Volunteer

Do you have a natural knack for helping people feel at home? Could your skills and experience make it a little easier for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds transition to life in Australia? Consider becoming an ARA volunteer – our volunteering opportunities are highlighted below.

Driving Mentor
(4 hours a week) *Currently Recruiting*
Can you help overcome the barriers faced by those new to Australia to reach the life-changing goal of getting a drivers licence? Volunteers supervise learner driving practice and provide guidance and encouragement to help learner drivers achieve the 75 driving hours required to graduate to P Plates. The ARA car has safety features fitted and volunteers receive specialised training before commencing with a learner driver, who has previous driving experience with a qualified instructor. Location: Salisbury

Social Support Program
(2-3 hours a week) *Currently Recruiting*
Would you like to help people who are new to Australia feel more socially connected? Our Social Support Program involves regular visits to support someone to adjust to their new community, join activities and make new friends. You’ll also provide practical assistance with things like practicing English and filling in forms for government and community services. Location: mainly north and north western suburbs

Cultural Support Women’s Groups
(2 hours per week – Thursdays)
Female volunteers help run these groups, which provide a safe and supportive environment for women adjusting to life in Australia. Our special volunteers help members feel connected and participate in activities. The groups focus on topics like parenting and health issues, as well as practicing English. Location: Salisbury and Ingle Farm

Administration/Reception Support
(4 hours per week) 
Are you a people person? Greeting clients and answering phones are among the important tasks that our administration and reception volunteers look after. Based in our Salisbury office, you’ll also attend to other administrative duties like photocopying and data entry, digital filing and message-taking for the ARA team. Location: Salisbury

Homework Clubs
(2 hours a week) 
Volunteer tutors work with high school students who need an extra hand with their schoolwork and English language skills. You don’t need to have teaching experience – just a solid educational knowledge base and a wish to see students shine.

Homework Club runs from 4-6pm during school terms at these locations:
Salisbury – Monday
Enfield – Thursday
Salisbury – Friday (at Youth Hangout)

Youth Hangout
(2 hours a week)
Do you speak universal teenager? Youth Hangout is a safe, welcoming space where young people can connect, learn about Australian culture and build confidence. You’ll help to run group activities, games and sports, in a fun environment where friendships and resilience can develop and thrive.

Salisbury Hangout: Friday 4-6pm during school terms.

Youth Ambassador Peer Leader
(several events and activities over the year, including camp)
Peer Leaders are youth mentors that offer friendship, guidance and encouragement to high school students in the Youth Ambassador program. Peer Leaders must be between 18-30 years old and from a culturally diverse background.  Peer Leaders play a meaningful role in helping young people identify their ideas, vision for their communities and discover their unique leadership style and capacity.

Events and Marketing Support
(variable, depending on event)
Without volunteers, our fundraising events and marketing activities simply wouldn’t and couldn’t happen. As a marketing and events volunteer, you’ll help with tasks such as providing information, setting up venues, welcoming guests and participating in fundraising activities.