Individual volunteering
Through volunteering with the Brotherhood, you can help us create an inclusive, just and sustainable society. Sharing your time, talents and networks, can make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable Australians and also give you a great sense of satisfaction.
We always have volunteering opportunities for which you don’t need qualifications, and others for which more specialised skills are required. Let us know the areas you are most passionate about and the talents you’d like to share. We’re committed to matching your interests with our activities.
Please take the time to look at our current volunteering vacancies below, or if you would like to discuss your specialist skills with us, phone (03) 9483 1390 or email us at volunteer@nullbsl.org.au .
Current volunteering vacancies
- Procurement Mentor / Home Wares and Furniture Buyer
- Driver - Transit Van / 12 Seater
- Activity Coordinator - Gardening Project
- Merchandising / Stock Control / Retail Assistant - Moonee Ponds
- Furniture Retail Assistant – Moonee Ponds
- Waste Handler
- Shop Assistant - Community Stores
- Shop Assistant - Hunter Gatherer
- Furniture Jockey - Moonee Ponds
- Book Specialist - Shop Assistant
- Cook
- Activity Companion (Southern)
- Activity Companions (Northern)
- Inventory Management Assistant
- Mentor - Stepping Stones
Procurement Mentor / Home Wares and Furniture Buyer
REPORTING TO: Social Enterprises, General Manager
LOCATION: Remote or Brunswick East
HOURS: Approximately 20 – 30 hours
DATE: Short term project
The Brotherhood of St Laurence is involved in developing social and community enterprises to address inequality by forming partnerships between government, business, community and welfare organisations.
The Federal Government’s, Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (HSS) program is operated by a consortium of entities that work to resettle refugees into Australia. The BSL manages the logistics component that purchases, delivers and installs household furniture, bedding and kitchenware into the homes of new arrivals.
The division needs expert guidance in its buying program.
The successful candidate would guide the group in developing a purchasing plan, help the group to identify potential suppliers and assist with the negotiation process.
The position would suit someone with experience as a retail buyer; especially in home wares.
For further information about the position phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au
Driver (Transit Van / 12 Seater) x 3
REPORTING TO: Banksia Program Coordinators
LOCATION: Carrum Downs or Frankston
HOURS: Mondays (CD), Tuesdays (F) and Thursdays (F) from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
DATE: Ongoing
Banksia Day & Respite programs in Carrum Downs and Frankston provide social support for older people and those with a disability who are experiencing social isolation. The program offers leisure programs that promote friendship and personal development.
We are currently seeking volunteer drivers to assist with the safe pick-up and delivery of clients to and from activities.
Duties include:
- Following the Banksia Transport Procedures
- Checking and maintaining the vehicle with oil, water and fuel each week
- Examining the bus for dents, scratches and/or any damage and report the faults to the Program Coordinator
- Assist the jockey or activity support worker to load clients, walkers and wheelchairs into the bus
- Ensure that all walkers and wheelchairs are securely fastened
- Ensure that passengers are assisted into and from the bus as required
Requirements:
- Experience in driving a 12 seater bus / transit van desirable
- A genuine commitment and interest in working with the elderly
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work well with others and take instruction
- Understanding of and commitment to the values and ideals of the BSL
- A satisfactory police check
- A satisfactory driver check / test
For further information about the position or to apply phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au
Activity Coordinator - Gardening Project
REPORTING TO: Banksia Program Coordinator – Amira
LOCATION: 65 Williams Road, Carrum Downs
HOURS: 4 hours per week on a Monday
DATE: Ongoing
Banksia Day Programs in Carrum Downs provides social support for older people and those with a disability who are experiencing social isolation.
The program offers leisure programs that promote friendship and personal development.They include art and music therapy, active mind games, gardening and outdoor pursuits. A weekly Men’s Shed program gives men a chance to work together with timber and tools.
