About volunteering

Thinking About Volunteering? Here’s How to Get Involved

Volunteering is a rewarding and enjoyable way to give back — not only does it benefit your community, it can be incredibly fulfilling for you as well.

Many people already volunteer informally by helping out or getting involved in local activities. Formal volunteering simply means offering your time, skills and experience to support a service provided by a not-for-profit organisation on an agreed basis.

Before you dive in, it’s worth understanding your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer. You can find helpful information on the Volunteering Victoria website.

How Can I Volunteer?

There are plenty of ways to get involved in your local community, including:

• Organising club activities or interest groups
• Supporting social or environmental causes
• Helping neighbours, parishes or schools
• Delivering meals to those who need them
• Serving on Committees of Management or Advisory Groups
• Hosting community meals or festive events
• Assisting services that support people experiencing disadvantage

What Are the Benefits of Volunteering?

Volunteering can offer so much more than just giving your time. It’s a great way to:

• Use your existing skills and be part of a team
• Learn new skills or build on existing ones
• Access training opportunities, including recognised qualifications
• Meet new people and expand your social network
• Gain experience that could lead to employment
• Be recognised for your valuable contribution to the community
• Improve your health, wellbeing and overall happiness

Where Can I Find a Volunteer Role?

Often the best way to find a volunteering opportunity is through word of mouth. Ask your friends, family, local church or community centre — they might know of groups looking for volunteers. You can also find opportunities through:

• Community directories
• Newspaper articles or local stories
• Radio or TV announcements
• Social media or community noticeboards

Don’t forget to check out current opportunities on the Shire’s Volunteering Mornington Peninsula page.