volunteering directory 2015 "Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day." - Sally Koch You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. - Jane Goodall The impact of a touch, your smile, a kind word, a listening ear or the smallest act of caring. People live a happier life because you took time to share what you had to give. - Anon
Benefits of Volunteering Volunteering gives you the chance to: Make a positive difference in the community Share your skills and talents Learn new skills & develop professional goals Meet new people and make friends Enhance your social and relationship skills Get to know your local community Try something new Have fun and socialise Keep your mind and body active Work for a cause you believe in Challenge yourself & get out of your comfort zone Obtain experience that can benefit your job and career prospects Remain engaged with an interest & the community after retirement Enjoy a sense of achievement and fulfilment Build self-esteem and self-confidence Combat depression Doing good, makes people feel good
C o m m u n it y T im e b a nking : A N e w A p p r o a c h t o H e l p i n g L o c a l l y There is an exciting community movement that is spreading throughout NSW known as Timebanking. This is volunteering in the 21 st Century and it is improving lives every day. Kogarah Community Services has partnered with NSW Volunteering to host an information session to introduce Timebanking to our local area. This session is for all; whether you just want to know more or to learn how you can give help or receive help within your community. Come and join us and enjoy the opportunity to meet other members of your community over a free morning tea. Date: Wednesday 20th May 2015 Time: 10:00am 1:00pm Venue: Hurstville Club Central Cost: Free Bookings Essential on 9587 6622
Kindness, Connections, Reciprocity, and Inclusion are what makes Communities strong & caring This is your opportunity to contribute to the all that makes communities strong and connected Do you want to give to others and your community but worry you don t have the time? Do you want to make a contribution to your community but can t volunteer on a regular day? Have you wanted to learn something new, try something new or meet someone new? Are there things you need help with? Do you have skills and interests you wish to share?? We would love for you to come along to our free morning tea with NSW Volunteering, to talk about Timebanking and how it is changing lives; connecting people; helping others; and making an important difference in communities. Ask questions, get information and learn more about the Timebanking initiative ALL WELCOME, including other local organisations We hope to see you there!!! For more information contact Danielle on email: info@kogarahcommunity.org.au
TIMEBANKING www.timebanking.com.au If you like to volunteer and give time to your community, Timebanking is for you. Timebanking is a free community program that allows the voluntary exchange of services between members. You can earn time credits for giving your time and sharing your skills to help other members. You can then use these credits to receive services that are useful and valuable to you. It s as simple as give an hour, receive an hour: by giving one hour helping another member, you can earn one hour of time credit which can be used to receive services that you need. If you do not wish to collect hours for yourself, you can bank them into a Community Chest Different volunteering offers and requests have included handy work, dog walking, ironing, gardening, driving, hospital / nursing home visits, computer tuition, painting, flat pack construction, cleaning, admin, working bees, cooking lessons, pool cleaning. the possibilities are endless!!!
Everyone has different skills and knowledge to share, which is why Timebanking is so successful How does it work? Once you become a Timebanking member, you are able to search through all the offers of assistance and requests for assistance made by other members. If you see someone s offer or request that you could complete, or that you would find useful, you simply contact that person to arrange the completion of the service. Following completion of the task, the person who provided the service logs onto www.timebanking.com.au and registers the number of hours it took. The system then completes the exchange of time between the members involved. How do I become a member? All you have to do is register on www.timebanking.com.au and create a username and password so that you are able to access the system. How much does it cost to become a member? Timebanking is free to join! For more information about Timebanking contact Kogarah Community Services Neighbourhood Centre 90 Railway Parade Kogarah Ph: 9587 6622 Email: info@kogarahcommunity.org.au
If you are seeking volunteer opportunities in the St George & Sutherland area you can contact Volunteer Link, a service that links individuals to local volunteering positions. 3 Bridges VOLUNTEERLINK Volunteer Link is a recruitment, referral and training service that links volunteers to many community organisations in Hurstville, Kogarah, Rockdale and Sutherland Shire. Volunteer Link operates out of 3Bridge s four sites: Carss Park, Arncliffe, Penshurst and Gymea For more information and to arrange an interview contact ph: 8558 4000 Email: vollink@3bridges.org.au OTHER VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES Australian Red Cross Trauma Teddy Knitters Trauma Teddy is a special bear knitted by volunteers and given to children and adults during traumatic times. If you are a willing and able knitter we would love to hear from you. New members are always welcome. Trauma Teddy 's are not for sale. Red Cross will provide patterns and filling. Volunteer Form can be downloaded from webpage www.redcross.org.au/trauma-teddy.aspx For more information email: NSWVOLUNTEERS@redcross.org.au