We are currently seeking a suitable volunteer with horticultural knowledge to lead a gardening program that supports staff and members in developing, using and maintaining a community garden.
Ideally you will be able to lead the development of an aesthetically pleasing, edible, sensory garden as well as be able to encourage members to be engaged with the cultivation and use of the vegetation.
Requirements:
- Horticultural knowledge / gardening experience
- Ability to be able to lead activities
- Interest in engaging elderly members in gardening activities
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
- Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
- A Satisfactory Police Check.
For further information about the position phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au
Merchandising / Stock Control / Retail Assistant
& Furniture Retail Assistant – Moonee Ponds
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATION: 24 Margaret Street, Moonee Ponds
HOURS: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DATES: Ongoing
Better known as the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s op shops, our recently refurbished Moonee Ponds community store sells donated furniture, white goods, clothing and bric a brac at bargain prices. As well as selling low-cost goods to families and bargain hunters, we also offer a place for community connection.
We are currently seeking motivated volunteers willing to give as little as 4 hours per week to provide a high-quality customer service experience to the public, and to support paid and volunteer staff in the day-to-day running of the store.
Duties include:
- Keeping the stock room tidy, this includes lifting / moving boxes
- Hanging and pricing stock
- Merchandising of stock on the floor to optimise sales
- Welcoming the public in to the shop, and assisting with any specific needs
- Contribute positively to the needs and objectives of the store as required
- Heavy lifting may be required if able, e.g.: moving of furniture
Requirements:
- Willingness to help out where needed
- Good people skills, communication skills, the ability to work well in a team and take instruction
- Sensitivity to the needs of people from various economic, social and cultural backgrounds
- Enthusiasm and an interest in and commitment to the objectives of the store and the Brotherhood of St Laurence
- Reliability and a commitment to regular weekly or fortnightly shifts
- Knowledge / awareness of fashion labels or bric a brac worth would be a distinct advantage
- Physically fit, we would love people who would be able to assist with heavy lifting or the moving of furniture
- Willingness to undergo a Police Check
Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with full training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.
For further information about the position or to apply please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390, or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au .
Waste Handler
REPORTING TO: Phoenix Fridges Manager
LOCATION: 25 Brunswick Road, Brunswick East, 3057
HOURS: Negotiable: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
DATES: Ongoing
Are you interested in reducing environmental waste?
Do you enjoy pulling things apart, without having to put them back together?!
Do you want to be part of something important?
The Brotherhood of St Laurence processes many tonnes of waste each year and needs help to divert as much as possible from landfill.
The Retail Division of Social Enterprises manages a chain of retail stores that sell recycled goods kindly donated by members of the public and businesses. These products including donated white goods and electrical, must be tested in accordance with Australian standards and, if necessary, repaired before sale or if not of merchandisable quality, disposed of in a sustainable manner.
We are currently looking for volunteer waste handlers to be responsible for the efficient processing of waste material at our central warehouse location. This involves dismantling waste and extracting valuable parts to resell, sorting and filtering waste, and efficiently utilising space by condensing landfill waste and thus helping us to minimise our costs.
Duties include:
- Process waste to minimize volume and reduce expense of disposal
- Redirect waste to facilitate recycling
- Efficiently load waste into appropriate receptacles
- Disassemble electrical items to salvage metal and parts.
Requirements:
- An interest and enjoyment in pulling objects apart
- An aptitude to use tools safely, or the willingness to learn
- A technically-minded individual, with an interest in sustainability
- Ability to work autonomously as well as in a team
- Ability to work with a combination of volunteers and paid work force
- Must be physically fit to manoeuvre heavy items
- Ability to make positive changes or recommendations in the workplace
- Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL.
Time commitment can be as little as half a day per week, with full training provided in a friendly and supportive environment. All safety gear and tools will be provided.
For further information about the position please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au.
