Volunteering opportunities

Save-A-Dog Scheme (SADS) is a community-based nonprofit animal welfare organisation dedicated to saving hundreds of dogs and cats from euthanasia each year. We provide them with all necessary care, including expensive veterinary treatment, until they are adopted into loving, forever homes. Our no-kill policy ensures these animals can live out their natural lifespans.

There are many ways to contribute. We are deeply committed to our no-kill mission and work tirelessly to care for the animals 365 days a year. If you're passionate about animal welfare, we would love to hear from you!

Please visit our website www.saveadog.org.au to access our volunteer application form and learn more about our work and how you can help.

Please note that SADS is unable to accept volunteers under the age of 18.

Armadale Baptist Church Community Arts Hub, hosted by Armadale Baptist Church, is a collection of spaces where community groups – especially performing arts groups – can meet, collaborate, rehearse, learn, and perform together, forging meaningful community connections. As part of our operations, ABC Community Arts Hub is looking for volunteers in the following roles:

Events Manager

This volunteer would be responsible for opening and setting up the venue, attending to the needs of groups using the venue, and ensuring everything is packed up, clean, and locked up. Events include concerts, weddings, functions, and conferences.

Sound and Visual Technician

This volunteer would be responsible for setting up equipment and operating the sound and visual system for events such as weddings, concerts, and conferences. 

For more information or to apply, contact Jude at jude.waldron@armadalebaptist.org or on 03 9822 7881.

Duldig Studio, a museum and sculpture garden, is the former home and artists' studio of sculptor Karl Duldig (1902-1986) and artist and inventor Slawa Horowitz-Duldig (1901-1975). The house museum showcases the life and works of these Viennese artists who moved to Melbourne during WW2. A changing program of exhibitions shares an inspiring migration story told through art. The Duldig Studio is a fully accredited museum with a collection of national significance.

We are looking for museum/gallery assistants and collection guides to join our team at Duldig Studio. Whether you're assisting with children's workshops, serving beverages at artists' talks, or guiding visitors through the heritage rooms, our volunteers play an essential role in the museum's operations. No matter which role suits you best, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop skills in public speaking, heritage, art, and working with the public, all while being part of a vibrant and passionate team. 

 For more information or to apply, please contact the Duldig Studio at enquiries@duldig.org.au or on 03 9885 3358.

Enterprize is a 27-metre topsail schooner and a replica of a 19th-century tall ship. Its mission is to provide Victorians with the opportunity to experience life aboard a 19th-century sailing ship. Based in the Docklands, Enterprize hosts school children on weekdays for activities ranging from two-hour history and sailing sessions to multi-day sail training excursions. On weekends, it offers 1- to 2-hour public sails from Williamstown, Geelong, and Portarlington.

Volunteering with us

All the administration, maintenance, and sailing on Enterprize is carried out by volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, including mechanics, teachers, physicists, theatre technicians, and more.

Your involvement with Enterprize can be as flexible as you like. There’s no requirement to do maintenance (although it’s appreciated) and signing up for sailing or maintenance shifts is easy through our portal. Some volunteers only sail once or twice a year when visiting from interstate or have time to spare.

Sailing on Enterprize is a great way to enjoy fresh air, get active, make new friends, and help educate the public about maritime history. Whether you're interested in sailing, maintenance, or just the romance of tall ships, we’d love to have you on board! No experience is needed – training is provided in-house. For those looking to pursue a career in maritime, time spent on Enterprize counts as commercial sea time for AMSA certifications.

For more information, please contact Declan at crewservices@enterprize.org.au or on 0488 084 906.

The PMI Victorian History Library, located in Prahran is a vital hub for historical research and community engagement. PMI is looking for a volunteer for the following role.

Deputy Coordinator, Friends of the PMI

The Deputy Coordinator will work closely with the Friends Coordinator, Wendy Eldridge, to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Friends group. This includes managing tasks such as shelving books, listing books for our book sale, helping with the family history social group, organizing the history showcase, and running the pop-up second-hand bookshop. The Deputy Coordinator will also step in to manage the group in Wendy’s absence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the Friends group with activities like shelving, listing books, and assisting with workshops.
• Assist with the organization of history showcases and book sales.
• Help manage the day-to-day operations of the Friends group.
• Work alongside the Friends Coordinator to gain training and skills to step into the role when needed.

The Friends group meets every Tuesday, the second Friday of each month, and on three Saturdays a year for special book sale and showcase events. As part of a close-knit team, you'll have fun while contributing to the continued success of a 171-year-old library.

Requirements:

• Physically able to handle books and other materials.
• Comfortable with basic computer skills, including Excel.
• Some experience in management.

All volunteers are part of the PMI Volunteer Program, with recognition and awards given for milestones (5 and 10 years), a high tea during National Volunteer Week, and a small thank-you gift at the end-of-year Volunteer function.

The program is overseen by Ellen, the PMI Volunteer Coordinator, and you will be interviewed by both Ellen and Wendy.

For further information or to apply, contact Ellen at ellen@pmi.net.au. 

At Inclusion Melbourne, we believe that people with cognitive disabilities should have the opportunity to live in an inclusive community, supported by caring individuals who genuinely want to make a difference. We are committed to ensuring they have the same chances to participate in community life as everyone else. 

