A wise man once said that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Whether you want to give back to your community, boost your skills or discover a new perspective, volunteering at Brightwater can be everything you’re looking for and more.
Our Brightwater Buddies Volunteer Program provides our residents with the opportunity to connect to the community, by matching them with someone like you, known as their Brightwater Buddy.
As part of this program, you will be matched with a resident, giving you the opportunity to connect with the individual deeply and enrich their social, cultural and spiritual wellbeing. This not only benefits our residents, but you as a potential buddy too, who can in turn build stronger friendships.
How you can become a Brightwater Buddy
There are different ways that you can be part of our Brightwater Buddies Volunteer Program.
Partner in Care
We have introduced our Partner in Care program to enable visitors to continue to visit our aged care and disability homes as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A partner in care is a person who has a close and continuing relationship with one of our care home residents, such as a family member, loved one, friend or representative.
We recognise the important contributions family and friends make to the wellbeing and safety of residents in our care homes, and our Partner in Care program allows for ongoing regular contact between residents, family and friends.
The program is available to all Brightwater residents, and each resident will be able to have one nominated partner in care.
Find out moreFAQs
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Can I choose what type of volunteering services I want to offer?
If you'd like to offer your expertise, or if you just have a preference, let us know.
Our volunteers get involved with all sorts, including arts and crafts, exercise groups, outings, entertainment or meaningful connection. We want you to enjoy your volunteering work, so speak up and let us know how you'd like to contribute.
Volunteering is generally not suitable for recent graduates with support worker qualifications. This is because our volunteers do not take on hands-on carer or support worker roles.
To find out more about work experience, please contact [email protected]
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Can I access training as a volunteer?
Yes!
Training can be provided on an as-needs basis. This could cover dementia, dysphagia, safe movement, communication or driver competency.
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How much time to do I need to commit as a volunteer?
That's completely up to you.
You might be a student, parent, retiree or working full-time - we understand that family, work and study will take priority over volunteering. We'll be as flexible as we can to fit into your schedule, and you can renegotiate your commitment whenever you like.
Forming a connection with our clients and contributing to their wellbeing takes time, so we prefer to take on longer-term volunteers. If you'd like to apply to be a volunteer, please note that we generally take on applicants who can commit to 6 months or more. However, do let us know your availability and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Unfortunately, we don't have the capacity to take on volunteering roles over the weekend or in the evening.
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What does the volunteer registration and orientation process involve?
After you've filled in our Expression of Interest form, we'll contact you and find out your interests and goals.
If you are matched to a site, we'll then arrange a registration and orientation session at a time that works for you, where you'll learn more about your roles and responsibilities and our guidelines.
Once your references and police checks are approved, you'll have an on-site orientation. Then, you're ready to get started!
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What is volunteering?
According to Volunteering Australia, volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.
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Do I need any experience to volunteer?
You don't need any experience - just enthusiasm and a desire to give back to the community. You'll learn about the lives of our clients, but you'll also learn a lot about yourself.
Volunteering even a small amount of time, talent and energy can have an enormous and direct impact on the lives of others. Every care is taken to ensure volunteers are supported every step of the way with training and supervision.
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What is the role of a Brightwater volunteer?
Brightwater volunteers give time willingly, contributing to the social, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of clients, through assisting staff with either group activities or individual engagement where appropriate.
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Can my volunteering role be used as work experience?
Volunteering and work experience are handled by two different teams at Brightwater.
If you'd like to find out about work experience opportunities, get in touch with [email protected]
If you have recently graduated with carer or support worker qualifications, volunteering may not be the best option if you're looking to gain work experience. This is because our volunteers do not take on hands-on carer or support worker roles.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide personal written or verbal references for volunteers. We can however provide a Letter of Volunteer Service, which states the date of attendance and role. This is available on request.
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I'm a tourist. Can I volunteer at Brightwater?
You will need to check the conditions of your Visa to confirm if you're eligible to volunteer.
If you've got the all clear, then please get in touch!
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Can volunteering with Brightwater lead to paid work?
In most cases, volunteering is not a pathway to paid employment. While we'd love to have you on board as a volunteer, unfortunately it does not always result in a job.
We do encourage you to keep an eye on new opportunities with Brightwater. All of our jobs are advertised here.