Shop Assistant - Community Stores
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATIONS: Various - see below
HOURS: Mon - Sun, business hours
DATES: Ongoing
- Bentleigh
- Brunswick - Urgent need
- Croydon
- Deer Park
- Eltham
- Footscray
- Glen Huntly
- Greensborough
- Grovedale
- Ivanhoe
- Knox
- Melbourne City
- Moonee Ponds - Urgent need
- Mount Waverley
- Northcote
- Ormond
- Pakenham
- Seaford
- St Kilda
- Watsonia
Click here for Community Store address and opening hours.
Better known as the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s op shops, our community stores sell donated furniture, clothing and other household items. Our stores in Brunswick, Croydon, Deer Park, Geelong and Moonee Ponds also stock white goods. As well as selling low-cost goods to families and bargain hunters, they also offer a place for community connection.
The Retail Stores Group is part of the Social Enterprises Division of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, which works to provide revenue for the invaluable client services, advocacy and research work undertaken by the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Our social enterprises also encourage and promote environmental sustainability through recycling.
We are currently seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers to provide a high-quality customer service experience to the public, and to support paid and volunteer staff in the day-to-day operations of the store.
Duties include:
- Welcoming customers into the shop, and assisting with any specific needs
- Sorting, cleaning, tagging, pricing, merchandising, selling, and ordering stock
- Ensuring all areas are clean including selling area, sorting area, delivery area, bathroom, kitchen and footpath
- High-level customer service
- Cooperating with colleagues to enhance the team effort
Requirements:
Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with full training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.
For further information about the position please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390, or email your expression of interest and resume (optional) to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au specifying which store location would best suit you.
Shop Assistant - HUNTER GATHERER
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATIONS: Various - see below
HOURS: Mon - Sun, business hours
DATES: Ongoing
- Fitzroy - 274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
- Melbourne City – Ground Floor, Royal Arcade, Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne
When it comes to all things vintage, Hunter Gatherer stands out from the pack. Every frock, blouse, handbag, skirt, coat, trouser, hat and shoe at Hunter Gatherer is specially handpicked from the hundreds of thousands of wardrobe items donated each year to the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s 23 community stores across Victoria.
Hunter Gather is part of the Social Enterprises Division of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, which works to provide revenue for the invaluable client services, advocacy and research work undertaken by the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Our social enterprises also encourage and promote environmental sustainability through recycling.
We are currently seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers to provide a high-quality customer service experience to the public, and to support paid and volunteer staff in the day-to-day operations of the store.
Duties include:
- Welcoming customers into the shop, and assisting with any specific needs
- Sorting, cleaning, tagging, pricing, merchandising, selling, and ordering stock
- Ensuring all areas are clean including selling area, sorting area, delivery area, bathroom, kitchen and footpath
- High-level customer service
- Cooperating with colleagues to enhance the team effort
Requirements:
Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week with training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.
For further information about the position please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390, or email your expression of interest and resume (optional) to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au specifying which store location would best suit you.
Furniture Jockey - Moonee Ponds
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATION: 24 Margaret Street, Moonee Ponds.
HOURS: ½ to full day shift available (Monday to Saturday)
DATE: Ongoing
The newly refurbished Moonee Ponds store sells good quality recycled clothing including our Hunter Gatherer range of vintage product as well as shoes, books, manchester, furniture and fridges.
We are currently seeking furniture jockeys who are motivated, customer service orientated, and enjoy physical work.
Duties include:
- Moving / placing furniture around the store as directed
- Loading and unloading deliveries and pickups from the store
- Keeping the furniture area tidy
- Being polite and helpful to customers
- Cooperating with colleagues to enhance the team effort.
Requirements:
- Physically fit and able to move furniture around the store in a safe manner
- Awareness of and the ability to learn Occupational Health and Safety, and manual handling procedures
- High quality people skills, communication skills and the ability to work well in a team
- Sensitivity to the needs of people from various economic, social and cultural backgrounds
- Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment to the objectives of the store and the Brotherhood of St Laurence
- Willingness to undergo a Police Check
Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week with training provided in a friendly and supported environment.