We offer a range of personalised services, including support coordination, direct support, community visitation, volunteering, employment and customised learning. 

Through our volunteer programs, we provide social support and companionship to people with a cognitive disabilities and older Australians who are at risk of loneliness and social isolation.

We are currently seeking volunteers in the following areas:

• Malvern East
• Glen Iris
• Caulfield
• South Yarra

For more information or to apply, contact Inclusion Melbourne at volunteer@inclusion.melbourne or on 03 9509 4266.

Malvern Special Needs Playgroup provides a supportive social developmental program for preschool children with disabilities and developmental delays. Sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am and 2 pm during school terms.

We are looking for volunteers to assist the children on either of these days, providing one-on-one support under the guidance of our allied health staff and a kindergarten teacher. 

These volunteer roles are ideal for individuals with a background in healthcare, teaching or those interested in pursuing a career in disability or allied healthcare, nursing or education. 

 The environment is social and uplifting, and volunteers enjoy working together in a positive atmosphere, with the rewarding experience of seeing the joys on the children's faces as they engage in the activities. 

For further information or to apply, email mbiggs@msnp.org.au or on 0416 265 237.

Travellers Aid supports people with a permanent disabilities, temporary impairments, or age-related mobility challenges who require assistance when travelling. Our mission is to help individuals connect, engage, and fully participate in their community, regardless of accessibility barriers.

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist at some of Melbourne's major events, including the Australian Open, Moomba, Grand Prix, and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Volunteers will provide mobility assistance to event attendees and help ensure they have a smooth, enjoyable experience.

We’re looking for people who are:

• flexible and adaptable to any given situation
• enthusiastic and observant
• able to work independently with minimal supervision
• comfortable handling difficult situations with a “can-do” attitude
• strong in verbal communication
• available with flexible availability.

Duties include:  

• connecting people from public transport, taxis or private parking to the event entry points by manual wheelchair
• helping people to and from allocated seating within the event grounds by manual wheelchair
• providing personal guidance around the event site
• offering a friendly face to tired or overwhelmed event attendees needing some time out or event information
• assisting people leaving the event to reconnect with their mode of transport.

We are an equal opportunity employer and take pride in the diversity of our team which reflects the community in which we are part of and serve.

Applications from people with disability and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.

For more information or to apply, please reach out to us at volunteers@travellersaid.org.au.

Courage to Care relies on volunteers to help us create a more inclusive society. Our volunteers are the driving force behind our ability to make real change, and we could not do it without them. Their unwavering commitment enables us to transform bystander behaviour into Upstander action.

Our volunteers have delivered Upstander Programs to over 175,000 participants. These programs encourage participants to become aware of their potential to make a positive difference and provide practical tools for standing up against racism, bullying, and prejudice. By empowering individuals to take positive action in the schoolyard, workplaces, and communities, we can inspire change and create a more inclusive society.

How you can help us achieve our mission

Are you a passionate advocate for social inclusion? Do you believe in the power of individuals to inspire positive change? If so, we’d love for you to join us. 

For more information or to apply, please visit Courage to Care Vic website.

Join one of the 5+ weekly English Corners across Melbourne's east to help newcomers practice English and make new friends, both in-person and online.

For more information, contact Minwen at minwenwu@hotmail.com or on 0488 884 365.

The Melbourne AMEP Volunteer Tutor Scheme is seeking volunteers to help people from migrant and refugee backgrounds learn English. By committing to 1-hour weekly sessions, volunteers support learners to: 

• gain confidence with conversational English
• learn more about Australian culture
• access services
• explore pathways into further study or employment.

Most importantly, volunteers help connect people to community. No teaching experience needed – training is provided!

For more information, please visit the Melbourne AMEP website.

Avalon Centre, a small charity dedicated to assisting the homeless, relies on volunteers and donations to provide vital support to the community. These roles focus on providing direct care and assistance to those in need.

Volunteer Masseuse / Massage Therapist

Offer massages (neck, shoulders, and hands) to community members during our “Makeover Mondays” event. No prior experience required—just compassion. Flexible hours.

Flexible Volunteering Opportunity

Support various tasks during “Makeover Mondays” by assisting with food, essentials, and services like hair and makeup. No experience required, just an open heart.

Volunteer Handyman

Help maintain and repair properties for Avalon Centre and Avalon Homes for the Homeless. Tasks may include fixing doors, plumbing, and minor repairs. Flexible availability required.

Volunteer Driver

Pick up and drop off donations (clothing, bedding, furniture) using our van. Flexible scheduling, ideally on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays.

For more information, visit the Avalon Centre website, call 03 9569 2240 or email info@avaloncentre.org.au.

FoodFilled is seeking volunteers to join our team and help make a real difference in the fight against food insecurity. Whether you're collecting surplus food from local retailers, delivering it to charities, or assisting with food pickups, your contribution is vital to our mission.

Our volunteers play an essential role in ensuring valuable food resources don’t go to waste and that those in need receive immediate relief. This is a fantastic opportunity to help your community while developing skills in logistics, community engagement, and environmental sustainability, all while working alongside a passionate and supportive team.