Australian Red Cross Donate Blood The Mobile Blood Service often visits St George Private Hospital Cnr Montgomery & South St, Kogarah For other locations to give blood ph: 13 95 96 or visit www.donateblood.com.au Calvary Health Care Sydney www.calvary-sydney.org.au Ph: 9553 3173 Voluntary work has always been integral to the provision of health care at Calvary Health Care Sydney (CHCS). We rely on you, your skills, abilities, attitude and enthusiasm, and most of all your commitment and dedication to provide holistic and compassionate care and support to our clients, families and their carers. Within the Hospital, volunteers work as buddies with the professional staff, providing comfort and care to our clients in the palliative care and rehabilitation units. With training, volunteers quickly feel at home helping our clients with dressing, gentle and relaxing foot, hand or facial massage and diversional activities, e.g. cards, art or reading the newspaper to patients. Volunteers have extra time to spend just being present with a patient or family member, offering compassionate and neutral support. Within the Palliative Care Team, the volunteer usually visits on a regular basis either as a companion to either our client or their carer, or by providing family members with respite so that they can attend to other matters. The volunteer may run errands or assist with shopping, mind the children, make a cup of tea or assist with minor practical tasks in the home, offer gentle massage and relaxation techniques. They may accompany the patient and carer to appointments or outings and assist as needed.
Kogarah Community Services Inc www.kogarahcommunity.org.au Kogarah Community Services has volunteering opportunities which include: Neighbour Aid Program working with seniors on a diverse variety of activities which include Bus Outings, Walking Group, Men s Lunches and Social / Morning Tea group. The activities are designed to support people to participate in the community, connect with others and to create friendships. To obtain further information contact Alicia Ballone on 8004 5367 Neighbourhood Centre is a drop-in community centre, providing information, support, resources, referral and workshops. It is located in the heart of Kogarah and volunteers play an integral role in assisting with the delivery of services. For further information contact Danielle Finlay on 9587 6622 or email: info@kogarahcommunity.org.au Children s Services provide Before & After School Care and Vacation Care. There are opportunities to volunteer with this program. For further information please contact Louise Murray on 9546 4811 Special Events are held throughout the year such as Kogarah Community Sleep Out and Kogarah Festival. There are short-term volunteer opportunities to be involved with these events. Kogarah Community Services also supports Time Banking in the St George area. Further information about Time Banking is included in this booklet.
NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES Other local Neighbourhood Centres that have volunteering opportunities include: 3Bridges Community Centre www.3bridges.org.au 72 Carwar Avenue Carss Park Includes Information Desk at Hurstville Westfields Shopping Centre Mortdale Community Services www.mortdalecs.org.au Ph: 9579 6322 63 Pitt Street Mortdale Rockdale Community Services www.rockdalecommunity.com.au Ph: 9024 5500 429 Princes Highway, Rockdale NSW 2216. Kogarah Bush Care Group Looking for volunteers to help protect and preserve the remaining bushlands in the Kogarah municipality. Areas of operation include: Moore Reserve, Carss Bush Park and Shipwrights Bay Reserve. Bush Care activities include: removal of weeds; planting native plants; and clean-up of rubbish. It is an opportunity to make new friends and all training, equipment and morning tea is provided. Kogarah Council supports the Kogarah Bush Care Group For more information contact ph: 9330 9470 or 9330 9400
NSW MEALS ON WHEELS www.nswmealsonwheels.org.au Hurstville Community Food Services 7 Holley Road, BEVERLY HILLS, NSW, 2209 Ph: 9584 1286 Rockdale Meals on Wheels 476 Forest Road, BEXLEY, NSW, 2207 Ph: 9502 3198 or 9562 1629 Sutherland Food Services 430 Kingsway, TAREN POINT, NSW, 2229 Ph: 9540 7365 St George Careers Development Centre Community Visitors Scheme Can you spare an hour or so per fortnight to visit a frail or elderly resident in a nursing home or hostel? If so, contact St George Careers Development Team Ph: 9570 7577 Alternatively contact 0417 727 296 Email: sgcdc@bigpond.net.au