For further information about the position please phone Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au . Please include your resume (optional) and specify your availability.
Book Specialist - Shop Assistant
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATION: Croydon, Moonee Ponds or Brunswick
HOURS: During store opening hours
DATES: Ongoing
The Retail Stores Group is part of the Social Enterprises Division. The retail network was originally started as a fundraising venture to support and subsidise the community work associated with the Brotherhood’s vision of an Australia Free of Poverty.
We are currently looking for volunteer, book-specific shop assistants to act as Book Specialist in one of our retail stores. This will be an important liaison role between the Brotherhood Books head office and the retail store.
Duties include:
- Pricing, categorising, shelving and tidying books
- Ensuring all areas of the store are kept clean and tidy
- Assisting customers as required
Requirements:
- An interest in or experience with books preferred, but not essential as full training will be provided
- High-quality people skills, communication skills and the ability to work well in a team
- Sensitivity to the needs of people from various economic, social and cultural backgrounds
- Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment to the objectives of the store and the Brotherhood of St Laurence
- Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
- Willingness to undergo a Police Check
Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with full training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.
For further information about the position please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au.
Cook
REPORTING TO: Banksia Program Coordinator – Amira
LOCATION: Carrum Downs VIC 3201
HOURS: Fortnightly on Thursdays, 10am – 12.30pm
DATE: Ongoing
Banksia Day Programs in Carrum Downs provides social support for older people and those with a disability who are experiencing social isolation. The program offers leisure programs that promote friendship and personal development.
The activities at Banksia Carrum Downs have a social focus. They include art and music therapy, active mind games, gardening and outdoor pursuits. A weekly Men’s Shed program gives men a chance to work together with timber and tools.
We are currently seeking a suitable volunteer with food-handling experience, to take responsibility for heating and cooking food, taking and recording food temperatures, ensuring the food-safety program is adhered to, and overall maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen. The successful applicant must have at least a Certificate in Food-Handling.
Duties include:
- Heating and cooking food
- Recording temperatures of food
- Ensuring that the food safety program is adhered to
- Maintain a clean kitchen
Requirements:
- Must hold at least a Food-Handling Certificate, or higher
- Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment
- Ability to work independently
- Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
- Willingness to undergo a Police Check
For further information about the position please phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest and resume to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au
Activity Companion – Movie Group / Day Trip
Reporting to: Social Inclusion Program Coordinator (Southern)
Location: Frankston or Rosebud
Hours: 3rd Tuesday of every month
Date: Ongoing
The Social Inclusion Program assists older people and people with disabilities maintain connections to family, friends, neighbours and the wider community as a strategy for improving health and wellbeing.
The program is committed to assisting people pursue their recreational and learning goals by providing access to interest or hobby groups that can improve self esteem, confidence and create pleasurable opportunities to connect with like minded peers.
Duties include:
- Supporting the supervisor in the facilitation of a small group of Brotherhood clients
- Providing conversation and companionship to participants who are often socially isolated and lonely to ensure clients have a positive experience
- Assisting clients with their individual needs including purchasing tickets / food, getting in and out of transport
- Collecting and recording donations, completing attendance sheets
Requirements:
- A high degree of professionalism and effective interpersonal skills in order to be able to communicate effectively with BSL clients, staff and stake holders.
- Ability to be flexible, to be able to work as part of a team and autonomously.
- Be sensitive to the needs of people from different economic, social and cultural backgrounds.
- Understanding of Brotherhood of St Laurence, mission, values and objectives.
- A commitment to the social inclusion program goals and principles
- A commitment to working with older people and enhancing quality of life
- Ability to use initiative and be responsive in situations
- Willingness to undergo a police check.
Email your expression of interest and resume to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au.
