Volunteering
Volunteering has many benefits, both for volunteers and the wider community. Volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.
Informal volunteering might range from neighbourliness, working bees, or mutual aid groups.
Formal volunteering usually involves a defined role, training and screening, and a coordinated program of support. This page covers formal volunteering opportunities both within the shire and further afield.
Where can I volunteer?
There are a range of ways to get involved in local community groups and organisations. Many of these can be contacted via Council's Community Directory. Other opportunities both locally and across Victoria are advertised on the Volunteering Victoria website.
I'm interested in volunteering but don't know where to start? Provide your contact details here and Council can assist to match you with suitable volunteering opportunities.
Current Volunteering Opportunities in the Shire
Melton/Moorabool L2P Program
Role: The L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 years who do not have access to a supervising driver, or an appropriate vehicle, to gain driving experience required for a probationary license.
The L2P Program matches eligible learners with a vehicle and fully licensed volunteer mentor driver to help learners gain driving experience to enable them to go for their license
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Be over 21 years of age
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Hold a current full Australian driver’s license
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Have a satisfactory driver license history report
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Be medically fit to drive
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Have a valid Working with Children's Check (voluntary)
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Be willing to undergo a police check
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Be prepared to undertake 1 day in person training
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Be prepared to undertake online Child Safe training
Time commitment: 2 hours per week
Contact 03 8746 1000 to enquire about the position.
Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group
Role: Volunteer conservationist (tree planting, fauna monitoring, nursery work) or board member
Skills required: No previous experience needed, it is a great way to learn about our local environment and how to look after your property better. Experience in environmental science, governance, or land management would be an asset
Time commitment: There are event-based volunteering opportunities which would only add up to 2-4 days a year. A board member would attend six meetings a year and take only 30-60mins a week.
Moorabool Gardens for Wildlife
Role: Visit people interested in making their gardens more wildlife friendly and provide advice and write up a short report of the visit. Assist at events to talk to people about gardening for wildlife.
Skills required: Interested in gardening and meeting new people, have some knowledge about local plants and animals or be willing to expand your knowledge. Garden visitors go in pairs for a visit and receive training.
Time commitment: Approximately 2 hours per month but can vary.
Contact Elspeth: moorabool.gardensforwildlife@gmail.com to enquire about the position.
Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh
Role: Rotary clubs bring together people across generations who wish to create lasting change in the world, in their communities, and in themselves.
Skills required: Service above self, a willingness to help, it also gives you the chance to develop new skills like public speaking, project management and event planning, development of skills in public communication, and meeting others from diverse backgrounds to help improve their community.
Time commitment: Club meetings happen every Wednesday 7pm-8pm. Club meetings are one per week. Will depend on how much time individuals can or want to give, if they get involved in Bunnings BBQ, serve on the Board, work on a project, do the Christmas trees, act as president, help run the annual Art Show –it can be anywhere from 1-12 hours a week.
Western Health
Role:
- Friendly Visiting Volunteers: Be matched to an older person and provide companionship and help to alleviate feelings of loneliness.
- Community Transport Volunteers: Drive people who have no other means of transport to medical appointments and social outings (A vehicle will be supplied for your use when you are on shift).
- Support Volunteers: Provide support in the car as patients are transported to/from medical appointments.
Skills required:
- You’re looking for new friendships, a new community, and want to be part of something bigger than yourself.
- You’re always up for a new challenge, you’re willing to learn and be flexible.
- Integrity and open-mindedness are your guiding principles. You value confidentiality and treat everyone who comes to Western Health with dignity and respect.
- If you speak multiple languages, such as Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Dinka, Arabic, Greek or any other language, we want you on our team! However, basic English language, reading and writing skills are essential.
- You have your full driver’s license and are aged 25 years plus (community transport volunteers only).
Time commitment: A typical volunteer role entails one shift per week or fortnight of approximately 2 to 4 hours duration, for a minimum of 12 months.
Contact: Have a question? Email volunteer@wh.org.au or call on (03) 8395 9092. Join us in becoming a volunteer champion of public hospitals at Western Health!
Is your community group or not-for-profit organisation seeking volunteers?
You can provide your group information here and Council will be in touch and can connect you with individuals interested in volunteering.
We strongly recommend that you list your community group or not-for-profit organisation on Council's community directory, as interested people will search this directory for groups that may wish to engage with.
Volunteering at Council
Council acknowledges and values the contribution that volunteers make to the community. Volunteers support the community through services including at the Visitor Information Centre, on Community Asset Committees, and more. Volunteering offers lots of benefits to both you and the community. When you volunteer, you can:
- Learn new skills
- Meet new people and form new relationships
- Gain experience and expand your career choices
- Give back to the community
- Gain personal satisfaction and build self-confidence
- Have fun
Council will advertise for volunteers from time to time to support the delivery of programs and services, which will be shared on our social media. Alternatively, you can contact us for more information.