Presenting Partner

AON

At Aon, we stand up for small businesses by negotiating with insurers to provide tailored, industry-specific business insurance policies. Approved by leading industry associations, we invest time and resources to design business insurance policies that meet the unique requirements of different professions and industries, like Volunteering. Whether it’s professional indemnity insurance, product liability insurance or public liability insurance, our dedicated teams provide expert support to keep your business safe in the event of a claim.

Community Media Partner

ArtSound FM

ArtSound FM is an independent, locally focused community arts and music radio station powered by the Canberra community founded in 1983. ArtSound FM exists to support a strong and vibrant music and arts scene in Canberra through broadcasting and related services. Our goal is to reflect the whole range of artistic practice in the ACT and beyond. ArtSound FM covers the full spectrum of the Canberra region’s performing and visual arts, including literature, theatre, film, exhibitions, and concerts. We also broadcast a great mix of jazz (and blues), folk, world, and classical music. We’re on the air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, thanks to the time, energy, and passion of our volunteers, supported by a small part-time staff and the generous support of the ACT Government, Community Broadcasting Foundation, sponsors, donors, and community partners. With a great mix of music, much of it recorded locally, ArtSound FM has something for any discerning music lover.

Exhibitors

2XXfm

2XX is a community radio station that exists to give a voice to the Canberra community. We broadcast over 90 hours of local programming every week, produced and presented by our volunteers, where can hear everything from genre-specific music shows, talk-based programs and many different community languages. Opportunities exists for new volunteers to get involved on and off air.

ACT Wildlife Inc

ACT Wildlife Inc is the only organisation in Canberra that rescues, rehabilitates and releases native animals after they have had a misadventure with people, their cars and pets, and other animals. We are always needing volunteers to care for the animals in their own homes, to help with answering our 24/7 phone and with fundraising.

ACT Parks and Conservation Service

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) works in partnership with the community to provide opportunities for people of all ages, background and abilities to become involved in volunteer programs. We call this ParkCare. ParkCare Volunteers actively contribute to protecting, enhancing and interpreting the natural and cultural values across ACT Reserves and National Parks.The goal of the ParkCare Initiative is to ensure that the ACT's nature reserves and national parks are appreciated, protected and championed by the community.

ADACAS

Adacas is currently assisting people to access My Aged Care through Community Information Hubs. We are looking for volunteers to be trained to run the hubs to assist people who are having difficulty connecting with My Aged Care.

AIDS Action Council

Volunteering is the backbone of any community organisation and the AIDS Action Council is no exception.The AIDS Action Council was founded on the hard work and dedication of volunteers. The role of volunteers as an integral part of combating HIV continues today. Volunteering supports the vision and mission of the Council. Volunteer programs we wish to promote: Peer Education Facilitation (for gay and same-sex attraction identifying men and women); STRIP Sexual Health Clinic Outreach; Reception; Stallholder Assistants; Event Logistics; Education and Training Assistants; Canberra Gay Community Periodic Survey (survey collection); Research Assistants.

Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACT

Anglicare is the social justice arm of the Anglican Church. Our mission is to tackle disadvantage, helping children and families break free from the cycle of poverty. Our work focuses on helping children, young people and families who are homeless or in crisis. Volunteers form a crucial part of our services – indeed, many of our services would struggle to function without the contributions of volunteers. We require volunteers in areas ranging from Disaster Recovery support teams to mentoring, emergency relief and assisting in our retail stores.

Belconnen Community Service

Belconnen Community Service provides Transport Program that is across the ACT Region to a range of participants within the community and we do welcome alot of volunteers into this space. We also have volunteering opportunities within our Belconnen Community Center and Seniors and English Conversation Groups.

Calvary John James Hospital

At Calvary John James Hospital we have an active volunteer base covering a number of different departments. Roles: Patient Liaison, Hand and Foot Massage, Admin Support, Maternity Exercise Class Support, Day Surgery, Lolly Trolley Service, Eucharist Ministry, Sunflower Program (Dementia Support), Mass Setup and Pets as Therapy. We interview, orientate and train all our volunteers, ensuring that we have the correct fit for volunteers, staff and patients.

Canberra Health Services

Canberra Health Services (CHS) currently has 27 programs running across various CHS sites including Canberra Hospital, Capital Region Cancer Centre and University of Canberra Hospital just to name a few. We are always looking for kind, caring and professional volunteers to be part of our team. Our vision is "Creating exceptional healthcare together"! If you do choose to volunteer as part of our team, you will be just that, part of our team! Please come and have a chat with us today and find out more.

