Volunteers contribute to a vibrant community life at the City of Charles Sturt. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, make friends, and give back to the community.
Volunteers contribute to our City in areas like:
- friendly visiting, bus driving, shopping and transport assistance
- helping at special events, open days and displays
- assisting at libraries and community centre activities, programs and administration
- youth services programs
- graffiti removal
- gardening
- environmental projects
- animal management
Volunteers are:
- genuinely interested in people
- able to set aside some time regularly or be available for special projects
- good listeners with a sense of humour
- able to maintain confidentiality and use discretion
- reliable, trustworthy and caring
Support for volunteers
As a volunteer, you are supported to be part of our team.
You will receive:
- induction and training
- reimbursement for approved out-of-pocket expenses in some programs
- insurance cover while volunteering
- support from Council
- recognition for your valuable support
Become a volunteer
First read our Volunteer Code of Conduct Policy to see if our program is right for you.
Register your interest in volunteering for a listed vacancy or submit a general expression of interest.
See our Volunteer Vacancies
Read our Volunteering FAQs
Read our Volunteers Newsletters
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the City of Charles Sturt, please review our current volunteer vacancies.
Volunteering Vacancies
Community Visitors
Do you enjoy meeting new people?
Community Visitors provide regular companionship and friendship to a socially isolated person in a residential facility, enhancing the resident’s social and community involvement.
Community Visitors will be required to visit a selected resident on a regular (e.g. fortnightly) basis at a time that suits both the volunteer and the resident.
Where appropriate, suitable volunteers will be matched by the coordinator of the program to a resident with similar interests and life experiences.
If you believe you have the following we would love to hear from you:
- Good communication skills.
- Demonstrated reliability.
- Good listening skills.
- Be compassionate, cheerful and positive.
- Be patient, understanding and tolerant of cultural and varied backgrounds.
This role requires a DHS Aged Care Clearance, or the willingness to undergo and obtain one (the Council will do this for the successful applicant)
If you are interested in this position and feel you have the skills to suit the role, please apply here. Please indicate that you are applying to be a Community Visitor Volunteer when answering the question, "why do you wish to become a volunteer".
Study Support Volunteer
We are seeking volunteers to provide informal support and assistance to students, ranging in year levels 6 -university study, who are living, working or studying in the City of Charles Sturt area.
When: 3 – 5.30pm Tuesdays, weekly during school term.
Where: The Brocas – Located at 111 Woodville Road, St Clair.
If you believe you have the following we would love to hear from you:
- Willingness to undergo DHS Child Related screenings
- Good communication skills
- Demonstrated reliability and ability to commit to a weekly roster
- Passion and enthusiasm for working with youth
- Patience, understanding and tolerance of cultural and varied background
This role requires a DHS Working With Children Check, or the willingness to undergo and obtain one (the Council will do this for the successful applicant)
If you are interested in this position and feel you have the skills to suit the role, please apply here. Please indicate that you are applying to be a Study Support Volunteer when answering the question, "why do you wish to become a volunteer".
Youth General Program Support Volunteers
Youth Program Support Volunteers provide support and assistance to the Youth Community Development program staff and assist young people aged 12 to 25 years participating in social and recreation programs.
- Arts & Crafts Program - Volunteer will be required to support a facilitator to run an arts and craft group.
When: 3 – 5.30pm Tuesdays, weekly during school term.
Where: All these programs are facilitated at the Brocas, 111 Woodville Road, St Clair.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assist with setting up and packing up of programs.
- Role model positive behaviours to young people.
- Help prepare resources appropriate for allocated program.
- Encourage and support young people to participate.
- Promote a safe, inclusive environment for all young people.
- Respect the confidentiality of the young people.
If you believe that you have the following, we would love to hear from you:
- An interest in art & craft.
- Good communication skills.
- Demonstrated reliability.
- Being able to follow instructions and work within professional boundaries.
- Able to work independently.
- Customer Service focussed.
- Genuine interest in young people.
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to relate well to young people.
This role requires a DHS Working With Children Check, or the willingness to undergo and obtain one (the Council will do this for the successful applicant)
If you are interested in this position and feel you have the skills to suit the role, please apply here. Please indicate that you are applying to be a Youth General Program Support Volunteer, when answering the question, "why do you wish to become a volunteer".
