (a youth program is available in the Karana Community).

Phone: 03 9831 7294
Email: volunteer@baptcare.org.au
Website: baptcare.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

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

Rotary Club Preston

The Rotary Club of Preston Melbourne is a diverse and inclusive volunteer service group. The team meet at the Darebin RSL in Preston over lunch and enjoy friendship and hearing from a broad range of speakers. They are active in the local community, volunteering regularly in a range of activities. Rotary Club Preston is part of Rotary International, a global humanitarian organisation, and thus aim to make a positive impact both locally and internationally. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to participate.

Phone: 0418 500 031
Email: Contact us form
Website: rotary-prestonaust.com

Switchboard Victoria – Out and About

Switchboard aims to provide peer-driven support services for LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, asexual) people, their families, allies and communities. All our volunteers and staff are peers and must be LGBTIQA+ or questioning. Out and About is a volunteer-based visiting program for older people who identify as LGBTIQA+, who may be lonely or socially isolated, and whose quality of life may be improved through friendship and companionship. Volunteers visit older LGBTIQA+ people on a regular basis and participate in activities such as talking and sharing stories, reading, watching TV or a movie, or going out for a walk. Out and About welcomes, values and supports applications to volunteer from all members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

Phone: 03 9917 3874
Email: oaavolunteers@switchboard.org.au
Website: switchboard.org.au/out-and-about and switchboard.org.au/volunteer

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.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

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

Uniting AgeWell – Social Connections Program

Uniting AgeWell's Social Connections Program supports people aged 65 and over to reconnect with their community. Volunteers provide meaningful support to participants through a range of activities, including local group outings, one-on-one home visits, phone conversation. Whether it's enjoying a chat over a cup of coffee at someone's home, learning a new hobby together or getting out and about in the local Darebin community, volunteers make a big difference in the lives of program participants. Volunteers are provided with an induction and training, supervision and ongoing opportunities for learning and development.

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age to apply.

Phone: 13 93 75
Email: volunteers@unitingagewell.org
Website: unitingagewell.org