Capital Nordic Walking Community Outreach

Capital Nordic Walking Community Outreach coordinates an extensive program of supported group Nordic Walks for people that we have taught who struggle to move easily and safely - people with painful arthritis, Parkinson's, MS and others who have balance and mobility challenges. Our supported Community Nordic Walks enable people to maintain their fitness and health and get out and about and connect socially - during their "Walking and Talking Workout" and afterwards at the post-walk coffee. Our trained Volunteers are critical to the success of this program.

Communities@Work

Communities@Work is a community based agency that supports the Canberra community. Programs with a volunteer base include; Community Pantries, Food Rescue, Seniors and Disability programs, the Clothing Program and Best Dressed Shop. Positions descriptions are available at the expo and on our website. Communities@Work values the important role volunteers play in community and are an essential part of our teams.

Connections Program

The Connections program assists people in our community who experience social isolation due to a mental health condition by connecting them with a volunteer buddy in the community. Volunteer buddies walk alongside participants to reconnect with the broader community through social activities, providing friendship and working towards participant lead goals. The program is grounded in a strengths based, recovery oriented approach to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and to increase participant’s positive self- perception. A Working with Vulnerable People card is essential to volunteer in this program. There are a range of internal training requirements to ensure our volunteers have all the necessary skills and tools to confidently support the program’s participants and others who experience mental illness in our community. Drop by the stall for more information and to find out how you can make a difference by supporting someone to connect with their community through volunteering.

GIVIT

GIVIT Listed Ltd is a national not-for-profit connecting those who have with those who need, in a private and safe way. We work to alleviate poverty in Australia by ensuring every community service provider has what it needs through the simple act of giving. The GIVIT platform is free to use and makes giving easy by allowing you to see exactly what is required by vulnerable community members.

Goodwin Aged Care

Goodwin greatly values the goodwill of volunteers, to enrich lives, provide greater social interaction and allow us to provide broader care services. So if you have the time to give, we are flexible and willing to take on any help you can offer.What could a volunteer do?You don't have to have certain skills or talents - it's a great value to our residents and clients just to have company sometimes.Activities assistants. Activities are run everyday across our residential care facilities and day clubs. You could help set up and run a group, such as bingo, scrabble, bridge, cards, crafts, games, painting and social/conversation groups.Bus drivers. Transport lively group outings on the Goodwin minibuses, assist groups, or chauffeur seniors to important appointments. We welcome volunteers with an endorsed license (i.e. able to drive more than a 12-seater bus), who can help drive the Goodwin bus fleet for group outings.Religious services. Help bring church or prayer services to those who can't get to them. Assist with weekly services at any of our villages. Various faiths.Language assistance. Turn isolation into joy by helping a non-English speaker express their needs and enjoy a conversation.Computer tuition. Help residents stay in touch with distant loved ones via the internet, or update with tech.Arts, craft and music. There are always opportunities to help with art, craft or even give a short musical performance.A cuppa and conversation. Company and conversation can be all a person needs to brighten their day! We welcome anyone who'd like to spend some time. You can also provide company for clients being transported on the bus to attend Goodwin facilities and on their return home in afternoon. If you want to share your passions and make a real difference to people's lives, please see us during the exhibit.

Heart Support Australia

Heart Support Australia is the national body providing support, services and information for people who have experienced a cardiac event.The National Office supports Heart Support Australia's role as a Peak Body through information, engagement and collaboration with partners from across the health sector. Heart Support Australia also has a network of Branches and interest groups across Australia delivering information, education and support to individuals and their carers.

Inclusive Volunteering Program (IVP)

The Inclusive Volunteering Program assists people who identify as having barriers in finding positive, enriching and sustainable volunteering positions in the ACT. Barriers may include living with a disability or mental health condition or someone from a migrant background.   As a support volunteer, you will act as a volunteer mentor, supporting a participant one on one as they begin their volunteering journey. All support volunteers need to have a working with vulnerable people card and will need to complete internal training prior to being matched with a participant. Drop by the stall for more information and to find out how you can make a difference by supporting someone to connect with their community through volunteering.

IRT Kangara Waters

IRT Group is one of Australia's largest community-based seniors lifestyle and care providers, operating throughout NSW, ACT and Queensland. Our mission is to create communities where seniors achieve their optimum quality of life. We've been delivering on this mission for more than 45 years. IRT returns profits to the community through customer benevolence and IRT Foundation's grants and advocacy programs. The changing needs of our customers and employees ensure that we continue to be innovative and dynamic whilst remaining true to our foundation. IRT values the contribution and dedication of our volunteers, who give generously of their time, skills and knowledge. Volunteers are an integral part of our organisation and what we do. Their continued support enables us to provide quality care and services to our residents and their families by complementing the work of our paid staff. IRT is committed to supporting volunteers through robust recruitment, induction and training processes. We value feedback from our volunteers and seek to continually improve our volunteer program.