Social Support & Kitchen Hand Volunteer
The social support & kitchen hand volunteer will assist clients to interact in social activities and support staff with meal provision and clean up in a centre based Social Support Program catering for the frail aged and/or persons with a disability.
The City of Charles Sturt is currently seeking multiple volunteers to assist with our programs based at Arch Paterson Centre located at 64 Blight Street, Ridleyton. We require volunteers on a weekly schedule to cover various shifts as per the following:
- 9:45am – 2:15pm Wednesday
- 9:45am to 2:15pm Friday
If you are available for any of these schedules (don’t need to be available for all) and believe you have the following we would love to hear from you:
- An interest in cooking
- Good communication skills
- Demonstrated reliability
- Passion and enthusiasm for working with frail aged and/or those with a disability
This role requires a DHS Aged Care, and Disability Services screenings, or the willingness to undergo and obtain these (the Council will do this for the successful applicants).
If you are interested in this position and feel you have the skills to suit the role, please apply here. Please indicate that you are applying to be a Social Support & Kitchen Hand Volunteer, when answering the question, "why do you wish to become a volunteer".
Literacy and Learning - Children's Support Volunteer
Literacy & Learning Children's Support Volunteers assist Library staff in the preparation and delivery of the Library's Children's programs and events for families with children at the City of Charles Sturt.
We are seeking a volunteer to assist us with supporting Babytime and Toddlertime on a weekly basis at our Civic Library, Tuesdays (during school terms) 9:30am - 12:00pm.
If you are available weekly on a Tuesday and believe you have the following we would love to hear from you:
- A DHS Child Related Screening or the willingness to undergo one
- Good communication skills
- Demonstrated reliability and ability to commit to a fortnightly roster
- Passion and enthusiasm for working with children and their families
- Patience, understanding and tolerance for cultural and varied backgrounds
If you are interested in this position and feel you have the skills to suit the role, please apply here. Please indicate that you are applying to be a Literacy & Learning - Children's Support Volunteer when answering the question, "why do you wish to become a volunteer".
Community Centre Reception Volunteers
Community Centre Reception Volunteers provide a positive image as the first point of contact for newcomers, visitors and participants to the Centre through friendly and efficient operation for rostered daily reception and housekeeping duties. They also contribute to the running of the Centre by assisting and supporting the Community Development Officer.
The City of Charles Sturt is currently seeking a volunteer on a weekly roster to cover the following shifts:
- Monday 1pm - 4pm, Findon Community Centre
If you believe you have the following we would love to hear from you:
- Customer Service focused.
- Good communication skills.
- Demonstrated reliability.
- Being able to follow instructions and work within boundaries.
- Able to work independently.
This role requires a DHS Aged Care, Disability Services and Working With Children Check, or the willingness to undergo and obtain one (the Council will do this for the successful applicant/s).
If you are interested in this position and feel you have the skills to suit the role, please apply here. Please indicate that you are applying to be a Community Centre Receptionist Volunteer when answering the question, "why do you wish to become a volunteer".
Program Assistant – English Language & Literacy Classes
Program Assistants assists the Program Facilitator to provide programs and services that facilitate the formation of friendships, support, common interests and skill sharing to encourage learning and reduce social isolation.
We are seeking applications from people who have/are:
- A genuine interest in working with people who have English as a second language
- Demonstrated reliability
- Customer Service focussed
- Communication skills characterised by patience, clarity, and understanding
- An ability to follow instructions and work within boundaries.
When: On a weekly roster - during school term, Tuesday 10.00am to 12.00pm and 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Where: Findon Community Centre, 222 Findon Road, Findon
This role requires a DCSI Aged, Child Related, and Disability Services screenings, or the willingness to undergo and obtain these (the Council will do this for the successful applicants).
If you are interested in this position and feel you have the skills to suit the role, please apply here. Please indicate that you are applying to be a Program Assistant Volunteer when answering the question, "why do you wish to become a volunteer".
Digital Literacy Volunteers
Digital Literacy Volunteers provide assistance and help build the confidence of community members to safely navigate a device, learn a new digital skill and connect online. Assistance is provided as either one-on-one or in small groups.
