Volunteering Opportunities for International Visitors

Volunteering offers learning new skills, networking and gaining valuable experience in a wide range of areas that may or may not be related to one’s area of expertise. It a great way to meet new people who share same interests and show that you care.

Genuine volunteering in Australia, in general, will have the following characteristics:

• undertaken through a community organisation
• not a replacement for a paid role
• unpaid, but it is acceptable to receive meals, accommodation and/or reimbursement of out-of-pocket living expenses in return for voluntary work.

Volunteers may receive payments in cash, non-cash benefits, or a combination of both. These payments can be referred to as honorariums, reimbursements, or allowances.

Volunteering doesn’t mean working for free in a private business or company – in many circumstances that can be illegal.

Volunteering for Temporary Visitors

Temporary visitors to Australia, such as tourists, students, and asylum seekers awaiting a decision on their visa application may have the right participate in voluntary work under the conditions of their visa.

Make sure to check conditions of your visa and any specific policies related to volunteering for international visitors, as some programs may need prior approval.

On a Tourist VISA

• The main purpose is tourism, and any voluntary work remains incidental to this.
• The work involved would not otherwise be undertaken, in return for wages, by an Australian resident.
• The work is genuinely voluntary and that no remuneration is received in return for the activities.
• The volunteering work should be undertaken through a community organization or non-profit entity

On a Student Visa

International students may volunteer if they have permission to work from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Most student visas will have this by default however its best to check visa entitlements before undertaking any voluntary work. The restriction of a maximum of 20 hours paid work for students does not include working as a volunteer.

Students & unemployed individuals in Australia often do voluntary work to develop skills and to gain valuable work experience. Prospective employers value voluntary experience, so it helps to add the voluntary experience to the resume.

On a Working Holiday Maker Program

The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) also allows young adults from participating countries to have an extended holiday in Australia and earn money through short-term employment.

Popular Options for Volunteering in Australia

Environmental Conservation Projects

• Bush Heritage Australia: Involves protecting Australia’s native wildlife and ecosystems. Volunteers can assist with habitat restoration, land management, and wildlife monitoring.
• Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation: Organizations like WIRES (Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service) and Australian Wildlife Rescue often welcome volunteers to care for injured or orphaned wildlife.
• National Parks: Some national parks and reserves offer opportunities to volunteer in environmental monitoring, plant care, or trail maintenance.

Community Development and Social Services

• The Smith Family: Focuses on helping disadvantaged children and families with education support. Volunteering opportunities include tutoring, mentoring, and organizing fundraising events.
• Red Cross Australia: Volunteers can help with disaster relief, social support, and helping vulnerable communities.
• Meals on Wheels: A chance to assist in delivering meals to elderly or housebound individuals.

Cultural and Arts Events

• Festivals and Events: Australia hosts a variety of international events like the Sydney Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and local cultural events, all of which often rely on volunteers for roles like registration, guiding, and hospitality.
• Museums and Galleries: Some institutions like the National Gallery of Australia offer volunteer programs where you can help with tours, events, or administrative tasks.

Disaster Relief and Emergency Services

• State Emergency Services (SES): If you have the appropriate training, SES provides opportunities for international volunteers in emergency situations, such as during floods, fires, or other natural disasters.
• Australian Red Cross: You can contribute by supporting emergency responses and relief efforts, helping people during crises, or working on community programs.

Agricultural and Rural Volunteering

• Farm Work: Many international visitors volunteer on farms in exchange for accommodation and meals. Programs like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) allow volunteers to work on organic farms throughout Australia.
• Rural and Remote Volunteering: Organizations such as Rural Aid provide volunteers opportunities to support farming communities, especially in times of need (droughts or floods).

Youth and Education

• Big Brothers Big Sisters: This mentoring program connects young people with caring adults who can guide them. Volunteering in this space can help at-risk youth in Australian communities.
• English Language Volunteering: If you are a fluent English speaker, some organizations may need assistance teaching or tutoring English to migrants, refugees, or people in need.

Health and Medical Volunteering

• Health Volunteer Programs: Hospitals and clinics in Australia may have volunteering opportunities, such as providing administrative support or assisting with patient care. Medecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) also offers opportunities in Australia.
• Cancer Council Australia: Volunteers may help raise awareness, run campaigns, or assist with support services for people affected by cancer.

Online Volunteering

• If you’re based in Australia but can’t commit to in-person volunteering, some organizations also offer virtual volunteering opportunities, allowing you to contribute remotely.

Search for Voluntary Opportunities

Apart from looking at advertisements published in a local newspaper or an online search, voluntary opportunities can be found by

1. Visiting govolunteer.com.au which provides search for volunteer positions nationally.
2. Contact a local volunteering centre. Contact details are available on the Volunteering Australia website volunteeringaustralia.org
3. Contact the local council, educational institutes and health centers
4. For those interested in volunteering for a particular organisation or cause, Seek is a good place to begin.