L'Étape Australia by Tour de France

L'Étape Australia by Tour de France is the largest Tour de France held outside France. The event will take place in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains, on 29th and 30th November.The local Snowy Mountain community have embraced the Tour de France riding through their towns and villages; they come out in their thousands with cow bells and flags encouraging and supporting the riders along the route. The locals dress the entire area in yellow, green and polka dot; phenomenal bike artworks adorn the entire route. You don't have to ride to get involved in the most prestigious road cycling event in Australia! We're looking for volunteers to play a crucial role in the successful running of the event, and with a variety of roles available across the village and the course there is something to suit everyone. What roles are available? Roles are split into two areas; those based in the village and those out on the course. L'Étape Australia Village: Village based roles include rider bag drop, bike parking, rider registration, and information booth assistants. L'Étape Australia Race Course: Course-based roles include food or drink zone teams and traffic marshals.When you register you will be asked to indicate your preferred role and we will do our best to accommodate your preference. What do I get in return for volunteering? All volunteers will be given a L'Étape Australia volunteer t-shirt and cap – these are to be worn during your shift and can be kept as a momento. It will be a busy day, so lunch will be provided and water and snacks will also be available throughout the day to keep you going. To say thank you for all the hard work you put in, we will be hosting an exclusive volunteer BBQ in the evening of the event where you will meet personally our Ambassadors: Amanda Spratt (Australian professional rider) and Esteban Chaves (Colombian professional rider). This is a great opportunity to enjoy that post-event buzz with your fellow volunteers. How long will my shift be? The average shift time is 6 hours, however shifts do vary in length depending on the role. Is there a minimum age? Volunteers must be 14 or older at the time of the event. All volunteers that are under the age of 18 will need permission from a parent/guardian.

Libraries ACT

Libraries ACT volunteers provide the following services: English conversation classes, Adult Literacy tutors, Home Library Service, and Book Roundabout.

Little Oak Farm Animal Sanctuary

Founded in 2013, Little Oak Sanctuary provides sanctuary to farmed animals in need. Located between Bungendore and Braidwood, about an hour from Canberra, we rescue and rehabilitate animals who have been abused, neglected or abandoned, those who have nowhere else to turn. We are driven by our vision of creating a world where compassion has no boundaries. The sanctuary is run by it's co-founders, Kate and James Luke, with the support of a passionate team of volunteers. A registered not for profit organisation we promote compassion for all animals through our empathy education programs, advocacy and sanctuary visit sessions. Farmed animals are not protected by the same legislation as the companion animals we share our homes with, meaning they are often the most exploited and vulnerable animals. We are dedicated to exploring and sharing ways we can all help animals, and seek solutions that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Little Oak is seeking volunteers to participate in our regular volunteering days with general farm hand duties (cleaning yards, basic animal care duties etc) as well as skilled volunteers to help us with vital fundraising, event organisation, marketing, copy writing and more!

Marymead

Marymead, a well-respected, not-for-profit organisation servicing the ACT and southern and western regional areas of NSW, has been delivering a range of high quality, family support services to children, young people and their families since 1967. With offices in Canberra and in NSW at Goulburn, Moruya, Young and Wagga Wagga, Marymead’s array of programs and services include child and family counselling, early intervention programs, Permanency Program (out of home care), post separation support, the Autism Centre, parent education groups, family and mental health support programs and contact and changeover services for separated parents in significant conflict. Marymead also offers innovative, person-centred support services for people with disability and their families. These services may be purchased through funds received under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and include short term accommodation, after-school care and school holiday programs, skills development, recreation groups and in-home support.

Mental Illness Education ACT

Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT) is the main mental health and well-being education provider for workplaces, community groups and secondary schools across the Canberra region and surrounding area. Since 1993, MIEACT has delivered evidence-informed programs, partnered with lived experience stories that increase mental health literacy, promote early intervention, reduce stigma and emphasise recovery.MIEACT is unique, bringing small audiences into direct positive contact with our Volunteer Educators who share their stories of living with a mental illness. Such face-to-face contact is a proven, powerful stigma reduction model, importantly guided by a safe and non-triggering DoNOHarm framework for both story-teller and viewer. This is further partnered with qualified trainers and educational content mapped to The Australian Curriculum. Becoming a Volunteer Educator is a rewarding experience on your recovery journey and it gives you the opportunity to help others to learn from your own experiences and address stigma in our community.