St George Community Transport www.stgct.org.au Ph: 9585 3000 Volunteering can be a wonderfully rewarding experience. Although we already have more than 70 volunteers supporting our services in a wide variety of roles, we are always keen to talk to people who are interested in giving back to the communities in which they live. Bus Assistants We are seeking volunteers to act as Bus Assistants, during our Social Outings which operate on Mondays and Fridays. The Outings are to various locations such as Bundeena RSL, The Homy Ped Outlet, Chinese Gardens Darling Harbour and many more. They are full day programs and require volunteers to provide a safe, supportive and comfortable transport experience for clients, including: Collecting money from clients for fares etc Assisting the clients to enter/exit the vehicle Assisting the driver with loading walkers or shopping bags onto the bus Assisting clients by providing companionship and conversation whilst on the outing Driver Do you have the Drive to be a Volunteer Driver? We are currently seeking Volunteer Drivers with a minimum LR licence to join our team. A First Aid Certificate, previous experience or an understanding of the industry will be highly regarded. St George Community Transport provides transport to the frail age & disabled for medical/social appointments and for groups such as Probus, local nursing homes, scout groups and many more. We are always looking for reliable, caring and responsible people to help meet our program needs. St George Hospital Volunteering Department Ph: 9113 2726 There are a diversity of volunteer positions at St George Hospital, including Ward Grannies Aged Care- Falls Prevention and Assisted Feeding Information Booth Patient Library Service Raffles Emergency Department Hosts/Hostesses General Helpers on the wards Fundraising
Sutherland Shire Bush Care Group Bushcare is a community-based program supported by Sutherland Shire Council whereby the community becomes involved in managing and maintaining remnant bushland areas within the shire on a voluntary basis. Sutherland Shire has over 60 urban bushland reserves covering an area of 850 hectares. These areas of bushland create an attractive environment to live, are an important recreational resource, are important for wildlife and conservation purposes and are an integral part of the scenery around the Shire. These bushland remnants also protect soils and the quality of water in our creeks and rivers and provide a graphic reminder of what the landscape and original vegetation was once like. Active management of our bushland reserves is essential. It is impossible for Council to undertake all work required to manage bushland reserves due to the large scale of the problem. Community involvement is essential to maintain and improve the quality of the Shire's bushland and maintain water quality in Port Hacking as a lot of stormwater runoff enters Port Hacking via the many bushland reserves surrounding the area. At present there are 15 Bushcare Groups working in reserves which affect Port Hacking. Some, such as Bundeena Reserve, Cabbage Tree Point, Darook Park and Kareena Park, Caringbah are directly on the foreshores of Port Hacking. Others, such as Coonong Creek Reserve and Ewey Creek Reserve are on creeks which flow into Port Hacking. If you are interested in joining Bushcare, contact Sutherland Shire Bushcare Officers Ph: 9710 0192
Sydney Dogs and Cat Home www.sydneydogsandcatshome.org Shelter Location 77 Edward Street CARLTON NSW 2218 Volunteer Enquiries Email: volunteer@sydneydogsandcatshome.org Ph: 9587 9611 Sydney Dogs and Cats Home relies heavily on the support of our dedicated team of volunteers to help care for the animals that arrive at the Home every day. The role of a volunteer can vary, but the love and genuine care for the animals welfare is always a common trait. Helping to provide enrichment for the animals by walking dogs, assisting kennel staff with general cleaning as well as playing or giving general grooming care is such an important part of helping the Home keep residents happy and healthy while they patiently wait for their forever homes. Please note: Minimum age for volunteering is 18 years (however short school placements are available) Training is provided Download Application Form Online
Sydney / City Volunteer Opportunities There are opportunities to volunteer in Sydney / City areas Asylum Seekers Centre www.asylumseekerscentre.org.au Becher House 43 Bedford Street Newtown, NSW 2042 Ph: 9078 1900 We have a team of over 200 generous volunteers who are the heart and soul of the Centre. They are instrumental in every aspect of our services, including casework, health care, mental health, employment assistance, education, food, physical and recreational activities. VOLUNTEER ROLES Reception/Administration One day per week, Monday-Friday, 9-5pm Reception Support/ Food Distribution One day per week, 10-2pm Casework Service One or two days per week, Monday-Friday, 9-5pm (experience or qualifications in casework, social work, psychology or welfare agency) Employment Assistance Service/Job Advisor One day per week for one year, Monday-Friday, 9-5pm Employment Assistance Service/Administrative Assistant One day per week, Monday-Friday, 9-5pm English Teacher One day per week, 10:30-12:00pm, Monday-Thursday (TESOL certified or 2 years Teaching ESL Experience) Pro-Bono Medical Professionals: Clinical Psychologists, Dentists, GP s, etc. Half day per week, Monday-Friday: 9-5pm Event Organiser To assist with 3-4 events per year Graphic Designers For particular projects Lunch Volunteers Prepare a lunch at home and serve at the Centre. Could be part of a team. We provide nutritious meals for approximately 30 people, Monday-Thursday, 12-2pm. This could be once per month, once per 7 weeks, fortnightly, etc.