At FoodFilled, we deeply appreciate our volunteers and show our gratitude with various rewards, including gift boxes, "Volunteer of the Month" recognition, and a free drink from the FoodFilled café during your pick-up week. We also host regular social events to foster a connected and vibrant volunteer community.

How to get involved? 

To volunteer, you must have access to a vehicle, a valid driver's licence (L-platers welcome) and a current Working with Children's Check. 

Please visit our website www.foodfilled.org to access our volunteer application form. For further information, you can also contact info@foodfilled.org or on 0483 950 090.

Corporate Volunteering Opportunities

FoodFilled also present a unique team-building opportunity for corporate groups looking to make a tangible impact. Take time away from the workplace to join the FoodFilled team in our working space and dive deep into the heart of the food rescue landscape.

You’ll engage in an interactive session on food security, followed by hands-on experience in rescuing surplus food from local retailers (such as supermarkets, bakeries or cafés). Afterward, you’ll calculate the cost of the food rescued and hand-deliver it to charities supporting vulnerable community members.

All logistics and preparation will be organised by FoodFilled. The experience concludes with a debrief at the FoodFilled workspace to reflect on the powerful impact made.

Scheduling Flexibility: Shift time, duration, and quantity can be customised to fit your team’s availability, including options for concurrent shifts or longer day engagements for larger groups. The number of staff members engaging in this activity can vary too.

For more information, you can also contact info@foodfilled.org or on 0483 950 090.

Malvern Emergency Food Program Inc.'s aim is to provide 24-hour emergency food service in Stonnington to those in need of help and to actively encourage school students, community groups, and residents to be involved in the donation, collection and distribution of the food parcels. Food parcels are freely available to anyone in need from the Prahran and Malvern Police Stations. Although, please note that Malvern Police Station is no longer open 24/7. 

Each parcel contains a two to three-day supply of nutritionally balanced non-perishable food. As part of our operations, Malvern Emergency Food Program Inc. is looking for a volunteer for the following role. 

Food Parcel Preparation Volunteer

This volunteer would assist in preparing non-perishable food parcels for individuals in need of support. Volunteers are needed during the daytime, and it is preferred that they have access to a car.

For more information, please contact Dale at dalemackie0@gmail.com or on 0408 583 580.

Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network (RIMERN) was initiated by Rotary Prahran and is a community service and environment project involving 22 Rotary clubs. RIMERN collects donated furniture, appliances and homewares to give to clients as they are assisted into secure housing. Member welfare agencies and programs refer clients to us.

If you have good quality smaller furniture, working appliances, or surplus homewares, we may be able to collect them. We then rehome them for people who have experienced homelessness, domestic violence, refugee displacement, release from jail and other hardships.

RIMERN supports people in inner-Melbourne suburbs. It currently donates 8 to 10 small house lots of home essentials every week. This program is life-changing for our clients and keep tons of usable goods out of landfill.

If you would like to volunteer with us at our East Brunswick warehouse or from home, please visit our website,

For further information, contact RIMERN at volunteers@rimern.org.au or on 1300 924 123.

St Joseph’s Outreach Services (SJOS) is a community-driven organisation that was established in 1998 with a vision to provide essential assistance to vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged community members. What began as St Joseph’s South Yarra Emergency Housing Association has since grown into an organisation dedicated to offering sustainable support to those in need.

Our core values include:

• respect for each other
• welcome to all
• service with dignity
• integrity in what we do.

We provide vital assistance through:

1. 12 fully furnished self-contained units for those in need of emergency housing
2. A Food Store offering a range of grocery staples and personal care products
3. A Harvest Garden, growing fresh produce to supplement pantry items
4. A 24-hour Bread Bank to support our community

How you can help

We welcome volunteers and offer a variety of opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Volunteers can contribute anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, with tasks including:

• picking up bread donations from Woolworth’s and Bakers Delight (30-60 minutes)
• packaging bread for the Bread Bank (30-45 minutes)
• serving clients in the Food Store (2 hours).

For more information, please visit the SJOS website or contact Joss at info@sjos.org.au or on 0398 269 677. 

SJOS also relies on the generosity of our community to sustain our services. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Financial Donations: Help support our essential services with a one-time or regular contribution.
• Furniture Donations: Donate quality furniture for our emergency housing units (e.g., tables, chairs, coffee tables).
• Food Donations: Contribute staple grocery items to our Food Store to support those in need.

For more details on how to donate, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Stonnington Community Assist has been providing information, support, and referrals in Stonnington for over fifty years.

Our core activity involves greeting clients who visit us and then having a conversation with them to determine how we may best assist. This may be providing food assistance, online form filling, tax help, free legal advice, or a referral to another welfare organisation. Volunteering with Stonnington Community Assist involves completing a training course. 

For further information or to apply, visit Stonnington Community Assist, contact support@stonnassist.org.au or on 03 9804 7220.

Uniting Vic Tas Prahran is looking for volunteers for the following roles.

Emergency Relief Volunteer

Uniting’s Emergency Relief program provides support to people experiencing hardship. The program offers valuable community members access to essential services, included donated food items, vouchers, material goods, and referrals to other services.

Volunteers will assist with reception, packing and distribution of food, conducting initial eligibility interviews, data entry, supporting general operations, and maintaining a clean and efficient work environment.