National Folk Festival

From high-end entertainment to the expression of folk-life through grassroots and community activities, our multifaceted National Folk Festival is the ultimate celebration of all things folk. The program is designed to inspire, enliven and entertain. From traditional and contemporary grooves to the quirky and the endearing, it features all the key elements that make people want to come from everywhere to be part of it. Our vibrant festival site is populated with themed bars, food and market stalls, circus performers and roving musicians and our multi-disciplinary program is broad and innovative boasting an A-list of performers from around Australia and the world. 20 venues provide a range of concert and performance based experiences from our big stages to more intimate spaces where you can enjoy a more up-close experience with our performers. Volunteers do everything that needs to be done to make our Festival happen. They pour drinks, check in performers, sell tickets, check wristbands, patrol car parks, answer phones, and set up venues. They are the heart and soul of our event, and we are always looking for people to get involved and become part of the Festival family. Why Volunteer? Ask any of our hundreds of returning volunteers why they volunteer and you'll be amazed at the range of answers, but mostly it's because you cross over from being an audience member to being part of the Festival team. You are no longer just attending the Festival, you are part of the family making it happen. There are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills or pass on your knowledge, and the friendships, camaraderie, sense of community, and laughter more than compensate for giving up a few hours out of each day.

National Multicultural Festival

The National Multicultural Festival began in 1996 and has since evolved into the biggest occasion on Canberra’s event landscape. In the very beginnings of the Festival, it was a one-day event, eventually moving to a 2-week Festival. Over the course of the last 23 years it has developed into the 3-day Festival it is now, which allows Canberrans, national and international visitors alike to congregate in Canberra over one weekend for what is one of the biggest celebrations of cultural diversity across Australia. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the National Multicultural Festival. Without them, the Festival would not be possible. We would love you to come and be part of our volunteer team, have lots of fun, make new friends and gain new skills or experience.

Northside Community Service

Northside is a community service organisation which provides exceptional services that support people to improve their lives across Canberra. We are seeking committed and compassionate volunteers to help with our Paws, LIFE and iSeniors programs. Our Paws volunteers supports elderly Canberrans care for their pets when they are no longer able to through dog walking, grooming and transport. Our LIFE volunteers provide companionship to elderly Canberrans by engaging in mutually agreed upon activities and hobbies such as walking, cafe hopping, gardening or visiting museums. Our iSeniors volunteers provide one on one lessons for elderly Canberrans wishing to learn basic IT skills such as using Facebook and sending emails.

Pegasus Riding for the Disabled

Pegasus is a local Canberra charity that provides therapeutic horse-facilitated programs and activities for people with disabilities. We bring horses and people together to achieve their potential. We need volunteers to work with us and help us improve the lives of people living with disabilities.

Red Cross ACT

Red Cross ACT volunteers provide support to older people to remain independent in their own homes and connected to their communities. Whether it be by our Meals on Wheels program, or making phone calls to an older person to check that they're okay, or visit someone to provide friendship and support, or even drive them to an essential medical appointment, volunteering with Red Cross ACT is a satisfying way to give back to the community and help people who need a hand. Volunteering expands your skills and experience, increases your employability and is a way to stay active and engaged with the community. In the ACT we have a number of opportunities to volunteer including across the age groups, whether it be Meals on Wheels, at our Food Security program - Roadhouse, working with our Birth Family Advocacy Service team supporting families with their journey through the system or our breakfast programs in schools, Red Cross ACT has plenty of small ways you can make a world of difference. You can connect with someone who needs a friend, donate blood or help serve meals to the homeless.

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House Canberra has a number of programs to help families stay together and close to the care they need when they have a seriously ill child. - Learn new skills or add to the ones you already have. - Do something you're passionate about. - Meet and mix with like minded people. Volunteer in our House or Family Room - a variety of shifts across all days available.

Roundabout Canberra

Roundabout Canberra is a registered charity which takes donations of pre-loved baby and kids items and works with social services to provide them to local families in need. We're volunteer powered, and gratefully rely on volunteers to clean, sort, safety check and pack donations. We also have volunteers in events management, fundraising and administrative roles.

