Volunteering

If you’re looking for information about the Glenorchy Volunteer Awards please click below to go to the page.

What can a volunteer do?

The following list is just a summary of the types of roles that volunteers can do or provide assistance with:

  • activity support – art/craft etc.
  • animal carer
  • child carer
  • classroom helper or excursion assistant at a school
  • committee member – Secretary, Treasurer etc.
  • computer support
  • driver
  • Emergency Services – Volunteer Fire Brigade, SES etc.
  • food preparation
  • fundraiser
  • gardener
  • lawn mower
  • mentor to young people
  • office worker
  • retail assistant
  • shopping helper
  • visitor/befriender
  • volunteer coordinator

As a volunteer you have particular rights and responsibilities that you should understand before you begin volunteering.

Rights

As a volunteer you have the right to:

  • be able to say no if you aren’t comfortable with, or haven’t agreed to, something
  • be supported in your activities
  • have a clear understanding of your role e.g. be provided a job description
  • be given the appropriate guidance/training etc. if necessary to carry out your job
  • be consulted on things that affect you and your work
  • have a safe working environment (including being covered by insurance)
  • be given access to organisation policies and procedures

Responsibilities

As a volunteer you have a responsibility to:

  • be reliable and on time
  • carry out any tasks you have agreed to
  • be trustworthy, respectful, and non-judgmental
  • maintain confidentiality
  • ask for support and/or training as necessary

Police checks

Most organisations require volunteers to undergo a Police Check to ensure the suitability of volunteers for the role they are wanting to undertake. This is not a difficult process and many organisations can support volunteers to undertake this. It is important to note that it can take around 4 weeks to get the results of this check.

See the Tasmania Police website (external link) for more information.