The City of Charles Sturt is currently seeking multiple volunteers to assist with our Digital Literacy program. We require volunteers on a monthly schedule to cover shifts as per the following:
- Monthly - on Saturdays, 2pm to 4pm - Findon Library
If you believe you have the following, we would love to hear from you:
- Excellent communication skills – including good listening skills and the ability to show patience.
- Current computing skills – including knowledge of a variety of mobile devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), platforms (Apple, Android, Windows) and desktop PCs.
- Current knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of desktop applications, social media, email and internet browsing.
- Demonstrated reliability and the ability to work independently.
- Personable and enjoy helping customers of all ages and all demographics (children and adults).
- Be patient, understanding and tolerant of cultural and varied backgrounds.
- Be able to drive your own vehicle or access transport to attend the library.
This role requires a DHS Aged Care, Disability Services screenings and a Working With Children Check, or the willingness to undergo and obtain these (the Council will do this for the successful applicants).
If you are interested in this position and feel you have the skills to suit the role, please apply here. Please indicate that you are applying to be a Digital Literacy Volunteer when answering the question, "why do you wish to become a volunteer".
Digital Literacy Volunteers
Digital Literacy Volunteers provide assistance and help build the confidence of community members to safely navigate a device, learn a new digital skill and connect online. Assistance is provided as either one-on-one or in small groups.
The City of Charles Sturt is currently seeking multiple volunteers to assist with our Digital Literacy program. We require volunteers on a weekly basis - 3 weeks on, one week off to cover shifts as per the following:
- Monthly - on Tuesday, 9:45am to 4pm - Findon Library
- Monthly - on Wednesday, 1:45 - 4pm - Henley Library
- Monthly - on Thursday, 9:45am - 2pm - West Lakes Library
If you believe you have the following, we would love to hear from you:
- Excellent communication skills – including good listening skills and the ability to show patience.
- Current computing skills – including knowledge of a variety of mobile devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), platforms (Apple, Android, Windows) and desktop PCs.
- Current knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of desktop applications, social media, email and internet browsing.
- Demonstrated reliability and the ability to work independently.
- Personable and enjoy helping customers of all ages and all demographics (children and adults).
- Be patient, understanding and tolerant of cultural and varied backgrounds.
- Be able to drive your own vehicle or access transport to attend the library.
This role requires a DHS Aged Care, Disability Services screenings and a Working With Children Check, or the willingness to undergo and obtain these (the Council will do this for the successful applicants).
If you are interested in this position and feel you have the skills to suit the role, please apply here. Please indicate that you are applying to be a Digital Literacy Volunteer when answering the question, "why do you wish to become a volunteer".
More information
Customer Contact
8408 1111
council@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Volunteering FAQs
Whilst the City of Charles Sturt is interested in harnessing your life/work experience and utilising your skills there are many opportunities to try something new. However, we make every effort to match you to a role that will suit you and be successful.
This depends on the role and your availability. Some positions require you to complete a 4 hour 'shift' per week or fortnight, while others are more flexible and may only require a couple hours per fortnight or month.
This depends on the program. If you are going to be volunteering with any vulnerable groups, handling money or going on private property you will require a police check. Occasionally other programs may require a police check when the funding agreement requests this. The Volunteer Services Development Officer will assist you to get a police check at a reduced cost and on producing a receipt Council will reimburse you the amount.
All out of pocket expenses approved by your program coordinator will be reimbursed.
Yes, if you receive an allowance eg Newstart, from Centrelink that asks you to do volunteer work (eg 15 hours per week) to qualify for your payments we can generally help you meet all or part of that commitment. This of course depends on the vacancies that exist.
It is NOT our policy to give written references to prospective employees. However, your program coordinator is free to give a verbal reference over the phone and of course can only comment on the volunteer role in which you have been involved.
Absolutely! In fact we encourage all volunteers to take a break at some stage throughout the year. However, we do ask that you give your program coordinator some notice so they can plan for your absence.
Where applicable and specific to your role training is provided. There are also other opportunities offered throughout the year to all volunteers of which to take advantage.
More information
Customer Contact
8408 1111
council@charlessturt.sa.gov.au