RSPCA ACT

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the RSPCA, is a community based charity which works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. The number of animals in the shelter at any one time varies enormously, with the arrival of thousands of animals each year to the shelter. Volunteering at the RSPCA ACT occurs across a vast array of areas within the shelter and can include Kennels, Cattery, Pocket Pets, Domestics, Administration, Reception, Tango's Place (Cat Boarding), Events, Kids n Kritters (School Holiday Programs), Vet Clinic, Maintenance and Foster Care. RSPCA ACT utilises the assistance of hundreds of volunteers each year and these volunteers are a pivotal part of our organisation.

Scouts ACT

ACT Scouts, Join Or Volunteer Today. Scouts provides young Aussies aged 6 to 25 with fun and challenging opportunities to grow through adventure.

SHOUT Inc

Self Help Organisations United Together (SHOUT) is a community organisation which provides a range of services, support and connection for other community groups and small organisations, based in Canberra, particularly in the health and disability sector. Our members have a variety of volunteer positions available which SHOUT will promote through the Volunteering Expo.

Soroptimist International, ACT & Monaro Club

Soroptimist International, ACT & Monaro Club is a group of local women working voluntarily to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Through international partnerships and a global network of members, Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls by: advocating for equity and equality; creating safe and healthy environments; increasing access to education; and developing leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future.

St Vincent de Paul Society (Canberra/ Goulburn)

The St Vincent de Paul Society is an international, lay Catholic organization dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing assistance to anyone in need.The services the St Vincent de Paul Society currently offers are: Emergency Relief/Support Assistance, Friendship Programs, Education Programs, Vinnies Retail Centres, Youth and Young Adult Support, Migrant and Refugee Services, Family Care/Support, Home Visitation and so on.

The Australia War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial has an exciting opportunity available for volunteers to join their Voluntary Guiding team. The Memorial stands at the forefront of modern museology and research into Australia's military history and prides itself on upholding a world-class reputation. Full training is provided to join this world class cultural institution as a Voluntary Guide and help commemorate those men and women in telling the many stories of service and sacrifice.

Veterans' Support Centre - RSL Woden Valley Sub-Branch

RSL Woden Valley Sub-Branch and Veterans Support Centre serves sub-branch members and the veteran community, including those still serving and their families. We regularly meet and arrange activities with members.Our services include:Community Engagement; Ceremonial activities and commemorations;Weekly Eddison Day Club lunches and fun;Burrangiri respite visits;Schools, aged care: We engage with schools and aged care residences for ceremonial purposes;Funerals: We arrange and present RSL Funeral Tributes for veterans.For younger vets: There are regular coffee mornings and organised activities.Veterans’ Support Centre (VSC) Our 20+ trained volunteers provide assistance with entitlements and advocacy to around 450 veterans and serving ADF personnel each year. Welfare: The VSC also offers community support and general welfare assistance for members and their dependants in need. If you are hospitalised, ask the Veterans Liaison Officer to contact our team. Hospice visits are made as required and home visits by appointment.

Warehouse Circus

Warehouse Circus is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of young people through the medium of social circus. Warehouse Circus has been providing social circus classes in Canberra since 1990. We have a host of programs including core circus programs for beginner, intermediate and advanced performers, adult classes, school holiday programs, and workshops and performances for community festivals and other events. We foster a co-operative environment rather than a competitive one, and aim to give everyone an opportunity to learn fun skills they can show off with. You will be amazed at what you can learn!

Wellways

The Life in Community volunteer program supports people with mental health issues, and their family members and carers, to engage in community activities. Social isolation and loneliness are important issues for people experiencing mental ill health. The Life in Community volunteer program recognises that social connectedness is vital to recovery and wellbeing. Life in Community volunteers assist people in their recovery journey, supporting them to develop connections in their community and a sense of belonging. Wellways will provide information about our services including our 'Stampede Stigma' campaign and details of our 'Talking Park Benches around Canberra'.

YMCA of Canberra

The YMCA Canberra is a community based, Profit-for-Purpose organisation that is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We work collaboratively with Government and other non-profit groups and partners to provide a wide range of programs and services in the Canberra Community. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities including, retail work in our Op-shop, assisting at our annual Senior Sports Carnival, mentors in our Literacy program, Space Squad and our RAID programs.

Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast Inc

The Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast Inc (ZCCB), is part of the Australian Zonta Disctrict 24. Zonta aims to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women through service and advocacy. Zonta International envisions a world in which women's rights are recognised as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women are represented in equal basis and no woman lives in fear of violence. ZCCB activities include fundraising, service and advocacy to provide: various scholarships to young women in high school and at PhD level; kitchen packs and linen to women leaving refuges; breast cushions for patients who are recovering from cancer; birthing kits for women and babies in developing countries and advocacy to raise awareness about prevention of violence against women and girls.