Hartley’s Meals Volunteer

Hartley’s has been serving weekday lunches for more than thirty years with volunteers serving thousands of meals a year. Hartley’s is operated by experienced chefs, volunteers, and participants from our services.

To learn more and how you can get involved, please visit Uniting Vic Tas website. Alternatively, you can also contact Georgia at georgia.heeley@vt.uniting.org or on 0481 454 756.

Friends of Gardiners Creek Valley is a community-based initiative dedicated to regenerating the indigenous landscape of Gardiners Creek in Glen Iris.

The best way to get involved and support this effort is by volunteering at our regular working bees! These sessions last for two hours, and you don't need to be a member to participate. 

For more information on upcoming events, please visit the Gardiners Creek website or contact Trevor at gardinerscreek@gmail.com or on 0475 594 106.

Keep Victoria Beautiful (KVB) Stationeers program enables community groups and individual volunteers to undertake beautification works around railway station precincts across Victoria. The program has been running for more than 25 years.

Stationeers groups achieve beautification by establishing and maintaining garden beds, as well as keeping the area tidy and clean through the removal of litter. Groups report that littering is reduced when the area is cared for and enhances the commuter's journey by offering a welcoming landscape.

There are many benefits from the program to the local community, commuters, tourists to the area and volunteers. Some of these benefits include:

• improving the appearance of the station surroundings
• volunteers engaged in physical activity in their local community
• meeting new people with similar interests
• reduction in littering and dumping of rubbish
• creating a biodiverse planting landscape
• social aspect of volunteering, meeting on a regular basis.

We have groups in both metropolitan locations and regional stations. They vary in size from a couple of volunteers to large groups. Many of the groups have a keen interest in gardening. Some are formal gardening groups or service organisations, and other groups have individual volunteers who come together to improve their community.

For more information, please contact volunteers@kvb.org.au or visit Keep Victoria Beautiful.

St Joseph’s Outreach Services (SJOS) is a community-driven organisation that was established in 1998 with a vision to provide essential assistance to vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged community members. What began as St Joseph’s South Yarra Emergency Housing Association has since grown into an organisation dedicated to offering sustainable support to those in need.

Our core values include:

• respect for each other
• welcome to all
• service with dignity
• integrity in what we do.

How you can help

We welcome volunteers and offer a variety of opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Volunteers can contribute anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, with tasks including:

• harvesting fresh produce from our garden (2-3 hours)
• monthly garden working bees (up to 3 hours).

For more information, please visit the SJOS website or contact Joss at info@sjos.org.au or on 0398 269 677.

Girl Guides is part of a global movement with over ten million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts operating in over 140 countries. We are a progressive, non-political, voluntary organisation dedicated to helping girls and young women grow into confident, self-respecting, and responsible community members through a flexible, values-based, and dynamic non-formal educational program.

We are seeking adult women of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels to join us in delivering fun and meaningful activities for girls. As a volunteer, you’ll help create a safe and supportive environment for girls to develop their teamwork and leadership skills. Girl Guides is looking for a volunteer for the following role.

Unit Helper Volunteer

Volunteers will assist in organising and running activities for groups of girls of various ages. Volunteers are required to help 1 day per week or per month. Training and mentoring will be provided to support you in the role.

For more information or to apply, contact Gemma at gemmathebaker@gmail.com or on 04 6849 4361.

The headspace Hawthorn & headspace Malvern Youth Advisory Group (YAG) provides those aged 16-24 with the opportunity to have their voice heard and take positive action to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people in the community.

The purpose of the YAG is to raise awareness and deliver education about mental health and the presence of headspace services, encourage early help seeking and provide opportunities for social connection. The YAG aim to break down stigma around mental health and improve the way we address mental health in the community.

The Community Engagement Coordinator and the YAG do this by having a presence in the community through local events, workshops, programs and activities, which are held in the Eastern region in Melbourne. The commitment includes attending a monthly meeting, and at least one activity per month (or equal to) outside of the meeting.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Attend and actively participate in a monthly YAG meeting
• Be available to attend regular community events and activities
• Work collaboratively and creatively with other members on YAG-led and co-designed projects during meetings and between meetings
• Participate in Facebook discussions and stay active with updates, meetings and events
• Assist with creating social media content and other resources
• Assist with delivering workshops at schools and universities with support from the Community Engagement Coordinator
• Run social groups with other YAG members to connect and engage with young people
• Provide input and feedback on headspace Hawthorn & headspace Malvern's services, processes and initiatives with a youth perspective

Benefits:

• Develop a range of skills including teamwork, health education, advocacy, public speaking, health promotion, project planning and event management
• Meet health professionals and young people who have an interest in youth mental health
• Experience working with members of the community from all walks of life and practice communication skills
• Contribute to improvements in youth mental health services
• Receive training in mental health, suicide prevention and other associated topics
• The role is flexible with study, work and other responsibilities
• References for education or employment opportunities
• Create new friendships with passionate and like-minded young people

Please note, we aren't currently recruiting volunteers for our Youth Advisory Group. If you are interested, email Sara.Hanna@accesshc.org.au and we will contact you when vacancies are available.

