We're gearing up to celebrate National Volunteer Week and recognise the amazing locals who offer their time, energy and skills to benefit our community.
This year, National Volunteer Week takes place from 19 to 25 May with the theme Connecting Communities. The week is designed to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invite people not currently volunteering to give it a go.
Our volunteer programs
Our Council-led volunteer programs are run by a mix of volunteers and paid staff. Their work helps us deliver on our community outreach objectives in several areas including social support, aged and disability support, nature and biodiversity, and digitally upskilling our community. Examples include:
- The Learning Bank
- Home Libraries Service
- Chatty Café
- Companion and Animal Support program
- Seniors and Sprouts
- Atherton Gardens Community Market (via Yarra Libraries)
Lend a hand at The Learning Bank
Our Learning Bank community space on Victoria Street in North Richmond provides three types of volunteer opportunities:
Thread Together Store Volunteer
Provide a friendly face and an engaging shopping experience for vulnerable community members and help reduce unsold clothing from going to landfill.
Digital Literacy Volunteer
Offer one-on-one tech support to community members and help build their digital confidence
Learning Bank Volunteer
Provide ‘all-rounder’ support assisting with operations within the venue and supporting client appointments.
Other great volunteering opportunities
Companion and Animal Support
Love dogs? This one’s definitely for you! Visit a client on a regular basis and take their four-legged friend for walks and other exercise.
Seniors and Sprouts
Visit a local kindergarten and spend an hour a week contributing to a 4-year-old kinder program’s class activities.
Home Libraries Service
Deliver books and other items to community members who struggle to visit the library in person. You can form great friendships — check out volunteer Denise’s story!
Chatty Café
A chance to connect with community members from different backgrounds and walks of life over a coffee or tea. You’ll feel great supporting others who might be feeling a bit lonely — check out volunteer Lisa’s story.