Getting started as a volunteer

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] 

Yes!

Training can be provided on an as-needs basis. This could cover dementia, dysphagia, safe movement, communication or driver competency.

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.

According to Volunteering Australia, volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.