The Melbourne City Mission (MCM) L2P Program is a community-based program that supports young people who face significant barriers to completing 120 hours of on-road driving experience. The program is supported by trained volunteer mentors.

In Stonnington, volunteers meet the young learner drivers at Prahran Police Station and drive a vehicle owned and operated by MCM.

Please visit our website www.mcm.org.au to access our volunteer application form. For further information, you can also contact L2P@mcm.org.au. 

We are always looking for new volunteers to join Our Village (formerly St Kilda Mums). Whether you can spare a few hours or are ready to make a bigger commitment, your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of babies and children across Victoria.

Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Our Village, and we couldn’t do what we do without them. By volunteering with us, you’ll become part of a vibrant community where everyone feels they belong and can have a real impact.

Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our operations, including:

• accepting donations
• sorting and cleaning items
• safety checking nursery equipment
• processing orders
• administrative and IT tasks.

To put it simply, our volunteers make Our Village.

No qualifications are required – we provide all the training you need for specific tasks. You just need a can-do attitude, a willingness to learn new things, and a passion for helping babies and children in need.

And just so you know, our morning teas are legendary!

For more information, contact Our Village at volunteer.melbourne@ourvillage.org.au or on 0414 803 633.

Prahran Early Learning Centre is looking for a proactive office and programs volunteer who can help in the office.

Tasks include:

• answering the phone
• helping clients with food relief requests
• providing and organising referrals
• helping to set up and pack down rooms for activities and courses
• assisting front desk with admin.

You will have sound computer skills and be able to assist with moving tables and chairs to set up classes.

This is a role with lots of variety and the opportunity to give back to your community and/or build your office skills leading to employment.

Further information or to apply, contact Shima at peo@pclcentre.org.au or on 03 9510 7052.

Volunteer at Homework Club and assist primary students after school once a week in group environment onsite in South Yarra with other volunteers. Induction and training provided.

For more information, please contact Sue Vincent at president@prahranrotary.org.au or on 0432 367 307.

Loans and returns desk volunteer

Stonnington Toy Library is seeking a friendly person to volunteer regular hours in a customer service role at our nonprofit community organisation. Volunteers will work with staff to ensure the smooth running of the Toy Library. 

Volunteer duties include:

• greeting families
• assisting with toy returns
• counting toy pieces
• putting toys away on the shelves
• minor toy cleaning.

When time allows, the volunteer may also assist with packaging toys or making toy labels. 

We're looking for volunteers who can show inititative in a busy environment and, of course, love children! All volunteers will be required to apply for a Working with Children Check.

A regular time commitment of two hours per week or fortnight is preferred but not essential. The Toy Library has two locations:

• 1 Winter Street, Malvern
• 21 Bangs Street, Prahran 

Both locations are easy to access via tram or train. Local volunteers are preferred.

Staff will provide training on our processes and procedures, as well as the use of the simple computer program.

For more information, please contact Jane at stonntoylib@gmail.com or on 03 9500 1673. 

Lifeline Melbourne is dedicated to providing crucial support to individuals in crisis. We offer a safe, non-judgmental space where people in need can talk and feel heard during their darkest moments. If you're passionate about mental health and looking for a volunteer role that is both meaningful and impactful, we’d love for you to join us.

We are currently recruiting volunteers for our Crisis Support Worker Training program. By volunteering with Lifeline Melbourne, you can provide the vital human connection that helps people navigate through difficult times.

To learn more about the program and how you can get involved, please visit the Lifeline Melbourne or Uniting Vic. Tas websites. Alternatively, you can contact us at lifelinetraining@vt.uniting.org for more information.

These roles directly support the operations and growth of Avalon Centre.

Social Media and Marketing Volunteer

Join our social media team to promote Avalon Centre’s activities and raise our profile. Experience with Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube is helpful.

Volunteer Grant Writer

Help write grant applications to secure funding for Avalon Centre’s programs, including Avalon Homes for the Homeless. Experience is beneficial, but not essential.

Both of these roles request that you be willing to commit to a 6-month period. For more information, visit the Avalon Centre website, email info@avaloncentre.org.au or on 03 9569 2240. 

Malvern Emergency Food Program Inc.'s aim is to provide 24-hour emergency food service in Stonnington to those in need of help and to actively encourage school students, community groups, and residents to be involved in the donation, collection and distribution of the food parcels. Food parcels are freely available to anyone in need from the Prahran and Malvern Police Stations. Although, please note that Malvern Police Station is no longer open 24/7. 

Each parcel contains a two to three-day supply of nutritionally balanced non-perishable food. As part of our operations, Malvern Emergency Food Program Inc. is looking for a volunteer for the following role. 

Admin/Business Support Volunteer

This volunteer would assist the president, treasurer, and secretary with various administrative tasks. The time commitment is approximately half a day per month, including a one-hour meeting.

For more information, please contact Dale at dalemackie0@gmail.com or on 0408 583 580.

Prahran Place is a busy Neighbourhood Centre running classes, events, child care and providing support to residents living in and around Stonnington.

We are looking for someone who has excellent administration skills (including Microsoft Office) and is active enough to help around our Centre, which is located centrally in Grattan Gardens. This is a varied job where you will assist in answering phones, online administration, and helping set up classrooms. You will help make a difference in the community by reflecting the inclusive, welcoming values of our organisation.

