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About volunteering

Find out what volunteering is, who can do it, and the benefits it brings.

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Victorians have a proud history of putting our hands up to volunteer for community organisations. Many of these organisations depend on volunteers to do important work.

Volunteering involves giving your time and effort to help others without receiving payment. This work can be once-off, spontaneous or structured. It can occur individually, in groups or within organisations.

More than 3.3 million Victorians volunteer each year.

Volunteering has many benefits. By volunteering, people can learn new skills and develop pathways to paid work or further study. It can also be an opportunity to connect with and support your community.

What volunteer work can I do?

You can volunteer in many ways. There are roles for different interests and goals. You can coach a local sports team, plant trees, mentor young people, and support emergency services.

Every volunteer makes a difference.

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How to volunteer

Learn how to get started with volunteering and how to find roles that match your interests.

Volunteering

Volunteering Australia’s definition of volunteering is: ‘time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain’.

This definition includes many types of volunteering. It includes formal and informal, community and corporate volunteering. It also includes volunteering through a workplace or organisation.

Formal volunteering

Formal volunteering usually happens through public, private, non-government and community organisations. These are also called volunteer-involving organisations.

In formal roles, volunteers often have a position description or list of tasks. They might volunteer for a set number of hours per week, or month.

Applying for formal volunteering roles can be like applying for a job.

Informal volunteering

Informal volunteering takes place outside of an organisation. It often takes place in the community to meet specific social needs. This could include helping a neighbour with yard work, babysitting a friend’s child or helping in an emergency.

Many people who volunteer informally don’t consider themselves to be volunteers.

Of Victoria’s 3.3 million volunteers, 47.5% (1.57 million) volunteer informally. A further 30.4% (1 million) volunteer both formally and informally in the community.

Who can volunteer?

Volunteering is for everyone. Regardless of background, skills, experience, or abilities, there are roles for everyone. You can find a position that fits your level of commitment and the time you can offer.

Before volunteering, be sure to ask the organisation if you need to complete any checks or training.

You should also consider how to keep yourself safe while volunteering.

Learn more about rights and responsibilities and health and safety on the Help for volunteers page.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering offers benefits that go far beyond the task itself. It’s a great way to:

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Updated 30 September 2025

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