Volunteer With Us

You'll go through a friendly meeting process either in person or over the phone, usually with one of our Volunteer Coordinators.

l volunteers will go through an induction to ensure they can perform their role safely, efficiently and effectively. This includes 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. We will provide ongoing support, direction and guidance.

All CN 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 in the Volunteer Induction Handbook.

All volunteers over the age of 18 are required to provide a valid Working with Children Check, issued by the Service NSW. The check is free for volunteers and can be undertaken online via the Service NSW website.

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 CN 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 CN 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.

CN's core values are: Cooperation, Respect, Excellence and Wellbeing (CREW).

Watch this space for future volunteer opportunities or make an enquiry below.

Am I covered by insurance?
Yes, City of Newcastle volunteers are covered by CN's Personal Accident Insurance whilst undertaking volunteer duties.

What are the age limits for volunteering?
Generally, 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, CN 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 CN, 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 CN 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 CN's policy to provide written volunteer references.

What direct support will I have?
All CN 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 CN.

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 CN, complete the volunteer enquiry form for your selected area.

• Blackbutt Reserve
• Art Gallery
• Landcare
• Newcastle Museum
• Newcastle Libraries
• Playhouse (Civic Theatre)
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