The questions below and more can also be answered if you were to attend our Bridge to Volunteering information workshop held on the first Tuesday of most months at 10am. Please contact us on 9791 3214 or email us for more information.

Q.   How does volunteering work if we come into your centre?

A.   When you visit Volunteer South West (VSW), we will have a chat with you about what type of volunteer role you are interested in and what will suit both your needs and the organisations needs.  We have many volunteering jobs available, and you can take the time to have a look through the job descriptions for each to find one that interests you.  Alternatively you can search for local volunteering positions with a postcode search, prior to visiting our office.

Our friendly volunteer staff will explain the responsibilities of volunteering and let you know if the position you are interested in will require a Police or Working With Children Check.  Once you have chosen a volunteering role, we can refer you to meet with the organisation volunteer coordinator for an interview for the position.

Q.   What happens if I hurt myself during my volunteering?

A.   One of the benefits of registering as a volunteer with Volunteer South West is that all of the organisations we refer people to for volunteering have volunteer insurance. This insurance covers accidental injury or death, resulting from involvement in AUTHORISED volunteer activities and may cover the payment of weekly benefits while engaged in various voluntary activities.

Q.    What if I don’t like my new volunteering role?

A.    If you take on a volunteering role and decide you do not really like the position, or it’s not what you thought it would be,  please speak to the Volunteer Coordinator of that organisation and let them know.  If you need assistance with this, please come in and see us, or give us a call and we can give you some direction in how to do this.

Q.   I am travelling soon and thought volunteering would be a great way to make contacts in some of the places I am visiting.  Can you help me find volunteering roles while I am on the road?

A.    We sure can! VSW can link you with one of 23 Volunteer Resource Centres in WA, or many across Australia. There are volunteering programs to assist people like yourself who are travelling domestically and interested in volunteering at their destinations. The Australian Volunteers program provides opportunities for skilled Australians to contribute to the Australian Government’s aid program.

Q.    What sort of time commitment do I have to make if I volunteer?

A.     As a volunteer it is expected you will be committed to the role you undertake and the times agreed upon, the same as you would in a paid working role. Volunteer roles have many different commitment styles, so let us know your availability and needs when you are looking at a position, and we can help you find something that fits your lifestyle.  If you are planning time away ie. a holiday,  please give your volunteer coordinator plenty of prior warning so they can accommodate for you being away for a while.