Activity Companions (Northern)
Reporting to: Social Inclusion Program Coordinator
Location: Preston, Northcote and other Northern Suburbs
Activity: Monthly Outing
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Date varies according to activity available)
Activity: Ladies Pamper Group
Hours: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Monday (once a month)
Activity: Social Luncheon
Hours: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (once a month)
Activity: Movie Group
Hours: Approximately 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 3rd Monday every month
Activity: Morning Cuppa Group
Hours: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday’s
The Social Inclusion Program assists older people and people with disabilities maintain connections to family, friends, neighbours and the wider community as a strategy for improving health and wellbeing.
The program is committed to assisting people pursue their recreational and learning goals by providing access to interest or hobby groups that can improve self esteem, confidence and create pleasurable opportunities to connect with like minded peers.
Duties include:
- Supporting the supervisor in the facilitation of a small group of Brotherhood clients
- Providing conversation and companionship to participants who are often socially isolated and lonely to ensure clients have a positive experience
- Assisting clients with their individual needs including purchasing tickets / food, getting in and out of transport
- Collecting and recording donations, completing attendance sheets
Job requirements:
- A high degree of professionalism and effective interpersonal skills in order to be able to communicate effectively with BSL clients, staff and stake holders
- Ability to be flexible, to be able to work as part of a team and autonomously
- Be sensitive to the needs of people from different economic, social and cultural backgrounds
- Understanding of Brotherhood of St Laurence, mission, values and objectives
- A commitment to the social inclusion program goals and principles
- A commitment to working with older people and enhancing quality of life
- Ability to use initiative and be responsive in situations
- Willingness to undergo a police check.
For further information about the position phone Sonia on (03) 9474 7803 or email your expression of interest and resume to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au.
Inventory Management Assistant - Online Books
REPORTING TO: Books Coordinator - Greg
LOCATION: 25 Brunswick Road, Brunswick East
HOURS: Operates Monday to Friday, 1/2 to full day shifts available.
DATE/S: Ongoing
LOVE BOOKS? Join in with a dedicated group of volunteers to sort and catalogue donated books for BROTHERHOOD BOOKS, an on-line charity.
Brotherhood Books is part of the Social Enterprises Division of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, and was started as a fundraising venture to support the Brotherhood’s vision of an Australia free of poverty.
Duties include:
- Select, clean and categorize books
- Research and price books accordingly
- Enter books onto database
- Print, pick and pack on-line orders
Job requirements:
- Punctuality, enthusiasm, reliability and commitment to the objectives of Brotherhood Books program
- Ability to work well in a team environment & cooperate with colleagues
- Good communication skills
- Experience with books preferred, but not essential
- Understanding of, and empathy with, the values and ideals of the BSL
Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week with training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.
For further information about the position please phone 03 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au.
Mentor – Stepping Stones
Reporting to: Stepping Stones Project Officer
Location: City of Yarra, Northern and Western suburbs
Hours: 2–4 hours per fortnight – negotiable
Date: Ongoing for 12 months (6-month minimum commitment)
Do you have business and financial skills?
Want to make a difference to the lives of refugee and migrant women?
The ‘Stepping Stones’ project aims to provide training and skills development, business and financial literacy education, mentoring activities and support to increase women’s social interaction, economic participation and awareness of rights.
We are currently seeking enthusiastic women interested in imparting their knowledge and skills to support refugee women in developing their small business and financial skills (EEO Exemption no. A110/2011).
The purpose of the mentoring role is to provide: one on one support, guidance and encouragement, and to build long-term relationships that will help women to focus on achieving their goals by overcoming cultural barriers, isolation, and lack of confidence.
Mentors will be expected to commit to the project for a year and will be required to participate in induction training, supervision and mentoring program meetings.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo a satisfactory Police Check.
For further information about the position phone Juliana on 03 8412 8710 or email your expression of interest and resume to emcmentoring@nullbsl.org.au.
Download Stepping Stones mentoring brochure