For further information or to apply, please contact Shima Ibuki at execofficer@prahranplace.org.au or on 0414 300 967.

Ptolemei Association of Greek Senior Citizens of Egypt and the Middle East is a community group that brings together members at Grattan Gardens Community Centre in a friendly, safe, and enjoyable environment. We offer a space where members can communicate in their language, celebrate festive days of their culture and combat social isolation. Our focus is to promote the health and well-being of our members, fostering connection and support. Ptolemei Association is looking to fulfill the following volunteer role: 

Kitchen Assistant

Assist in the kitchen every third Sunday of each month, at Grattan Gardens Community Centre for 3 hours. Responsibilities include washing and putting away dishes, cleaning, and maintaining the kitchen. 

For further information or to express interest, contact Chrisoula at citizensofptolemei@gmail.com or on 0422 659 805. 

Connect with your local community and join a fun, friendly and supportive team of volunteers at our mecwacare Opportunity Shop, Wattletree Road (near Glenferrie Road), Malvern.

This volunteer opportunity involves:

• sorting and categorizing donations
• pricing
• hanging and displaying stock
• assisting our fabulous customers
• processing sales
• general housekeeping duties.

Mecwacare is proudly a not-for-profit, non-denominational charitable organisation that has been supporting the elderly and people with a disability in the Victorian community since 1959.

For further information or to apply, please visit their website or contact the Volunteer Coordinator on 03 8573 4962.

Red Cross Shops sell new and donated clothes, accessories and homewares to raise funds to help people in need. Each year, we rescue 450 tonnes of clothing from landfill, give opportunities to 5000 volunteers, and generate funds to help Red Cross support vulnerable people in Australia and worldwide. The proceeds from the sale of items support the vital everyday work of Red Cross, providing relief in times of crisis and care where it's needed most.

Our Prahran Red Cross shop is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with store operations.

For further information or to apply, visit the Australian Red Cross website or call VIC HUB on 0467 778 125.

Sacred Heart Mission Inc. have two vacancies at their Chapel Street Op Shop and Commercial Road Op Shop.

If you’ve got some spare time, volunteering in one of our op shops is a great way to get involved with Sacred Heart Mission and the local Prahran community. You’ll have fun, gain retail experience, and join the friendliest op shop team in the area!

We’re looking for fun-loving, community-minded retail enthusiasts to join our vibrant teams. There's always lots of laughter, a bit of op shop chaos, and plenty of bargains to be found. Help make our stores the stars of the street and make a real difference while doing it.

Our 14 second-hand stores across Melbourne raise 30% of Sacred Heart Mission’s funds and help promote the work we do in supporting those in need.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the hanging of clothes and tidying racks and displays.
• Stock placement.
• Counter sales or work the till.
• Prepare stock for sale.
• Visual merchandising.
• Help provide a welcoming atmosphere.
• Make the store look presentable.
• Provide fantastic customer service.
• Be part of a wonderful op shop team and, most importantly, have fun!

To work with Sacred Heart Mission Inc, please visit the Sacred Heart Mission website to access our volunteer application form and learn more about our work and how you can help. As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct, and you must be willing to undergo a police check.

For further information, please contact volunteer@sacredheartmission.org or visit the Sacred Heart Mission website.

Toorak Op Shop is seeking a Retail Assistant to help with sorting and selling donated clothing and other items. All money raised is donated to local charities.

For further information or to apply, please contact Phillip Thomas at opshop2019@outlook.com or on 0404 335 477.

Uniting Op Shop Prahran, located in the heart of Chapel Street, is seeking enthusiastic volunteers for a fun and rewarding role that combines a passion for fashion and pre-loved goods with the opportunity to give back to the community.

Our funky op shop is a must-stop for thrifters and an integral part of Uniting Prahran's services. Uniting Op Shops offer affordable clothing and homewares in a welcoming and inclusive environment, while supporting vital programs like Emergency Relief and Community Meals Services.

Uniting Op Shop Prahran (Prahran Mission) has been raising funds to support local communities since 1946.

If you’re ready to make a difference while doing something you love, we’d love to hear from you — or better yet, come visit us in-store at 211 Chapel Street!

To learn more and how you can get involved, please visit Uniting Vic Tas website. Alternatively, you can also contact our Store Manager Anne at anne.taylor@vt.uniting.org or on 0390 511 418. 

The Avenue Hospital's Volunteer Program supports various hospital areas, adapting to the evolving needs of their patients. As a volunteer, you'll assist in various wards and areas of the hospital under the supervision of the Executive Assistant and ward staff. 

The Avenue Hospital is looking for compassionate individuals to help enhance the patient experience. Tasks may include escorting patients, changing flower vases, engaging with patients, assisting with filing and providing directions. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and have a valid Working with Children Check and Police Check.

For further information, please contact Amanda at FowlerA@ramsayhealth.com.au.

