VOLUNTEER WITH
BURDEKIN
Thinking of becoming a volunteer? You have come to the right place!
We know many of you want to make a difference. Volunteers play a huge role in contributing to healthier and more resilient communities and being a Burdekin Volunteer is no different. Share the hope #brdknhope.
Are you interested in a volunteer role with The Burdekin Association, supporting a young person in a mentoring-type relationship around 2 hours weekly or supporting The Burdekin Association with other skills you may have?
Volunteers are people of all ages and backgrounds and play a significant role in creating a society that we all benefit from directly or indirectly.
Take a look at what current volunteers are doing.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Please register your interest by completing this Expression of Interest form and return by email to: volunteer@burdekin.org.au
The Burdekin Association initiated a Volunteer Program in May 2020 and from there has built a robust Volunteer Program, firstly on the Northern Beaches and now in Sydney’s Inner West and South East.
Stronger, better and more capable - together
about the burdekin volunteer program
The Burdekin Volunteer Program was established in 2020 following numerous expressions of interest to volunteer with Burdekin. The purpose of the Burdekin Volunteer Program to date has been to:
- identify potential areas where we could benefit most from the work of volunteers;
- create a volunteer team;
- identify what skills are required for the volunteer positions;
- organise a support system for our volunteers;
- recruitment; and
- training and induction.
The team & co-ordination
Jill Wrathall is our Strategic Projects and Volunteer Manager, who throughout the process has helped us to understand what we needed.
We also have Kerri Muir as the Northern Beaches Co-ordinator and Katja Steffen as the Inner West Co-ordinator.
The team meet on a regular basis to discuss:
- the areas of activity that we have highlighted as potential areas for volunteer engagement;
- volunteer recruitment, induction and training;
- how the program is progressing;
- what the problems and solutions are;
- yearly activities;
- harnessing the energy and commitment of our team of volunteers.
We currently have a total of 10 volunteers with another 3 going through the recruitment process and 4 that are on student placements as well as volunteering.
Current volunteer vacancies
- driving supervision;
- mentoring support;
- coordinating programs;
- general maintenance;
- ‘House Angel’ – this role is varied to suit the needs of a particular residence – for example assisting to cook the evening meal;
- education support.
Potential future vacancies
- events;
- campaigns;
- admin;
- sports;
- companion;
- teaching;
- tech.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER WITH BURDEKIN
There are 4 main ways you can volunteer with Burdekin through our Volunteer Program:
Mentors
People who will meet up with young people on a regular basis, offering non-judgmental support, building their self-esteem and skills and providing a consistent, caring voice in their lives on a weekly basis for about 2 hours per week.
Driving Supervision
Experienced drivers who are prepared to support a young person as they build up driving hours in order to get their licence.
Skill-based
People who offer time and skills to maintain our properties, support our staff, give specific skills-based support. Whatever is needed at the time e.g. admin support, organising food hampers, helping out with the annual Charity Golf Day etc.
Fundraising
People who give of their time and skills to raise much needed funds for specific programs within The Burdekin Association. We have prepared some materials to help with this.
IN RETURN
In return for your involvement with Burdekin, we offer professional support, advice and training. You may gain new or improve existing skills.
Volunteering is also a great way to learn more about the voluntary and not-for-profit sector. You might even discover some hidden talents and enhance many aspects of your life. Volunteering is an opportunity to meet new people, have fun and, of course. make a difference.
NEXT STEPS
For the screening process you will need:
Once we have your Expression of Interest form , we can set you up to complete 3 modules of online training.
Following completion of the 3 modules of online training, an interview will be arranged to discuss what you’ve learned and what you might like to do in your volunteer role. It can take time to match you with a suitable volunteer role so please be patient.
Part of the volunteer recruitment and screening process involves reference and police checks. Screening for our organisation is particularly important because volunteering with us may involve working with children and young people.
- Volunteer Working with Children Check
- National Police Check
- Names of two character referees
Please register your interest by completing this Expression of Interest form and return by email to: volunteer@burdekin.org.au
You might also like to take a look at our Skilled Volunteers page for more information or our Current Vacancies page to see what opportunities are available.
Any questions, please email volunteer@burdekin.org.au.
"With this diverse group of people who’ve come forward, keen to become a mentor in the life of a young person or support the work of The Burdekin Association in some way, I think this initiative has the potential to change communities and change lives. The power of a non-judgemental, consistent presence in the life of a young person, believing in them, noticing strengths and giving them time on a regular weekly basis, we are hoping the Burdekin Volunteer Program will add enormous value to the already fabulous work going on to support young people on the Northern Beaches and Inner West who are unable to live at home through no fault of their own. "
Jill Wrathall | Strategic Projects and Volunteer Manager, The Burdekin Association