Compeer with St Vincent de Paul Society NSW A mental health social support program www.vinnies.org.au 2c West Street Lewisham Ph: 9560 8666 Compeer is an internationally affiliated program for people living with a mental illness. Based on the principle of the Power of Friendship, Compeer matches volunteers in one to one friendship with people who have become socially isolated due to mental illness. As in any friendship, volunteers and their friends spend time together enjoying activities such as chatting over a cup of coffee, going to the movies or enjoying activities of mutual interest. The friendship is supported by Compeer staff and the health professional applying to the program. Are you over the age of 18? Are you friendly, accepting and looking for an enjoyable volunteer opportunity? Are you looking for a flexible volunteering opportunity that fits into your current lifestyle? Can you spare 4 hours a month for 12 months? As a Compeer volunteer, you will be matched in a one-to-one friendship with a socially isolated adult living with a mental illness. You will meet together in a public setting and enjoy your planned social activities. Meetings occur on a regular basis, for a period of at least 12 months. This commitment allows you to build an authentic friendship and have a lot of fun in the process. You might enjoy a coffee and chat together, go to a sporting event, have lunch or a picnic, see a movie, or go to a Compeer Social event. It s up to you both to decide. Compeer volunteers come from all walks of life and beliefs and are friendly, emotionally mature people who want to make a difference. Compeer is an international award winning program with proven benefits. It offers a flexible volunteer opportunity that fits into your current lifestyle. You will receive training and ongoing support from the Compeer team through one-to-one contact and events that connect you with other volunteers in the Compeer family.
LIFELINE Sydney City & Sutherland Branch Ph: 9263 5588 Email: volunteering@wesleymission.org.au By volunteering for Lifeline not only will you be making a difference to the lives of other Australia who use Lifeline services, but you ll also be enriching your own life. It takes a lot of dedicated people to provide Lifeline's telephone crisis support services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, across Australia. Lifeline relies on over 11,000 Volunteers nation-wide to support Lifeline's crisis support line, help raise funds, work in retail outlets, or conduct administrative duties. Volunteers have enabled Lifeline to provide essential crisis support services to the Australian community for over 47 years. Will you help us to continue this commitment to the community? VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporters Provide emotional support to those in crisis Lifeline Retail Volunteers Work in a Lifeline shop or warehouse as a shop assistant, cashier, driver or stock sorter Book Fair Volunteers Help out at a local book fair Fundraisers Assist in fundraising activities and donation collection Administration Assistant Provide assistance with office activities within a local Lifeline Centre Professional Volunteering Provide your expertise or unique skills in a pro-bono capacity to Lifeline Corporate Volunteering Volunteer for Lifeline through an organised workplace volunteering program Please note that not all locations provide the same volunteering opportunities. Lifeline Centres around the country have different volunteer intakes throughout the year. Contact your local Lifeline Centre about volunteering opportunities. To become a volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter for Lifeline s 24 Hour Crisis Support Service 13 11 14 you ll need to undertake extensive training, make a commitment to shifts and meet further selection criteria. This is to ensure you ll be confident, skilled and able to provide support to Lifeline s Callers in their time of emotional distress and crisis. If you re interested, this type of volunteering will be very rewarding. Please contact your local Lifeline Centre to find out more about becoming a telephone volunteer.
Websites to Search for Volunteer Opportunities GO Volunteering www.govolunteering.com.au which has a community & environment categories, you can also search within areas SEEK Volunteering www.volunteer.com.au The Centre for Volunteering NSW www.volunteering.com.au Virtual Volunteering DoSomethingNearYou.com.au including becoming a volunteer for Red Cross making phone calls to the elderly Job Seeker www.jobseeker.com/volunteer Cancer Council NSW www.cancercouncil.com.au
This Booklet was compiled by Kogarah Neighbourhood & Information Centre Kogarah Community Services 90 Railway Parade Kogarah Ph: 9587 6622 Email: info@kogarahcommunity.org.au www.kogarahcommunity.org.au Like Us on Facebook : www.facebook.com/kogarahcommunity Follow Us : twitter.com/kogarahconnect