| COVID-19 Update As we continue to do all we can to further limit the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities, and to prioritise the wellbeing of volunteers and visitors, we have made a decision to temporarily suspend volunteer participation in City of Newcastle programs, events and activities until further notice. For the latest information, see the NSW Health COVID-19 website. |
Volunteers play a vital role in making Newcastle a wonderful place in which to live, work and play. Hundreds of people of all ages and from all walks of life kindly donate their time and expertise to City of Newcastle each year, from ushers at the Civic Playhouse to guides at Newcastle Museum, and from wildlife carers at Blackbutt Reserve to volunteer crews working on our natural assets and environmental projects.
Volunteers are also the lifeblood of the numerous committees and advisory panels that operate across the city. That's not to mention the work our volunteers perform to make one-off events and functions a success.
We want to recognise and celebrate the contribution of all our volunteers, and to encourage more people to get involved. We are committed to maintaining best practice in volunteer management. All our people respect and support this commitment.
Most Council volunteer roles are planned and advertised, much like a paid position. Others may be filled by candidates who have already put up their hand to help out with council and are waiting for a position to become available.
You'll go through a friendly interview process either in person or over the phone, usually with one of our volunteer coordinators. Staff from the team relevant to your prospective role may also sit in on the interview.
Successful candidates go through industry-leading induction and training to ensure they can perform their role safely, efficiently and effectively. This includes an overall City of Newcastle induction, a site-specific Workplace Health and Safety induction and job-specific volunteer training.
Volunteer roles offer flexible hours and rosters, and wherever possible we will work around your personal needs and commitments to make sure you are happy in your position and perform to the best of your ability. You'll be working as part of a team, often in conjunction with paid Council staff working at the same venue or on the same project.
We will provide ongoing support, direction and guidance and may conduct an occasional review of your general performance in the role. This is also an opportunity for us to check whether there's anything we could be doing better.
All Council volunteers need to provide a current photo ID and address. They're also required to fill out the City of Newcastle's registration and induction paperwork.
All volunteers over the age of 18 are required to provide a valid Working With Children Check, issued by the NSW Government's Office of the Children's Guardian (OCG). The check is free for volunteers and can be undertaken online via the OCG website.
Once the online form is complete, the OCG requires you to take proof of identification to your nearest Service NSW service centre. There are branches in Newcastle, Wallsend, Warners Bay and Raymond Terrace. Most results are then issued within a few days.
Everything we do with our volunteers is underpinned by our core values and principles of volunteering. Those principles are:
- To be committed to best practice in volunteer management
- To ensure volunteers are involved in the City of Newcastle and are included in decisions that affect them
- To provide volunteers with clarity about their roles, our expectations and our policies
- To ensure volunteers respect the roles of everyone in the organisation
- For Council to recognise and celebrate the contribution of volunteers
- To provide volunteers with training and professional development for their roles
- To provide the opportunity to resolve disputes with respect and dignity.
Council's core values are: Cooperation, Respect, Excellence and Wellbeing (CREW).
Watch this space for future volunteer opportunities.
Am I covered by insurance?
Yes, The City of Newcastle volunteers are covered by Council's Personal Accident Insurance whilst undertaking volunteer duties.
What are the age limits for volunteering?
Generally, council volunteers must be aged 16 or over, but younger volunteers can be accepted for some events and committees. Volunteers aged under 18 require signed permission from a parent or guardian before starting their volunteer position. There is no strict upper age limit - it will depend on an individual's health and physical capabilities.
How often do I have to work?
We try to remain flexible to accommodate your needs outside your voluntary role. However, volunteers will usually need to commit to a regular roster. Generally speaking, this will mean working on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.
Do you pay out of pocket expenses?
Yes, Council pays selected out of pocket expenses incurred performing volunteer duties. Volunteers should get approval prior to the expense being incurred to be assured of reimbursement, and receipts and/or invoices should be kept as proof of purchase. Travel to and from your place of voluntary work is not covered.
Can I get paid work in the organisation if I volunteer first?
Some of our volunteers are accepted into paid positions within Council, but there is no guarantee volunteering will result in paid employment. Volunteers must go through the same application process as anyone else interested in a paid position with Council and will be assessed on their merits.
Can I get a reference for my volunteer work?
Volunteer coordinators can provide verbal references over the phone to prospective employers. They can also provide a written statement of service which details your roles, responsibilities and hours as a volunteer. It is not Council's policy to provide written volunteer references.
What direct support will I have?
All Council volunteers are allocated a volunteer coordinator in the area where they are undertaking work. They'll provide training and guidance, with an aim to make it easy and enjoyable for you to carry out your volunteer role.
We've produced a Volunteer Induction Handbook (PDF) which covers all facets of volunteering for our organisation, including our position statement on volunteering and our volunteering guidelines. Also included is a registration form that all volunteers must complete before commencing work with Council.
Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering. It helps promote the work of volunteers and works to advance volunteering in the community. Its website also has a range of volunteering statistics, research and publications. Find out more by visiting Volunteering Australia.
To find out more or lodge your interest in volunteering with Council, complete the volunteer enquiry form for your selected area.