5 volunteering jobs you’ll love

If you have some spare time on your hands, here are five volunteering opportunities that you may not have thought of – and which all have great benefits for you.

1. Go camping with kids

If you love kids and the outdoors, volunteering at children’s camps can be a fun way to help families who need a little extra support. For example Camp Quality holds weekend and week-long camps for children with cancer and their families, while Kids’ Camps organises camps for 5 to 25 year olds living with disability.
Training is generally provided, but you’ll need to be fit and healthy (a first aid certificate and previous camping experience may also be of help).

Remember if you want to work with children you’ll need to provide references and, depending on the state you live, complete either a Working with Children’s Check or Police Check. And, because the charity is likely to invest time and energy into training you, they may ask for a longer-term commitment.
In return you’ll meet some pretty special and inspiring people – and have a lot of fun.

2. Help out at a festival

If you love music and the arts, but find the cost of tickets a bit steep, volunteering for one of Australia’s many music, film, book or theatre festivals can let you immerse yourself in culture – without having to pay a cent.

There is a variety of jobs available depending on the festival and your skills. Roles include helping direct parking, managing the queue, scanning tickets or dealing with general enquiries.

You’ll need to like working with the general public and be fairly organised, and you may need to undergo some training or attend a briefing session. Then, once your shift’s over, you can see some of the show, free of charge.

3. Be an event marshal

Love the excitement of a marathon or triathlon, but don’t think you could make the distance yourself?

Volunteering as an event marshal can put you at the heart the action without having to work up a sweat. You could do anything from handing out drinks to thirsty runners, to pinning a medal on the winners. It’s a short-term commitment, and you’ll meet lots of like-minded people – and maybe even get a free T-shirt for you effort!

4. Become a surf lifesaver

If you’re a sun, sand and sea kind of person, surf lifesaving may be the perfect way for you to give back to the community and get really fit and healthy in the process.

You’ll need to be over 15, and get your Bronze Medallion qualification. This teaches you surf awareness, and gives you skills to patrol the beach, rescue people in trouble and survive yourself.

Surf lifesaving is a commitment, and you’ll need to be available for regular patrols – but only in the summer months. To find out more, contact your local surf lifesaving club.

5. Get your hands dirty

Have a passion for the environment but don’t feel the life of an activist is for you? There are plenty of ways you can take care of our beautiful surroundings without chaining yourself to a bulldozer.

Bush regeneration gives you a chance to get outside, get your hands in the earth, learn about your area’s unique ecosystem and meet other like-minded people. Or get involved with your local community garden and take home fresh fruit, herbs and veg as your reward.

To find out more about the groups operating in your area speak to your local council.

Important information and disclaimer

Any advice in this communication is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any advice in this communication we recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your personal circumstances.  Any tax estimates are intended as a guide only and are based on our general understanding of taxation laws. They are not intended to be a substitute for specialised taxation or financial advice or a complete assessment of your liabilities, obligations or claim entitlements that arise, or could arise, under taxation law, and we recommend you consult with a registered tax agent and financial advisor before making any decisions.