Cabrini Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit private health service in Melbourne’s southeast. This volunteer opportunity involves: 

• Providing companionship and social interaction for patients and residents at our Brighton, Elsternwick, and Malvern sites.
• Supporting patients and families in our emergency department, day procedure centre, day infusion centre, outpatient rehabilitation, and day of surgery admission centre.
• Meeting and greeting patients and visitors and guiding them to their destination at our Brighton and Malvern sites.
• Assisting clients at our Cabrini Wig Room.
• Helping palliative care patients record their life stories as a legacy for loved ones. 
• Making weekly phone calls to older patients who live alone, offering social support following their discharge.

For further information, please contact Cabrini Health at volunteers@cabrini.com.au or on 03 9508 1084.

Chatty Café is seeking volunteers to help make a difference in our community as Chatty Café Champions.

As a Chatty Café Icebreaker, you’ll help strengthen social connections within the community by facilitating friendly conversations at local venues where everyone is welcome to come and chat.

What makes a great Chatty Café Champion?

• A conversation starter
• An active listener
• Inclusive and empathetic
• A communicator who interacts well with others.

Volunteer benefits include:

• training, a handbook, and a name tag
• a volunteer agreement to be signed as part of the application process
• a Working with Children Check (WWCC) requirement.

Where possible, volunteers will be allocated to Chatty Café venues close to their homes to minimise travel time and costs. CCA registered volunteers are covered by CCA insurance.

A commitment of one to two hours per week is required.

For more information or to apply, visit the Chatty Café Australia website.

Elder Rights Australia supports older people, their families, and representatives in Victoria to address issues related to aged care services. Our advocates provide free independent and confidential information and advocacy.

At Elder Rights Australia we also deliver the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), a social-based program for people who could benefit from having a dedicated volunteer visitor. We connect older people with caring volunteers for friendship and companionship. Visits are relaxed and social, focusing on conversations, sharing a hobby or interest, and having fun together.

If you enjoy spending time with older people and have 1 or 2 hours a week to volunteer, we’d love to hear from you.

Together we can reduce loneliness and social isolation for older people across the region.

Please visit the Volunteer - Elder Rights Advocacy website to access our volunteer application form. For more information, contact us at acvvs@era.asn.au or on 1800 022 887.

JoCare provides opportunities for you to share an hour or so of your time with others.

Volunteer visitor

Residents in the Stonnington area and surrounds are welcome to become JoCare volunteer visitors. By befriending an older person, who has become disconnected and lacking companionship, volunteers will make a positive difference in someone’s day as well as their own day. Volunteers help to recreate the neighbourliness of the past.

We engage with socially isolated individuals either living independently or in residential aged care facilities. Older people seeking companionship come from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds, as do our volunteers.

A volunteer visitor has the opportunity to connect with others by going for a walk locally, sharing a cuppa and a yarn, watching a movie, playing cards, or doing a jigsaw. Any time you are unable to visit, we revert to letter writing, emails, phone calls and video calls.

As JoCare is an auspice of the Federal Government's Community Visitors Scheme, we uphold the standards and expectations of this program.

Digital volunteer program

Volunteers are required to assist with our Tuesday Drop-in sessions, Wednesday Tablet program and various class sessions.

A solid knowledge of basic uses of Smart Phones, Tablets, iPhones and iPads is required.

This program is a great fun way to connect with the older people in your community and can be satisfying knowing you've helped people say in touch with their families.

You need to be available either Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, as frequently or infrequently as it suits you.

For more information or to apply, contact JoCare at office@jocare.org.au or on 0403 572 440.

Caring is at the heart of everything we do. mecwacare is proudly a not-for-profit, non-denominational charitable organisation that has been supporting the elderly and people with a disability in the Victorian community since 1959.

mecwacare is proud to participate in the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), which supports the elderly receiving aged care services in homes or through home care packages. There are many elderly residents in the City of Stonnington who would benefit from one-on-one visits by a volunteer. As part of this initiative, mecwacare is looking for volunteers for the following role: 

Friend to the Elderly

Friendship volunteers support the wellbeing of an older person on a weekly or fortnightly basis. They alleviate isolation and loneliness simply by having a cup of a tea and a chat, volunteers and recipients can engage in a mutual interest such as:

• walking
• reading
• sport
• pets
• music
• arts and craft
• gardening
• board/card games.

The program aims to benefit both the volunteer and the recipient, often leading to the development of deep friendships through regular visits.

Please visit our website to access our volunteer application form. For further information, you can also contact Fiona on 0475 122 671.

Would you like to visit an older person and make a new friend?

MS Plus Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme have several people in the Stonnington area who are alone and would highly benefit from your companionship. One hour per week or every fortnight to engage in 1:1 conversation, go for a short walk, or sit outside for some fresh air.

If you are looking for a volunteer role that makes a positive difference to another person, brings mutual joy and is flexible – this is a role for you.

MS Plus is funded to provide a volunteer visiting program – the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). Volunteer visitors share stories, go for a stroll or have a cuppa, listen to music or play a board game. Our volunteers play a vital role in the life of a person living in an aged care home or their own home through ongoing friendship.

We are seeking Volunteer Visitors in the Stonnington area, for aged care residents and people living in their own home.

You need to be warm, caring, reliable, sociable and be willing to commit to weekly connections/visits or at least fortnightly connections/visits for a minimum of 6 months/ongoing.

MS Plus believes in a person-to-person approach and aspire to match you with someone local with shared interests and hobbies. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please visit our website www.msplus.org.au to access our volunteer application form and learn more about our work and how you can help. Alternatively, you can email ACVVSadmin@msplus.org.au for more information. 

Social Health Australia brings forward innovative approaches to companioning people in crisis and combating the growing problems of social isolation and loneliness. This initiative reflects our commitment to building a more connected and compassionate society.

Thanks to an Innovation Grant from Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation and additional funding from the Australian Council on Social Innovation, we are preparing to vet, train, and support individuals to serve as community-based companions in our latest kindness-informed, citizen-led health initiative.

Volunteer placement opportunities will support individuals impacted by:

• loneliness (particularly existential loneliness)
• social isolation
• complex health issues, including terminal illness
• bereavement

Referrals for these placements will be provided by our valued partners across healthcare, aged care, and charitable funeral services.

This volunteer opportunity involves:

• completing an application and interview process
• providing two referees
• passing a Police Check
• attending an induction day
• participating in regular online reflective practice sessions
• making time to visit one or more community members in one-on-one sessions or as part of a small team (3 to 5 people)

If you’re ready to bring meaning to people's lives through simple, powerful acts of human kindness—and want to be part of an emerging, diverse, and supportive community—please email getintouch@socialhealthaustralia.org or on 0429 933 391.

Rotary Chadstone East Malvern (RCEM) seeks volunteers for their local and international projects. From community-based markets and sausage sizzles to international construction projects RCEM is always on the lookout for like-minded people who enjoy helping others and having fun.

For further information, please contact Paul at paul.rake@bigpond.com or on 0409 937 080. 

 The Stonnington Free Legal Service operates under Stonnington Community Assist and is registered as a Community Legal Centre with the Legal Services Board. Our service aims to provide free legal advice to those who cannot afford private legal services, offering assistance to the community in an accessible and supportive manner.

Clients can make legal appointments through Stonnington Community Assist, and our volunteer lawyers provide free legal advice by telephone on Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm. While we do not represent clients in court or draft legal documents, we help by offering legal guidance and, when appropriate, refer clients to other services that may assist further.

Due to the high cost of private legal advice and the limited availability of free legal assistance, our service plays a crucial role in providing much-needed legal support to the community.

As part of our operations, the Stonnington Free Legal Service is looking for volunteer lawyers for the following role.

Volunteer Lawyer

This volunteer must have current Practising Certificates. They would provide one hour of legal advice per month by telephone, on Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Volunteers can work from a location of their choice, and the time commitment is just one hour per month.

For further information, contact Jenny at jennygcox@iprimus.com.au or on 0407 094 491.

Chadstone Lacrosse Club, located at the Stonnington Stadium in Malvern East, is seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of roles, including:

• canteen
• team manager
• scorer
• umpire
• sausage sizzles

For further information or to apply, please contact Ann at info@chadstonelacrosse.com.au.

We welcome new people and training will be provided.

De La Salle Amateur Football Club, located at Waverley Oval in Malvern East, is seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of roles, including:

• canteen
• team manager
• property
• maintenance
• game day assistants
• scorers
• umpires.

We are also an authorised Services Victoria Voluntary Work Organisation, allowing eligible individuals aged 55+ to fulfill their mutual obligations with us.

For further information or to apply, please contact Matt at generalmanager@delasalleocfc.com.au. 

The East Malvern Junior Soccer Club is the only junior-only soccer club in the City of Stonnington. Our mission is to provide local boys and girls with high-quality soccer training to enhance their physical, social, and emotional well-being in a positive and safe environment.

The Club is currently seeking volunteers for Match Day support and Business/Sponsorship roles.

For further information, please contact Patrick at patrick@emjs.club or on 0447 124 477. 

Malvern City Football Club is the largest soccer club in the City of Stonnington and one of the largest in Melbourne’s south-east.

The club provides an inclusive environment for players of all age groups and abilities across our Senior Men’s and Women’s programs, NPL Boys, High Performance, Community, and Miniroos boys and girls programs. All programs are run under the guidance of skilled technical directors and coaches.

Volunteering With Us

We are currently seeking Junior Match Day volunteers to help ensure the smooth running of matches. 

For further information, please contact Angelo at admin@malverncityfc.com or on 0438 988 720.

TeamSports4All (TS4A) supports socio-economically disadvantaged children by providing them with the opportunity to participate in club sports within their community. TS4A currently assists over 750 children who would otherwise be unable to play sports.

The benefits we’ve observed over the years are numerous:

• Kids learn positive social behaviours such as teamwork, respect for coaches and officials, self-discipline, and the rewards of hard work.
• The obvious health benefits of a more active lifestyle.
• When kids wear the uniform, they feel and look like all the other kids, with no judgement or questions about their situation.
• Most importantly, playing club sports connects the entire family with their community and reduces social isolation.
• Kids avoid the embarrassment of being disadvantaged, particularly in the schoolyard, and not being able to afford to play sports.

Become a Sports Mentor Volunteer with TeamSports4All! This involves providing monthly check-in calls to see how the child is progressing in their sport. Volunteers can allocate a small number of hours each month or become more involved depending on their area of interest and availability.

For more information, visit TeamSports4All website, email stonnington@teamsports4all.com.au or on 0409 314 922.